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The Value Of A Macular Degeneration Supplement

By Patricia Anderson


Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a serious problem that causes people to lose the vision in the center of their eye. Although they are not completely blind, they lose the ability to perform many routine tasks. Research into this condition shows that a good macular degeneration supplement may help slow the progression of this debilitating 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.

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.

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.

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.

Minerals help as well; zinc, selenium, and copper are important. Fish oils and Vitamin D are recommended. It is not hard to find a eye-health supplement that will have significant quantities of all these nutrients and more. Just make sure the manufacturer is reputable and the nutrients are natural and properly processed. You can find products with clinical proof of efficacy, so your money won't be wasted and your eyes put at risk.




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