The Human Biology in Medical Field

Posts Tagged ‘supplements’

Article by Wilbert Walls

These side effects can have serious medical consequences, and they occur in about 3% of men who take 25 – 50 mg, 50% of men who take 200 mg, and a staggering 100% of men taking 600 – 800 mg of the drugs.In addition to these side effects, there is also a very rare eye disorder that has been reported in several men using Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis, and is now under investigation to determine if there is a link between the medication and this poorly understood vision problem.This eye disorder is called Non-Arteric Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). NAION is the most common optic nerve disease that occurs in adults over the age of 50. In response to the possible link between NAION and medication like Viagra, Pfizer has stated: “Most of the cases in which NAION has occurred in men taking Viagra have involved patients with underlying anatomic or vascular risk factors associated with the development of NAION.” Essentially, this means that relationship between Viagra and NAION cannot be determined at this time.”The bottom line is, and what I tell all my patients, is that these medication should never be taken unless they are needed because there are serious health and visual risks associated with them,” says Dr. Lewis.If you are considering taking Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis, it is important that you check with your ophthalmologist before taking any of the drugs if you suffer from:§ Diabetes§ Retinitis Pigmentosa§ Retinal Pthology (Macular Degeneration or other Optic Nerve Disorders)VIAGRAWhat is Viagra?Viagra is an anti-impotence drug manufactured by Pfizer with an active ingredient sildenafile citrate for treatment of male impotence. Sildenafile citrate relaxes the muscles and increases the blood flow to particular areas of the body. The intake of Viagra increases the ability to achieve and sustain erection on being sexually stimulated. Men taking Viagra have reported an amplified sex drive, increased stamina, and quicker recharge. Viagra works together with sexual stimulation to help achieve maximum sexual satisfaction. However, Viagra does not guarantee protection from getting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and Hepatitis.How Viagra works?Viagra enables many men with ED to respond to sexual stimulation. When a man is sexually aroused, the arteries in the penis relax and widen, allowing more blood to flow into the penis. As the arteries in the penis expand and harden, the veins that normally carry blood away from the penis become compressed, restricting the blood flow out of the penis. With more blood flowing in and less flowing out, the penis enlarges, resulting in an erection. It is to be noted that Viagra is not a hormone or aphrodisiac, it works only when a man is sexually stimulated.Viagra DosageViagra is available in the form of tablet and is meant to be taken orally. Ideally it is to be taken almost an hour before the sexual activity. However, Viagra can be taken anytime from 4 hours to 30 minutes before sexual activity. It takes 30 – 45 minutes for showing Viagra’s effect and this effect lasts for almost four hours. If you take Viagra after a high-fat meal (such as fish & chips, cheeseburger or French fries), it may take a little longer to start working. Viagra should not be taken more than once a day unless prescribed by your doctor.

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Article by Katalin Hidvegi

In underdeveloped nations , inadequate nutrition is the cause of blindness . Vitamins are antioxidant that in some way keep all of our body, that features our eyes, healthy . Vitamin A, C and E have all demonstrated to be important in eye health . There is increasing evidence that many fresh food as well as fruits , vegs and fish consist of components which are important for eye health .

Vitamin A Virtually all mothers will say their little ones to finish their carrots as it is very nice for eyes. Carrots are rich in vitamin A. One carrot holds doubly the USA recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. This excellent vitamin is critical in staying away from a lot of diseases associated with seeing . More than anything else it prevents nyctalopia. Vitamin A insufficiency also takes to xerophthalmia, dryness within the eyes, corneal ulcerations and swollen eyelids. All these may lead to blindness . Vitamin A is also important as people age, as it keeps cataracts from shaping and helps in staying away from blindness from macular degeneration. The recommended intake for men of all ages is 1000 retinal equivalents (RE) while females will need about 800 RE per day , if you feel you aren’t satisfying this with your dieting then you could also wish to consider an eye health supplementation. It is crucial to read recordings label whenever taking vitamin a eye supplementations . Virtually all red, yellow or orange solids food consist of beta-carotene. The body coverts beta-carotene into vitamin A. Along with carrots, fruits like cantaloupe and mango or vegs available as pumpkin, red pepper, papaya and mango are ideal beginnings of beta carotene. Vitamin A is also discovered in spinach and other green leafy vegetables, sweet potato, fish, specially cod liver oil, chicken or meat liver.

