| Adult Macular Degeneration
(AMD) |
 |
 AMD
is the number one cause of blindness of those over age 65. Free
radicals attack on the eye is one primary reason for this disease, although
not the only cause.
By filtering out the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and by keeping
free radicals from damaging the retina, antioxidants
may help to protect against macular degeneration. A plant based
diet rich in flavonoids, including quercetin and anthocyanins, may help
stave off degeneration of the macula. Research and clinical studies have
repeated suggests that beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, selenium,
zinc and lutein and zeaxanthin serve as protective antioxidants against
macular degeneration and are key nutrients to healthy eyes.
The macula's yellow color is due in fact, to the presence of the carotenoids,
lutein and zeaxanthin. The carotenoid lycopene may also be useful because
of its antioxidant properties. Zinc is important as well, because of the
physiologic role it plays in the retina. A recent study of more than 3,000
people age 45 to 74 found that drinking wine reduced the risk of macular
degeneration by 19%. The probable mechanism is flavonoid content. Do
note that reversal of AMD is probably unlikely. Intake of optimum dose of
anti-oxidants are likely to reduce the rate of progression of the disease
for those who have it and prevention of the disease for those who does not
have it yet.
In particular, the following food and nutrients should be considered for
AMD:
1. Anthocyanins: Anthocyanins may be useful
for macular degeneration because they help prevent free radical damage and
bolster collagen structure in the retina.
 Leading
Food Sources of Anthocyanins: Grapes, Raspberries, Pomegranates, Cherries,
Blueberries, Strawberries, Radishes, Cabbage, Cranberries. Look for foods
that are dark in color.
2. Flavonoids: Flavonoids are very powerful
antioxidants that may enhance blood flow to the retina while fighting free
radical damage from the UV rays of the sun.
Leading Food Sources of Flavonoids: Broccoli, Blueberries, White
Grapefruit, Carrots, Onions, Pomegranates, Limes, Apples, Tomatoes, Oranges,
Lemons.
3. Lycopene: The unique anti-oxidative property
of lycopene contributes to its ability to protect against oxidative damage.
Neutralizing cell-damaging free radicals is an important component of eye
health.
Leading Food Sources of Lycopene: Cooked Tomatoes , Tomatoes, Guava,
Pink Grapefruit.
4. Quercetin : The antioxidant power of quercetin
is important in warning off the free radical damage often assoicated
and linked as a leading cause of macular degeneration.
 Leading
Food Sources of Quercetin: Green Cabbage, Apples, Tomatoes, Spinach,
Pears, Onions, Garlic
5. Selenium: Selenium boosts the body's
overall antioxidant activity, so is an important part of the antioxidant
regimen. In addition, selenium works synergistically with Vitamin E. The
modern day diet is often lacking in selenium. A daily supplement of 50-100
mcg is recommended.
Leading Food Sources of Selenium: Rice, Brown Rice, Wheat, Eggs,
Tuna, Shrimp, Sunflower Seeds, Brazil Nuts, Chicken
6. Vitamin C: As an antioxidant, Vitamin C
can neutralize free radicals linked to macular degeneration. A daily supplement
of 300 to 2000 mg is recommended.
 Leading
Food Sources of Vitamin C: Broccoli, Tangerines & Other mandarins,
Oranges, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Green Cabbage, Red and Green Bell
Peppers, Kale. Supplementation is recommended since our body cannot make
Vitamin C.
7. Vitamin E: According to recent research,
the risk of late-stage macular degeneration may be significantly lower in
older adults who have high levels of Vitamin E in their bloodstream. A daily
supplement of 400 is recommended.
Leading Food Sources of Vitamin E: Broccoli, Almonds, Peanuts, Avocados,Mangoes,
Sunflower Seeds, Brazil Nuts. You cannot get enough Vitamin E from food
and diet alone, so supplementation is necessary.
8. Zinc: Zinc plays a critical role in retina function. Some
research suggests that zinc can slow the progression of macular degeneration.
Leading Food Sources of Zinc: Barley, Oysters, Crab, Wheat, Lamb,
Beef, Chicken, Turkey
Reprint Permission
This content may be copied in
its full and unabridged form for non-profit education use provided that all
copyright, contact, and creation information is given, and the source clearly
indicated as www.DrLam.com. Written
permission is required for any other use.
Disclaimer | Privacy Statement
© Copyright 2001-2004 by Michael Lam, M.D.. All Rights
Reserved.
No
doctor-patient relationship is established by your visit or participation in our
website. No claim or opinion on these pages is intended to be, nor should be
construed to be, medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional
before starting any Anti-aging program |
| |
