What is Macular Degeneration?

There are two forms of this, one is called wet or hemorrhagic, the other dry or age related degeneration. The age related degeneration is the most effected by almost 90% of people suffering from this form of degeneration.

This is an eye condition that involves damage to the retina, particularly, the part that controls the central vision. This is also called the macula, it involves weakening and thinning, occurring very gradually and therefore can be caught very early if medical attention is sought when you notice your eyesight depleting.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

The main cause, which has been reported, is again to be believed from the previously discussed free radical damage. As the highly reactive chemicals move around cellular material within the body, they can form in the retina, due to various reasons, such as exposure to the sun, eating too much fatty foods and smoking. This in turn, causes damage to the cell material and continues to impair crucial cellular material that maintains the function of healthy vision.

There are other factors, which are thought to possibly increase the risk of macular degeneration, illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, restrict the flow of blood to important areas of the eyes. As blood contains essential nutrients, the absence of them can also cause the deterioration of the eyesight.

How can I prevent this happening to me?

• Cut back on foods high in saturated fats

• If you are a smoker, try to stop, smoking doubles the risk of this eye condition

• Always wear sunglasses outside on bright days.

• If you do not already, drink a daily glass of wine, especially red. Studies show for those who drank a glass of red every day had a 20% reduced risk of the eye condition as red wine helps the blood to flow much more easily. Not to mention it contains antioxidants.

• Consume lots of dark green vegetables, such as brussel sprouts and spinach

Nutrition Supplements to help combat this condition

A government body named the National Eye Institute has a mission to protect and prolong the vision of American people; they have recently concluded that with a combination of various minerals, age related macular degeneration could be helped. This combination is Zinc, Vitamins C & E and beta-carotene.

There are other nutrients that can help other than those above; these have also been shown to promote healthy vision –

• Lutein – this is a carotenoid that acts as an antioxidant, and also helps to minimise the effects of ultraviolet rays. This nutrient also comes from the colour of the macula

• Copper – This mineral is needed as zinc may be able to decrease the way its absorbed and as a result cause a possible deficiency

• Bilberry – this has been recognised for its therapeutic benefits in the area of eye health. It has been shown in studies, to be beneficial for macular degeneration, cataracts and depleting vision. Also gives the ability to strengthen the blood vessels in the eyes.

• Selenium – This is again a powerful antioxidant mineral that neutralizes free radical damage in the body and including the eyes

• Zeaxanthin – studies have shown that this powerful nutrient decreases the incidence of age related macular degeneration with high levels in their body. This can be found in lots of dark green vegetables

A comprehensive formula for Macular Degeneration

There is a product which can be purchased which contains all of the above ingredients. This company is called Xtend-Life Natural Products. Their main formula is something called Total Balance, it is the most powerful health supplement on the market and it is known to be of interest to those who suffer from Macular Degeneration.

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