Vitamin C Vitamin C is often called a superhero and is indeed a key element is any eye health supplement. It helps in stopping so many age related visual sense troubles as well as cataract. This occurs gleam a buildup of protein which in the long term clouds the vision. Vitamin C may also help in detaining age related macular degeneration without any cure . A study showed that whenever the onset of cataracts could possibly be held up by ten years, therefore associated surgical operation could possibly be avoided . All this happens because most cataracts set in as people get older and operations are usually done above the age of 65 or 70 significance that in case they usually are held up by ten years, cataracts will likely not develop in the person’s life . Vitamin C is to be found in all citrus, guava, strawberries, cantaloupe , grapefruit, raspberries, tomatoes, plums, green leafy vegetable , red and green peppers, papaya, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, grapes, potatoes, spinach kiwi fruit and cranberries. In fact most fruit and vegetable beginning contain a touch of vitamin C. It also can be to be found in some animal sources but preparation destroys vitamin C. Currently the US offered allowance account for vitamin c in both men and women is 60 milligrams every day. The human body incapable of synthesise this particular vitamin nor does it stay in the body for long. Factors as smoking, pollution , diabetes and other troubles bear on its absorption . Processing demolishes vitamin c so you need to eat up many fruits and vegs to get the maximal amazing advantages .

Vitamin EVitamin E likewise helps in evading cataracts and macular degeneration and optimizing eye health . The USA offered daily allowance account is 10mg for adult men and 8mg for females . This is found in all nuts, legumes and some fruits available as mango. Once more if nutritionally consumption is not appropriate therefore an eye health supplementation may well be a very nice idea . Inquiry has pointed that bioflavonoid also act as important antioxidant and they help us to soak up vitamin supplements and they help us to soak up vitamin c well. This stuff are the compounds that in some way supply the fruits their colouring. Lutein and Zeaxanthin, two other antioxidant found by nature in fruits and veggies , too help in eye health condition. It is likewise important to ingest foods high in essential fatty acids and enzymes permanently eyesight. Over all, it will be far better increase the daily fruit and vegetable consumption to hold those peepers in good shape. If this kind of food does not thrill your fantasy , therefore it might possibly be worth wondering an eye health condition supplementation.

Eye Care Nutritions|, Vision from Forever Living Products|, Artic Sea Super Omega 3|

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Vitamin D

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin that has properties of both a vitamin and a hormone, is required for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus. It is necessary for growth, and is especially important for the normal growth and development of bones and teeth in children. It protects against muscle weakness and is involved in regulation of the heartbeat. It is also important in the prevention and treatment of breast and colon cancer, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and hypocalcemia; enhances immunity; and is necessary for thyroid function and normal blood clotting.

There are several forms of vitamin D, including vita-min D2 (ergocalciferol), which comes from food sources; vitamin D (cholecalciferol), which is synthesized in the skin in response to exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays; and a synthetic form identified as vitamin D$ , Of the three, vitamin 03 is considered the natural form of vitamin D and is the most active.

The form of vitamin D that we get from food or supplements is not fully active. It requires conversion by the liver, and then by the kidneys, before it becomes fully active. This is why people with liver or kidney disorders are at a higher risk for osteoporosis. When the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, a cholesterol compound in the skin is transformed into a precursor of vitamin D. Exposing the face and arms to the sun for fifteen minutes three times a week is an effective way to ensure adequate amounts of vitamin D in the body. However, researchers have learned that very dark-skinned people in particular (because the skin pigment blocks the sunlight) and people living in the upper third of the continental United States cannot produce adequate amounts of vitamin D from exposure to the limited available sunlight during the winter months. Adolescents often are also deficient in vitamin D. For many, lack of outdoor exercise and an aversion to drinking milk seem to go hand-in-hand with deficiency.

The benefits of vitamin D include a reduction in the risk of colon polyps and prostate cancer, less coronary artery disease, and a decreased chance of developing type 1 diabetes, plus increased muscle strength and coordination, along with higher bone strength.

Severe deficiency of vitamin D can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia, a similar disorder, in adults. Lesser degrees of deficiency may be characterized by loss of appetite, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, diarrhea, insomnia, visual problems, and weight loss. In a study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, there are indications that vitamin D deficiency is much more wide-spread than previously thought, especially in older adults. In a group of people of whom few had risk factors for vitamin D deficiency, 57 percent were found to have below-normal levels of vitamin D. Sixty-seven percent of those reporting a vitamin D intake below the RDI had deficiencies categorized as moderate to severe.

Fish liver oils, fatty saltwater fish (especially mackerel), dairy products, and eggs all contain vitamin D. It is also found in butter, cod liver oil, dandelion greens, egg yolks, halibut, liver, milk, shiitake and chanterelle mushrooms, oatmeal, oysters, salmon, sardines, sweet potatoes, tuna, and vegetable oils. Herbs that contain vitamin D include alfalfa, horsetail, nettle, and parsley.

