Capers Cloud Nine

Capers Cloud Nine

Protect your eyes with adequate food

As we age our eyes are vulnerable to three different medical problems. The most serious is macular degeneration or age-related AMD. This disease is due to degeneration of cells in the macula, the part of the eye that controls central vision. Another problem that accompanies aging is the development of cataracts. A cataract is due to free radical damage, causing a cloud over the lens.

Older people are also prone to develop dry eye syndrome, because in the aging process, our eyes become less efficient in producing tears.

Dry eye syndrome does not interfere with vision, but it is painful. Cataracts can be rescued in ambulatory surgery and vision is restored. However, macular degeneration can not be reversed, is a chronic problem.

So as we age, it is important to take nutritional decisions that protect against these diseases and to protect our vision. It is equally important to avoid foods that may help impair our vision.

Two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin are present in large quantities in the retina and lens of the eye. In this case, act as antioxidants to protect our eyes from harmful free radicals. There have been several research studies on the value of these carotenoids in eye health.

On 7 April 2004, the North Chicago VA Medical Center said in a press release that lutein was shown to help prevent and even reverse the symptoms of AMD.

Both lutein and zeaxanthin are found in dark green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, kale and other leafy green. However, the Doctors also are realizing that people increase their consumption of these substances through supplements of some research studies have shown that to be effective in reversing the symptoms of macular degeneration, the dose had to be higher than can be obtained from food intake alone.

Eggs also are good sources of these antioxidants. A study was published in the Journal of Nutrition which states that thirty-three adults who eat an egg every day for five weeks, had carotenoids increased without any adverse effect on blood fats or cholesterol.

Beta-carotene, found in vegetables and orange-yellow such as carrots, melons, pumpkins and squash is also important for normal vision and health of the retina.

A mineral, what you need in your diet for optimal eye health, is zinc. This is readily available in fortified cereals, whole grains, legumes and nuts.

It is also important eating fish that contains omega-3 fatty acid DHA. Fish has been found to be useful for people with dry eye syndrome. Omega-3 is in cold water fish such as salmon and black cod. People who are concerned about mercury levels in fish should consider a fish oil supplement.

Finally, the antioxidant glutathione is necessary for the health of the lens. However, this can not be obtained from food. Your body makes this in his liver, but first you have to eat foods that contain sulfur such as onions, garlic, onion and capers. However, some physicians recommend purchase as a supplement (250 mg. Twice a day of alpha-lipoic acid).

What you eat may not be as important as what they eat. It is recommended that you avoid trans fats, saturated fats, and food prepared with sugar and flour. These foods can stress your liver and that will negatively impact the function of the eye. In other words, try to stay away from processed foods and fast.

While some of these recommendations have been beneficial for those who have symptoms of eye problems, you will realize greater benefits if you start while your eyes are still young and healthy.

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