|
Cataracts
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts are white, opaque blemishes on the normally transparent lens of the eye. They occur as a result of free radical or oxidative damage to the protein structure of the lens, similar to the damage that occurs to the protein of egg whites when eggs are boiled or fried. Cataracts lead to clouding or opacity in the crystalline lens of the eye and gradual loss of vision. Cataracts are the leading cause of impaired vision and blindness in the United States.
What causes Cataracts?
Aging-related (or "senile") cataracts form when the normal protective mechanisms of the eye are unable to prevent free-radical damage. The lens, like many other tissues of the body, is dependent on adequate levels and activities of the antioxidant nutrients and enzymes. When these normal protective mechanisms are overwhelmed or deficient, then cataracts form.
What dietary factors are important in Cataracts?
Individuals with higher dietary intakes of antioxidant nutrients, particularly vitamins C and E, selenium, and carotenes, have a much lower risk of developing cataracts. To increase your intake of these nutrients, include and assortment of high antioxidant containing foods, such as leafy greens, yams, carrots, broccoli, and other highly colored vegetables; fresh fruits, particularly citrus fruit and dark colored berries; and wheat germ oil for vitamin E. It is also important to avoid salt, saturated fried foods, rancid foods, and other sources of free radicals, which are linked to cataract formation.
Particularly important in the prevention of cataracts may be raising glutathione levels. Glutathione is found in very high concentrations in the lens of the eye where it plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy lens. Specifically, glutathione functions as an antioxidant, maintains the structure of the lens proteins, acts in various enzyme systems, and participates in amino acid and mineral transport. Glutathione levels are diminished in virtually all forms of cataracts. To raise glutathione levels, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables as the glutathione content in these foods is substantially higher than in their cooked counterparts.
What nutritional supplements should I take for Cataracts?
Foundation Supplements. There are three products from Natural Factors that I think are critical in supporting good health:
- MultiStart (age and gender specific multiple vitamin and mineral formulas). Follow label instructions.
- Enriching Greens - a great tasting "greens drink" containing highly concentrated "greens" like chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass juice, barley grass juice, etc., and herbal extracts. Take one serving (one tablespoon) in 8 ounces of water daily.
- RxOmega-3 Factors - A true pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement. Take two capsules daily.
Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to halt cataract progression and, in some cases, significantly improve vision in several clinical studies. Data from the Nurse's Health Study demonstrated that the use of vitamin C supplements at any dosage for longer than ten years was associated with a seventy-seven percent lower rate of cataract formation compared to women who did not take a vitamin C supplement. It appears that the daily dosage of vitamin C necessary to increase the vitamin C content of the lens is equal to or greater than 1,000 mg.
Bilberry, grape seed, or pine bark extract contain powerful antioxidant flavonoids that offer tremendous protection to structures of the eyes. In one human study, bilberry extract plus vitamin E stopped progression of cataract formation in forty-eight of fifty patients with cataracts. Take 300 mg daily of either of these extracts.
Ultimate Antioxidant Formula from Natural Factors is a unique formulation of powerful protectors against the cellular damage that underlies the aging process as well as many disease processes including cataracts. What makes this complex the ultimate antioxidant is that because of its unique composition it offers a broader spectrum of protection. Its components are effective in the water and fat soluble components that inside and outside of cells. They also recharge other antioxidants within the body such as glutathione and energize antioxidant enzymes. Take two capsules daily.
How do I know if the program is working?
Believe it or not, I have found that not only can the progression of cataract formation be stopped, but also that in early cataract formation the cataract can be reversed. However, significant reversal of well-developed cataracts does not appear possible at this time. In cases of marked vision impairment, cataract removal and lens implant may be the only alternative. As with most diseases, prevention or treatment at an early stage is most effective.
Feedback:
Please let Dr. Murray know how this program has worked for you by clicking here.
Condition Center Caution:
- Dr. Murray’s recommendations and protocols for nutritional support are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care.
- The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
- If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your doctor prior to using the recommendations given.
- Do not self-diagnose. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician, preferably a naturopathic doctor (N.D.), nutritionally oriented medical doctor (M.D. or (D.O.), or other health care specialist. Please go to www.naturopathic.org to find a qualified naturopathic doctor (N.D.) in your area to help you.
- Make your physician aware of all the nutritional supplements or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid any negative interactions with any drugs you are taking.
- If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you absolutely must work with your doctor before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen.
|
