Integrative Vision Care And Nutrition Author: Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac.
Edited by: CAOH
Click here for definition of Integrative Medicine.
Mind/Body medicine is based on the fact that our health and well-being depends on all the individual parts working together effectively. So it should come as no surprise that healthy eyesight is also dependent upon our total well-being, which is affected by our genetic makeup, the food we eat, our work environment and exposure to airborne toxins, as well as our general belief systems about ourselves and the world we live in.
Each of us is unique, and we literally take the world in through our senses, primarily through our vision. Many believe the way we take in the world is, to some degree, a reflection of who we are and which symptoms we might manifest. The integrative approach evaluates the person’s lifestyle, habits, diet, exercise routine, and stress management, along with the family history, in determining a therapeutic approach. It attempts to bring in the patient as an active partner in the program to improve or maintain eye health. Specific habits have been identified in studies to be very damaging to eye health, including smoking, excessive alcohol, coffee, excess sugar and refined foods, and hydrogenated oils (like margarines).
Nutrition and nutritional supplementation could play a key role in helping to prevent vision loss and keeping our bodies strong. More and more peer review studies are identifying specific nutrients that are lacking in patients with eye conditions such as the following:
GLAUCOMA:
Vitamin C – in parts of Europe and Asia, vitamin C is considered part of routine treatment for glaucoma. It lowers eye pressure through a combination of decreasing fluid production and improving the outflow of aqueous humor. It also improves collagen metabolism which may be one of the underlying reasons for the development of glaucoma. Nutritional sources include citrus fruits, red peppers and tomatoes.
Recommended Dosage: 3000 mg per day Omega 3 fatty acids – these may help reduce the chronic inflammatory processes that is found in many patients with glaucoma. Fish and unrefined fish oils are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that Eskimos, who have a high intake of Omega 3, have a very low incidence of open-angle glaucoma. Some studies on animals further indicate that fish oil can reduce fluid pressure within the eyes. The best sources are the flesh of cold water fish (example; salmon, mackerel, cod) as well as black currant seed oil, and flax seed oil. Consider eating fish three times a week.
Recommended Dosage: 1500 mg per day Ginkgo biloba – may increase the circulation of blood to the eyes. It has been shown in some cases to help lower intraocular pressure in the eyes. There is no natural food source. It is directly derived from the ginkgo tree.
Recommended Dosage: 120 mg per day – Note: if using blood thinner reduce by 40 mg
Magnesium – is a mineral that relaxes smooth muscles, which regulates the outflow of aqueous humor from the inner eye. Natural sources include most nuts, seeds, vegetables, seafood and soy products.
Recommended Dosage: 500 mg per day Magnesium should be taken with calcium in a 2:1 ratio (calcium to magnesium).
MACULAR DEGENERATION:
Lutein/zeaxanthin – these two carotenoids have been shown to be low in people with macular degeneration. Increasing intake of Lutein/zeaxanthin either by foods or by supplements has been found to prevent and even improve macular degeneration in many cases. Natural sources are green leafy vegetables including spinach, kale and collard greens.
Recommended Dosage: 6 mg per day, optimally in a sublingual (under the tongue) form. It should be taken with a little fat, such as vitamin E to increase absorption.
Bilberry – strengthens the structural integrity of blood vessels throughout the body and promotes healthy circulation, particularly to the small capillaries that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the eyes. Bilberry also helps prevent free radical damage to the delicate structures within the eye. Natural sources are blueberries and huckleberries.
Recommended Dosage: 240 mg per day Taurine – this amino acid is important for the regeneration of worn out tissues of the retina. Taurine helps protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation. Natural sources include eggs, meats and fish.
Recommended Dosage: 1000 mg per day
Zinc – the macular can degenerate when zinc is deficient. It is found naturally in meats, oysters, and whole grains.
Recommended Dosage: 30 mg per day CATARACTS:
Vitamin C – the normal healthy lens of the eye contains a higher level of vitamin C that any other organ of the body except the adrenal glands. Studies have shown a decreased level of vitamin C in the aqueous humor as well as in the overall body when cataracts are forming. Vitamin C has also been shown to control sugar imbalances that often play a role in cataract formation. Natural sources include citrus fruits, red peppers and tomatoes.
Recommended Dosage: 3000 mg per day
Glutathione – could be very effective in preventing cataract formation, and is crucial in possibly altering free radical damage. Some studies have shown that many lenses with cataracts contain approximately 1/5th the amount of glutathione as compared to normal lenses. Glutathione is produced by the body and is composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid. All the following nutrients could help increase glutathione levels: N-Acetyl Cysteine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, vitamin C, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, zinc, and other nutrients. Natural sources include eggs, broccoli, avocados, garlic, onions and cauliflower.
Recommended Dosage: 500 mg of N-Acetyl Cysteine, 100-200 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid, 1500 mg of vitamin C, 200 mcg of selenium, 400 I.U.’s of vitamin E, 50 mg of vitamin B2 and B6, 30 mg of zinc.
However, nothing replaces a positive, healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, daily meditations or walks in nature and a healthy diet. The rapid pace of our lives often interferes with us taking the time to really take care of ourselves. Caring for ourselves helps to keep our bodies healthy, and maximizes the mind/body’s inherent healing potential.
Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., optometrist and licensed acupuncturist, has been helping people preserve their vision in his private practice for over 20 years. He is the co-author of Natural Eye Care – An Encyclopedia (Keats, 1999) and Greater Vision – A Guide to Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Clarity in Everyday Life (McGraw Hill Publishers, 2001). Dr. Grossman is currently the Eastern Region Director of the Optometric Extension Foundation program, and lectures internationally on natural eye care, nutrition and Chinese medicine.