Vitamin D is also formed by the body in response to the action of sunlight on the skin. Intestinal disorders and liver and gallbladder malfunctions interfere with the absorption of vitamin D. Some cholesterol lowering drugs, antacids, mineral oil, and steroid hormones such as cortisone also interfere with absorption.

Thiazide diuretics such as chlorothiazide (Diuril) and hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, HydroDIURIL, Oretic) disturb the body’s calcium/vitamin D ratio. Taking excessive amounts of vitamin D (over 1,000 international units) daily may cause a decrease in bone mass.

Do not take vitamin D without calcium. Toxicity may result from taking excessive amounts of supplemental vitamin D.

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Vitamin E

Vitamin E is actually a family of eight antioxidant com-pounds. These consist of four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) and four tocotrienols (also alpha through delta). The alpha-tocopherol form is the one found in the largest quantities in human blood and tissue. Small amounts of the gamma form are also found.

Alpha-tocopherol acts as an antioxidant in the human body. As an antioxidant, vitamin E prevents cell damage by inhibiting the oxidation of lipids (fats) and the formation of free radicals. It protects other fat-soluble vitamins from destruction by oxygen and aids in the utilization of vitamin A. It protects the low-density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol) from oxidation as well. Oxidized LDL has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease. It is also known to inhibit blood platelet aggregation (clotting) and has other functions related to the activity of the immune system.

The most common dietary form of vitamin E is the gamma-tocopherol form. However, this form is not taken up by the body in any quantity because the liver selectively incorporates alpha-tocopherol into blood lipoproteins for de-livery to the tissues. About ten times more alpha-tocopherol than gamma-tocopherol is found in the blood. However, the gamma form may have some unique benefits in suppressing colon cancer, according to recent animal studies, making a sufficient amount of dietary vitamin E even more important to good health.

Vitamin E deficiency may result in damage to red blood cells and destruction of nerves. Signs of deficiency can include infertility (in both men and women), menstrual problems, neuromuscular impairment, shortened red blood cell lifespan, spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), and uterine degeneration. People with impaired balance and coordination and/or damage to the retina (pigmented retinopathy) may also be deficient. Individuals with severe malnutrition, genetic defects affecting a liver protein known as alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (alpha-TTP), or fat malabsorption problems such as those caused by cystic fibrosis, cholestatic liver disease, or Crohn’s disease may have a vitamin E deficiency. True vitamin E deficiency is rare, but low intake (lower than required) is relatively common.

One study showed that 27 to 41 percent of people studied had blood levels of alpha-tocopherol less than 20 micro-moles per liter (L), the level below which there appears to be an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Low levels of vitamin E in the body has been linked to both bowel cancer and breast cancer.

The d-alpha-tocopherol form of vitamin E is the most potent, and is the one we recommend. Also, natural sources of vitamin E are better than synthetic vitamin E because natural vitamin E is more available for use by the body than the synthetic form. Synthetic vitamin E is only 67 percent as active as the natural form. Read labels closely. The natural form of vitamin E is listed as d-alpha-tocopherol, r-alpha-to-copherol, d-alpha-tocopherol acetate or d-alpha-tocopherol. The synthetic form is listed as dl-alpha-tocopherol or all-roc alpha-tocopherol (watch out for the / after the d). The synthetic form costs only about half as much as the natural form, but it has significantly less activity, or potency. Some vitamin manufacturers have been known to mix 10 percent natural and 90 percent synthetic vitamin E, then label the product natural. Your responsibility is to check the label and make sure it says 100 percent potency or 100 percent natural

vitamin E.

If you cannot absorb fat, there is a special water-soluble form of vitamin E available from various suppliers.

What about the “esterified” vitamin E, otherwise known as tocopherol phosphate? This is a relatively new product that is being sold as vitamin E. This product is not actually recognized (by the FDA) as being vitamin E and the phosphate form is not natural, nor are there any studies proving that the body even needs this substance. We recommend using only tested products. There are esterified forms of alpha-tocopherol acetate and succinate available and you should use one of these if you want to try ester-E. Ester-E administered by injection may be beneficial in the treatment of tumors (cancer), and while the ester form has no antioxidant activity, it does appear to influence the death of cancer cells through apoptosis (programmed cell death). With this compound, administration by injection is required because the ester form would be converted to plain alpha-tocopherol in the gut and none would be delivered to the tissues.

