Macular degeneration is age-associated vision loss and blurry vision related to damage to the macula, or center of the eye. This differs from glaucoma which is caused by damage to the optic nerve.
This eventually can affect ones ability to read and perform many everyday tasks. It usually develops after age 60 and can affect one or both eyes.
Dry macular degeneration is marked by deterioration of the macula, which is in the center of the retina. The layer of tissue on the inside back wall of your eyeball.
The other type, Wet macular degeneration, is characterized by blood vessels that grow under the retina in the back of the eye, leaking blood and fluid. Dry macular degeneration is the more common form of the disease.
Macular Degeneration Causes
The most common causes of macular degeneration include:
Aging
Smoking
Low-vegetable diet
High blood pressure
Exposure to UV light
Poor digestion
The good news is there are natural treatments for macular degeneration that are both safe and highly effective.
Foods for Macular Degeneration Diet
Foods high in carotenoids – Orange and yellow vegetables are critical to provide sufficient vitamin A to keep eyes healthy.
Fresh fruit and vegetable juices – Juices will provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep eyes healthy.
Blueberries and cherries – These two super fruits contain anthocyanin that can help fight free radicals that damage eyes.
Water – Adequate hydration keeps eyes hydrated and helps them flush out any debris.
High fiber foods – To keep toxins out of the body it’s critical to eat at least 25g of fiber daily.
Foods that Cause Macular Degeneration
Foods that contain free radicals – Trans fats, hydrogenated fats and grilled foods contain free radicals that can cause damage to the vision.
Caffeine -Has been shown to reduce blood flow to the eye.
Alcohol – Liver toxicity can lead to eye problems, therefore it is best to avoid alcohol.
Sugar – Speeds the aging process and causes cellular oxidation leaing to macular degeneration.
Top 5 Macular Degeneration Natural Treatments
#1 Antioxidants (Bilberry- 160 mg 2x daily)
This anthocyanoside extract helps improve blood flow and contains flavonoids that help support eye function.
#2 Lutein (15 mg daily)
Can help prevent oxidative damage.
#3 Fish Oil (1,000mg daily)
Take at least 600 mg of EPA and 400 mg DHA in the form of fish oil or cod liver oil to help relieve intra-ocular pressure.
#4 Astaxanthin (2 mg per day)
Astaxanthin is a potent free radical, this can help prevent retinal damage.
#5 Zeaxanthin (3 mg daily)
Prevents oxidative damage.
Essential Oils for Macular Degeneration
Frankincense oil has been demonstrated to improve eyesight, helichrysum oil improves vision and supports nerve tissue and cypress essential oil improve circulation which can improve macular degeneration.
Apply 3 drops of any of these essential oils 2x daily on cheeks and lateral eye area but do not put directly into eyes.
By Dr Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNS
Dr Axe is a doctor of natural medicine and clinical nutritionist with a passion to help people get well using food as medicine and operates one of the worlds largest natural health websites www.DrAxe.com.
Dr. Axe is a best selling author of the ground-breaking health book Eat Dirt which uncovers the hidden causes and cures of leaky gut syndrome.
He has been a physician for many professional athletes and in 2009 he began working with the Wellness Advisory Council and traveled to the 2012 Games in London to work with USA athletes. Dr. Axe is an expert in digestive health, functional medicine, natural remedies and dietary strategies for healing. He has been featured on many television shows and stations including the Dr. Oz Show, CBS, NBC and has his own PBS TV show.
Dr. Axe is the founder of several cutting-edge and premium nutraceutical brands including: Ancient Nutrition, Axe Organics, Dr. Collagen, NUMA and ProBiomeRX.
In his spare time, Dr. Axe competes in triathlons, makes gourmet healthy meals and does cross training with his wife Chelsea who is also a health nut.
(Source: draxe.com; September 28, 2016; http://tinyurl.com/zzuj9zr)
