The Value Of A Good Macular Degeneration Supplement

By Patricia Anderson


Losing the ability to see clearly is a tragic part of aging for many people. Normal life is simply not possible for someone who can't see anything straight ahead, as happens in macular degeneration. Medical authorities offer some advice about preventative measures and slowing the progression of this disease. A good macular degeneration supplement is part of the program.

In AMD, the center of the retina disintegrates. Visual images are no longer sent to the brain. People affected by this disease can't see the face of the person they are talking to, can't read, can't drive. Bringing any detail into focus is hard, even though the vision of the edges of the eye remains. For all practical purposes, however, the afflicted person is blind.

Lifestyle does affect eye health, although this condition is definitely genetic. Smoking is a definite negative. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and a diet high in trans fats are other contributing factors. A program of whole, fresh foods, exercise, and stress reduction is recommended to prevent or delay the onset of this disorder. It mostly affects people over the age of fifty.

Research has shown the benefits of supplementing the diet with certain vitamins and minerals. It's interesting that the conclusion is that this kind of therapy helps those in more advanced stages of the disease but not those hoping to prevent it or dealing with the first stages of vision loss. Since all the dietary supplements mentioned in the studies are considered beneficial for total health, it seems that there is reason to start sooner rather than later.

Some of the nutrients are familiar friends. Most of us will recognize Vitamins C, E, and A, which are all recommended. If you would like to see the reports, do an online search. You may see conflicting opinions about the value of supplements. Remember that studies done using natural dietary aids report benefits, while those using synthetic, man-made products may see little or no improvement.

Although you may read that antioxidants are not helpful, there are many on the list of nutrients that showed promise in clinical tests. A, C, and E are antioxidants, for that matter. Antioxidants are said to be good for over-all health, which is another contradiction in the conclusions. Millions of consumers who take supplements seem to feel that their money is well-spent, even if the research is not crystal clear.

A great source of antioxidants, especially some of the purple ones known to be good for eyes, can be found in what are called super-fruit juices. Pomegranate juice is a rich source of an unpronounceable antioxidant called punicalagin. Anthocyanins are bioflavanoids found in blueberries and other red and purple fruits. Lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as many others, have been well researched and deemed valuable for eye health.

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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