Vitamin E is found in the following food sources: avocados, cold-pressed vegetable oils (olive, soybean, corn, canola, safflower, and sunflower), dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts), seeds, and whole grains. Significant quantities of this vitamin are also found in brown rice, cornmeal, dulse, eggs, kelp, desiccated liver, milk, oatmeal, organ meats, soybeans, sweet potatoes, watercress, wheat, and wheat germ. Herbs that contain vitamin E include alfalfa, bladderwrack, dandelion, dong quai, flaxseed, nettle, oat straw, raspberry leaf, and rose hips.

The body needs zinc in order to maintain the proper level of vitamin E in the blood. Vitamin E that has oxidized a free radical can be revitalized by vitamin C and enabled to battle additional free radicals, according to Lester Packer, Ph.D., noted researcher and professor of molecular and cell biology at the University of California-Berkeley. Adding vitamin E to fats and oils prevents them from becoming rancid. The oxidation of fats is a key factor in the formation of plaque adhering to blood vessel walls.

If you take both vitamin E and iron supplements, take them at different times of the day. Inorganic forms of iron (such as ferrous sulfate) destroy vitamin E. Organic iron (ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate) leaves vitamin E intact.

If you are taking an anticoagulant medication (blood thin-ner), do not take more than 200 international units of vitamin E daily. If you suffer from diabetes, rheumatic heart disease, or an overactive thyroid, do not take more than the recommended dose. If you have high blood pressure, start with a small amount, such as 100 international units daily, and increase slowly to the desired amount. If you have retinitis pigmentosa that is not associated with vitamin E deficiency, do not take any supplemental vitamin E.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is needed for the production of prothrombin, which is necessary for blood clotting. It is also essential for bone formation and repair; it is necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin, the protein in bone tissue on which calcium crystallizes. Consequently, it may help prevent osteoporosis.

Vitamin K plays an important role in the intestines and aids in converting glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver, promoting healthy liver function. It may increase resistance to infection in children and help prevent cancers that target the inner linings of the organs. It aids in promoting longevity. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause abnormal and/or internal bleeding.

There are three forms of vitamin K. The first is vita-min KI (phylloquinone or phytonadione), which comes from plants and makes up your dietary vitamin K. The second is vitamin K/2, a family of substances called menaquinones, which are made by intestinal bacteria and also found in butter, cow liver, chicken, egg yolks, fermented soybean products, and some cheeses. Third, there is vitamin KS (menadione), which is a synthetic, man-made substance.

Vitamin K! is found in some foods, including asparagus, blackstrap molasses, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, chicken, dark green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, leaf le
ttuce, liver, oatmeal, oats, rye, safflower oil, soybeans, wheat, and yogurt. Herbs that can supply vita-min K! include alfalfa, green tea, kelp, nettle, oat straw, and shepherd’s purse. However, the majority of the body’s supply of this vitamin is synthesized by the “friendly” bacteria normally present in the intestines..

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The desire that most people have in common is to slow down the onset of aging. While the onset of aging may not be able to be stopped completely, you may be able to delay it by taking ant aging nutritional supplements and antioxidants.

Extensive studies and researchers have concluded over the years that antioxidants can retard the aging process by attacking the free radicals that weaken your immune system and makes your body susceptible to aging and diseases.

Research and studies of intake of antioxidants have shown that those who were supplementing their diet showed lesser signs of aging than those who did not. Antioxidants work with your immune system, making it stronger and healthier in order to delay the cycle of aging.

Herbs and Natural Supplements for Retain Youth

Bilberry Extract Supplements: These supplements improve eye health and night vision. Clinical tests confirm that the herbal nutrition supplement bilberry is effective in treating eye diseases such as cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma and myopia.

Cranberry Extract Supplements: These supplements are used for prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections and type II diabetes.

Ginger Extract Supplements: These supplements are beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome, morning sickness, nausea, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, gastro intestinal disorders, hay fever, HIV support, low back pain, migraines and rheumatoid arthritis.

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Gingko Biloba Extract Supplements: These supplements promote mental clarity and concentration, increases alertness and short-term memory and is used in cardiac protection formulas. It offers significant protection against the development of Alzheimer’s disease, hearing loss and strokes.

Green Tea Extract Supplements: These supplements help in improving cognitive performance, treating stomach disorders, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches. Green tea may be beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and gastric cancer. They are also beneficial to maintain remission in persons with Crohn’s disease, to prevent Parkinson’s disease and help protect against heart disease, dental caries and kidney stones.

