Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness and affects some 13 million people in this country alone. The macula is the small and highly sensitive portion of the retina responsible for detailed central vision. Basically, macular degeneration causes the retinal nerve cells in the macula to begin dying off.
The condition is especially debilitating because it affects the most important part of our eyesight — the central sharp vision. There are two forms of macular degeneration (ARMD):
• Dry form: This accounts for 90 percent of cases and is related to aging.
• Wet form: The wet form is the worst and usually progresses much faster. It is most commonly seen in smokers. ( For more information on eye health, read my special report "Protect Your Eyes.")
Cataracts and macular degeneration often occur together because they are both caused by the same process. The following nutrients help fight both conditions:
• Omega-3 oil. You want oil that is high in DHA, which has been shown to protect the retina against macular degeneration.
• Curcumin. This is a powerful anti-inflammatory flavonoid. It is also an extremely powerful antioxidant against a number of types of free radicals.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid. A powerful antioxidant that is normally found in every cell, and tissue, alpha-lipoic acid reduces iron toxicity, lowers mercury levels, and restores other antioxidants.
• Magnesium (as magnesium citrate or citrate/malate.) Magnesium protects retinal neurons, reduces inflammation, and improves energy. It also protects the brain and prevents atherosclerosis and the metabolic syndrome. Do not take magnesium with tea since it increases aluminum absorption.
• Ginkgo biloba. A German study found that Ginkgo significantly improved the vision of people with the dry form of ARMD. Do not take Ginkgo if you are taking blood-thinners.
• Zinc Picolinate.
• Folate and Methylcobalamin (vitamin B12).
In addition:
• Avoid all food-based excitotoxins. There are many sources of excitotoxins including monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, soy proteins (and all soy products in general), Portabella mushrooms, natural flavorings, sodium or calcium caseinate, protein drinks and carrageenan (a food additive). Recent studies have shown that those suffering from diabetes, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma have dramatically elevated glutamate levels in the fluid of their eyeballs — so it stands to reason that glutamate in your food can significantly worsen all these diseases.
• Avoid vegetable oils. That includes corn, safflower, sunflower, peanut, canola and soybean oils. These all increase inflammation, worsen atherosclerosis and increase retinal damage.
For more information on fighting aging, my report "Stop Aging Naturally" gives more in-depth ways to slow the relentless march of time.
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