Monday, January 23, 2017

The Value Of A Good Macular Degeneration Supplement

By Patricia Anderson


With Age-Related Macular Degeneration, (AMD), people lose the ability to see straight ahead. This, of course, makes normal life impossible. Medical experts say that a high-quality macular degeneration supplement can slow the progression of this disease.

In this condition, the center of the retina, which sends visual images to the brain, deteriorates. This means that an afflicted person can't see what they are looking at directly, like the face of someone they are talking to. They can't read, of course, or drive a car, or bring any detail into focus. There is not a complete loss of vision, since the outer areas of the retina are not affected. However, for practical purposes the person is blind.

Doctors say that this condition is genetic, but lifestyle can be important, too. Obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a diet high in trans-fat are listed as contributing factors. Smoking is the main culprit; it should be avoided by those who care about the health of their eyes. Anyone genetically disposed to AMD should be aware of their heightened risk if they smoke tobacco.

As far as supplementing a whole-foods diet with supplements go, the research is not definitive. Reports say that supplements can't prevent the disease but that they slow the progression. They report that no benefit is seen in the early stages of AMD, but vitamins and minerals seem to help with more advanced symptoms. Since all the nutrients studied are considered good for total body health, there seems to be little point in waiting to start taking them.

Vitamins A, C, and E have long been known to have positive effects on the body, so it's no surprise that these are on the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) list. Of course, there are many studies and conflicting reports, so it pays to do some research. Results may differ, for instance, if the synthetic form of a nutrient is used rather than a natural form. Benefits almost always are associated with natural vitamins.

Not all the information gives antioxidants a role in helping with AMD, but you will see many on the list of substances thought to be helpful. Antioxidants have been shown to help blunt the negative effects of smoking, help prevent heart disease, and boost energy required to exercise and control weight. There seems to be no reason not to take them if you are hoping to keep your vision.

Super-fruits contain many less familiar substances which have been the subject of recent studies. Pomegranate juice contains something called punicalagin which may be the most effective of all. Anthocyanins (colored pigments found in berries and other fruits) help protect eyes from the effects of aging. Lutein and zeaxanthin are other nutrients shown to be helpful.

Zinc is a mineral said to be important for eye health, as are copper and selenium. A good supplement will have vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals in amounts shown to be helpful in clinical studies. Make sure to choose products from reputable manufacturers and use as directed. This is the best way to ensure you aren't wasting your money and are getting what may well help you keep your vision longer.




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