Guggulipid Extract Supplements: These supplements are used for arthritis, lowering high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, nodulocystic acne, skin diseases and weight loss.

Olive Leaf Extract Supplements: These supplements are used for fungus and yeast infections, frequent colds, asthma, vaginal yeast infections, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, bacterial infections, herpes, AIDS, chronic fatigue, flu and colds.

Tumeric Extract Supplements: These supplements are beneficial for preventing rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, atherosclerosis, bursitis, genital herpes, hepatitis, HIV support, low back pain and osteoarthritis.

Gotu Kola-Gotu Kola is another herb that can be great for restoring youthfulness of the skin. It has been used for ages to help heal scars and burns and has natural restorative properties that can help rejuvenate the skin.

Ashwagandha-Used in traditional Indian medicine, this herb has natural antioxidants and is effective in treating infectious diseases. In addition to strengthening your immune system, it also can relieve anxiety and depression. It is also thought to help your brain by stimulating the growth of dendrites and axons.

Vitamin E-As an ant aging supplement, antioxidants have been known to be successful at combating free radicals. An effective antioxidant is vitamin E. Specifically, consuming vitamin E protects certain cell membranes within the body that are attacked by free radicals. In providing this protection the fatty cell membranes fight against being mutated and therefore decrease the possibilities of cancerous cell growth from happening.

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The diagnosis of macular degeneration is becoming increasingly more common due to patient awareness, physician access, groundbreaking improvements in treatment, and the relentless graying of the population exponentially increases the percentage of the population at risk for this condition. Thus, macular degeneration is a formidable challenge to patients, their doctors, and our society as the costs for delivering state-of-the-art care increase.

Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD) or the now discarded term senile macular degeneration (SMD), describes a variety of pathologic but extremely common conditions that affect the macula (a portion of the retina of the eye) and, therefore, central vision. Central vision is what you see directly in front of you rather than what you see at the side (or periphery) of your vision.

Macular degeneration is caused when part of the retina deteriorates. The retina is the interior layer of the eye consisting of the receptors and nerves that collect and transmit light signals from the eye into the optic nerve, then to the brain for interpretation as our sense of vision. The macula is the central portion of the retina and is responsible for detailed vision and color vision, the vision we use to read, thread a needle, sign a check, or recognize faces. The macula is a highly specialized part of the nervous system and the eye in which the photoreceptors that react to light stimulus and the neurons that interpret and transmit these signals are precisely organized and densely compacted. It is the macula that allows humans to see 20/20, or an eagle to spot a small rodent on the ground hundreds of feet below.

Nutritional Supplements:

Zinc can, at high doses, cause anemia in some patients as well as exacerbate the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s. As will be demonstrated later in this chapter, it may be prudent to cut back on the amount of Zinc from the amount used in the controlled study.

Beta-carotene is a substance made from plants that the body can convert into Vitamin A. It also acts as an antioxidant, an immune system booster, helps cells reproduce normally, protects the photoreceptors against free radicals, and enhances night vision. Other members of the carotene family are beta-carotene’s cousins, zeaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene. However, unlike beta-carotene, most of these nutrients do not convert to significant amounts of Vitamin A.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that functions as a powerful antioxidant. It is critical to make collagen, the glue that strengthens many parts of the body, such as blood vessels. Vitamin C also plays an important role in wound healing. This vitamin also aids in the formation of liver bile and helps to fight viruses and detoxify alcohol and other toxic substances.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cell membranes and other fat-soluble parts of the body. In addition to Vitamin E’s benefit for the eyes, two studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine show that both men and women who supplement with at least 100 IU of vitamin E per day for at least two years have a 37-41% drop in the risk of heart disease

Lutein (loo-teen) is a carotenoid found in vegetables and fruits. Lutein acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against the damaging effects of free radicals. Chances are you’re not getting the lutein you need because most Americans simply don’t eat enough vegetables rich in lutein. A recent survey of eye doctors indicated that 91% believe that lutein promotes eye health and can be beneficial in treating AMD. A recent study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health found that people who ate the highest amounts of leafy green vegetables like kale, collard greens, and spinach had a 57% lower risk of developing AMD than those who ate these foods the least. In an AMD study published in the Journal of the American Optometric Association, it was shown that a diet rich in spinach may help stop AMD and even reverse some of the effects of the disease.

Find powerful herbal remedies Eye Health Care.

Taurine is an amino acid found naturally in egg whites, meat, fish, and milk. High concentrations are found in the heart muscle, white blood cells, skeletal muscle, and central nervous system. In the retina there are two binding proteins specific to taurine. Intracellular concentrations are higher in the retina than in any other region derived from the central nervous system.

