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 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.

Research into this condition shows that supplements may help. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can slow the progression of both kinds of AMD. Although the studies are interpreted to show that nutrients can't prevent the disease, many people may choose to start taking supplements early. All of the nutrients said to help AMD are good for total bodily wellness, anyway.

The list of recommended nutrients includes vitamins A, C, and E. If you look at the research, remember that a study using natural forms of nutrients may be more reliable than ones using synthetic vitamins. Benefits of natural dietary aids are invariably greater than those of man-made replicas. The study that said smokers should avoid beta-carotene, for instance, is considered flawed, but it also used a synthetic form of this nutrient.

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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