The other method of treatment involves Laser Surgery in which a physician uses a laser to target the specific blood vessels that are problematic and causing trauma to the macula. However, it should be noted, that many patients will not qualify for laser treatment, and more importantly, the laser treatment is invasive and can and often does lead to permanent scarring in the area of use, which causes a permanent loss of vision in that particular region. There are nutritional supplements that may aid in limiting the damage to the macula. These should be used in conjunction with Anti-VEGF treatments not as a alternative.

The diagnosis of macular degeneration is becoming increasingly more common due to patient awareness, physician access, groundbreaking improvements in treatment, and the relentless graying of the population exponentially increases the percentage of the population at risk for this condition. Thus, macular degeneration is a formidable challenge to patients, their doctors, and our society as the costs for delivering state-of-the-art care increase.

Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD) or the now discarded term senile macular degeneration (SMD), describes a variety of pathologic but extremely common conditions that affect the macula (a portion of the retina of the eye) and, therefore, central vision. Central vision is what you see directly in front of you rather than what you see at the side (or periphery) of your vision.

Macular degeneration is caused when part of the retina deteriorates. The retina is the interior layer of the eye consisting of the receptors and nerves that collect and transmit light signals from the eye into the optic nerve, then to the brain for interpretation as our sense of vision. The macula is the central portion of the retina and is responsible for detailed vision and color vision, the vision we use to read, thread a needle, sign a check, or recognize faces. The macula is a highly specialized part of the nervous system and the eye in which the photoreceptors that react to light stimulus and the neurons that interpret and transmit these signals are precisely organized and densely compacted. It is the macula that allows humans to see 20/20, or an eagle to spot a small rodent on the ground hundreds of feet below.

Nutritional Supplements:

Zinc can, at high doses, cause anemia in some patients as well as exacerbate the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s. As will be demonstrated later in this chapter, it may be prudent to cut back on the amount of Zinc from the amount used in the controlled study.

Beta-carotene is a substance made from plants that the body can convert into Vitamin A. It also acts as an antioxidant, an immune system booster, helps cells reproduce normally, protects the photoreceptors against free radicals, and enhances night vision. Other members of the carotene family are beta-carotene’s cousins, zeaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene. However, unlike beta-carotene, most of these nutrients do not convert to significant amounts of Vitamin A.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that functions as a powerful antioxidant. It is critical to make collagen, the glue that strengthens many parts of the body, such as blood vessels. Vitamin C also plays an important role in wound healing. This vitamin also aids in the formation of liver bile and helps to fight viruses and detoxify alcohol and other toxic substances.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cell membranes and other fat-soluble parts of the body. In addition to Vitamin E’s benefit for the eyes, two studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine show that both men and women who supplement with at least 100 IU of vitamin E per day for at least two years have a 37-41% drop in the risk of heart disease

Lutein (loo-teen) is a carotenoid found in vegetables and fruits. Lutein acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against the damaging effects of free radicals. Chances are you’re not getting the lutein you need because most Americans simply don’t eat enough vegetables rich in lutein. A recent survey of eye doctors indicated that 91% believe that lutein promotes eye health and can be beneficial in treating AMD. A recent study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health found that people who ate the highest amounts of leafy green vegetables like kale, collard greens, and spinach had a 57% lower risk of developing AMD than those who ate these foods the least. In an AMD study published in the Journal of the American Optometric Association, it was shown that a diet rich in spinach may help stop AMD and even reverse some of the effects of the disease.

Find powerful herbal remedies Eye Health Care.

Taurine is an amino acid found naturally in egg whites, meat, fish, and milk. High concentrations are found in the heart muscle, white blood cells, skeletal muscle, and central nervous system. In the retina there are two binding proteins specific to taurine. Intracellular concentrations are higher in the retina than in any other region derived from the central nervous system.

The other method of treatment involves Laser Surgery in which a physician uses a laser to target the specific blood vessels that are problematic and causing trauma to the macula. However, it should be noted, that many patients will not qualify for laser treatment, and more importantly, the laser treatment is invasive and can and often does lead to permanent scarring in the area of use, which causes a permanent loss of vision in that particular region. There are nutritional supplements that may aid in limiting the damage to the macula.  These should be used in conjunction with Anti-VEGF treatments not as a alternative.

Without doubt, eye vitamins help strengthen our eyes and keep them healthy while preventing eye diseases. Our daily diet is supposed to provide all the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that our body systems require. The fast paced culture has its toll on modern food habits. Taking fast food often add bulk to our food while leaving out the important ingredient of body nutrients.

Taking optic vitamin supplements is the inexpensive method of making up of lost vitamin content from our daily bread. Vitamins for eyes are available without prescription and don’t cost much. The dosage varies between one to four pills daily, based on the vitamin and mineral content of each pill. Authentic information about recommended daily dose of vitamins and minerals can be had from National Eye Institute’s website at nei.nih.gov.

Different vitamins qualify as eye health vitamins – A, C, E, B2 etc are prime examples. Minerals like Zinc, Selenium etc are also regarded as vitamins for eye. Lutein is a powerful antioxidant, the value of which on eye health is still under research. Lutein, found mainly in retina, lens, and macula makes an interesting contrast study with smokers. Smokers tend to lose healthy levels of lutein from eye parts, leaving them with insufficient amounts of lutein. Another thing smokers should watch for is the sufficient amounts of beta carotene and eye vitamins. There is a strong connection between smoking-linked beta carotene deprivation symptoms.

Macular Degeneration, characterized by degeneration and malfunctioning of light sensing cells of macula is somewhat reversible with treatments with antioxidants and minerals like zinc. Intermediate-stage macular degeneration and advanced macular degeneration condition patients show 25% drop in progression of the condition. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness among people of fifty years or more of age.

It is however to be noted that the condition is not reversible with taking nutrient/vitamin supplements. People without symptoms of the disease or persons in early stages of development too didn’t show any considerable gains for use of eye vitamins and nutrients. The capability of eye supplements to slow down the progress of the condition is hopeful. Understanding of the progress of the disease is also helpful in developing future treatments and cures.

Researches on macular degeneration are still in infancy stage. A lot of researches need to be conducted before researchers can fully identify the factors that lead to this progressive disorder and find a comprehensive clinical treatment for different forms of macular degeneration. Taking vitamins/mineral supplements to halt the progress of condition may lead to complex conditions. The eye vitamin supplement can react with other prescription medicines and the risk of developing new diseases is not ruled out. Beta-carotene, while effective in preventing oxidation of free radicals in the body, can also cause lung cancer in smokers.

It thus becomes imperative for patients to take expert medical guidance before administering any kind of vitamin supplements.

Only detailed clinical tests can prove the nature of macular degeneration. There are specific therapies like the one that prevents abnormal blood vessel growth in the eyes with ‘wet macular degeneration’ patients. A clinical solution to different types of macular degeneration is imminent, till then eye vitamin supplements play an important role in prevention of this dreaded condition.

Loss of vision or Macular Degeneration (MD) is a common problem for senior citizens. It is also known ad Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

It affects the macular of the eye which is the centre of our vision. The results are blurred vision or difficulty reading and the requirement for brighter light when reading. It may have serious life style consequences such as becoming legally blind and unable to drive.

There are two types of vision loss or AMD known as Dry AMD and Wet AMD. Dry AMD often leads to Wet AMD.

Dry AMD generally starts gradually with loss of central vision. Wet AMD can follow Dry AMD but can also occur faster and result in sudden loss of central vision.

There are many factors that affect the likelihood of a person suffering from AMD. These include genetic susceptibility, lifestyle related issues such as diet and smoking, general health including heart health and exposure to excessive sunlight.

The Omega 3 fatty acids known as DHA and EPA have been shown to be beneficial when it comes to visual health. These fatty acids affect the nervous system and the visual system positively. DHA and EPA are essential fatty acids, that is they cannot be produced by the human body and must be contained in the diet.

Dietary items such as dark green leafy vegetables and fish are recommended for good visual health. Eating oily fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines at least twice a week or more is recommended. It has been shown that populations that eat more fish are less likely to develop macular degeneration.

Omega 3 fish oil supplements are an excellent alternative to eating fish if fish are not available or there is a dislike of eating fish. Usually available in easy to take capsules Omega 3 supplements can help to prevent or reduce the effects of vision loss.

Omega 3 fish oil capsules are produced from raw fish oil by a process of micro distillation or stripping which removes impurities and concentrates the Omega 3 fatty acids in the end product. The result is a product that is pure, concentrated and easy to take.

If necessary consult you doctor about Omega 3 fish oil supplements to ensure there is no conflict with other medications.

Vision loss can be devastating but can be prevented or the effects reduced by the use of Omega 3 Fish Oil supplements.

Healthy Vision makes for Happier Life.

Having difficulty seeing lately? Is your vision becoming blurred when you read? Need more light to read by?

More than 10 million Americans are affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a chronic eye disease. For persons over sixty in the United States it is the leading cause of vision loss.

Macular degeneration (MD) as the name implies is the degeneration of the macula which is the tissue in the part of your retina that is responsible for central vision. The result is blurred vision or a blind spot in the center of your vision. This loss of vision can interfere with reading, driving, or other daily activities. The first indications may be when you need more light to see close-up work.

AMD comes in two forms. About 85% of those affected by AMD have Dry AMD which causes gradual loss of central vision, usually starting in one eye. Severe vision loss from AMD is caused by Wet AMD. About 90% of those affected by severe vision loss have Wet AMD. This often involves results in a sudden loss of central vision. Dry AMD often progresses to Wet AMD.

The following conditions or characteristics are most common in people who are at risk for developing AMD:

Age is the leading cause of severe AMD and vision loss for persons over 60 Women rather than men are more likely to develop AMD. Smoking of Cigarettes has been shown to be related to AMD Genes – macular degeneration in previous generations Cardiovascular disease can lead to macular degeneration High levels of cholesterol can cause MD Persons with light eye color as more prone to MD Long-term exposure to sunlight can cause MD Low levels of antioxidants in your blood

Prevention of AMD
One of the most effective ways of preventing MD is diet.

Dark leafy greens should be included in the diet to lower the risk of AMD. These leafy greens include spinach, kale, collard greens, and watercress.

The inclusion of fish and particularly fish high in Omega 3 fatty acids can have a very beneficial effect on the eye sight and vision. It has been shown in studies that persons who ate more fish were less likely to develop AMD than those who did not eat fish. The Omega fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are two types of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. It was found that eating fish four or more times per week reduced the risk of developing AMD.

An alternative is the use of Omega 3 fish oil supplements which are high in DHA and EPA. These supplements are manufactured from raw fish oil using a process called micro distillation which produces an end product that is rich in the DHA and EPA Omega fatty acids. The process also removes the contaminants such as mercury. The product is pure, free of pollutants and easy to take.

Adding more fish to your diet is a good option. Using an Omega 3 fish oil supplements is an easy alternative if fish is not freely available or you have less inclination to eat more fish. Talk to your doctor about taking fish oil supplements if you are at risk for AMD. Even if you are not a candidate for AMD you can improve your vision by the use of fish oil supplements.

Healthy Eyes are Happier Eyes.

Everybody in this world wants to retain their youth as long as possible. They want to be mentally as well as physically fit and healthy till they die. Ayurveda has laid stress on two things, one that to attain long life and second is to live like a youth till death. It has mentioned many types of rasayanic herbs like amla, shilajit, haritaki, guduchi, shankhpushpi, bhallatak, pipilli, triphala etc that have anti aging properties (Rasayan are herbs that retard aging and makes body strong to fight against diseases).

These herbs are quite difficult to take alone. So the best way to take them is in form of Herbal Nutritional Supplements. Some of the herbal supplements are mentioned below:

• Bilberry Extract Supplements: These supplements improve eye health and night vision. Clinical tests confirm that the herbal nutrition supplement bilberry is effective in treating eye diseases such as cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma and myopia.

• Cranberry Extract Supplements: These supplements are used for prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections and type II diabetes.

• Ginger Extract Supplements: These supplements are beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome, morning sickness, nausea, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, gastro intestinal disorders, hay fever, HIV support, low back pain, migraines and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Gingko Biloba Extract Supplements: These supplements promote mental clarity and concentration, increases alertness and short-term memory and is used in cardiac protection formulas. It offers significant protection against the development of Alzheimer’s disease, hearing loss and strokes.

• Green Tea Extract Supplements: These supplements help in improving cognitive performance, treating stomach disorders, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches. Green tea may be beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and gastric cancer. They are also beneficial to maintain remission in persons with Crohn’s disease, to prevent Parkinson’s disease and help protect against heart disease, dental caries and kidney stones.

• Guggulipid Extract Supplements: These supplements are used for arthritis, lowering high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, nodulocystic acne, skin diseases and weight loss.

• Olive Leaf Extract Supplements: These supplements are used for fungus and yeast infections, frequent colds, asthma, vaginal yeast infections, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, bacterial infections, herpes, AIDS, chronic fatigue, flu and colds.

• Tumeric Extract Supplements: These supplements are beneficial for preventing rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, atherosclerosis, bursitis, genital herpes, hepatitis, HIV support, low back pain and osteoarthritis.

Herbal supplements can be found in capsules or powder form, or as tea. They are free from side effects and help to retain youth for longer.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

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