What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a common eye condition, especially among people over the age of 50, that can lead to blurry vision, difficulty reading or driving, and recognizing people or the details of things..

The macula is the middle, center part of the retina. The retina is the nerve tissue at the back of the eye that is sensitive to light and that receives and sends images to the brain.

The good news is that there are some natural remedies that can help slow its progression and even support healing.  By making small but impactful changes to your diet, supplements, lifestyle, and daily habits, you can protect your eyes and improve your vision.

Proven Natural Remedies

1. Antioxidants: Antioxidants are natural substances that can prevent or delay certain types of cell damage that comes from oxygen interactions. These are nutrients like vitamins C, E and A that help fight oxidative stress, which is a key factor in macular degeneration. Studies show that vitamin C (found in citrus fruits and colored bell peppers) and vitamin E (from nuts and seeds) can slow the progression of the disease (Archives of Ophthalmology, 2001). Antioxidants work by protecting retinal cells from damage, helping maintain healthy vision for longer.
2. Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Found in leafy greens like spinach, kale, other leafy greens, carrots, eggs, broccoli and peas. These are known as carotenoids, pigments in plants which produce the bright yellow, red, and orange colors in vegetables. These pigments are known to accumulate in the macula and protect against harmful light rays. According to research, individuals who consume high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce their risk of advanced macular degeneration by up to 25% (The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2013).
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s, especially from fish oil, salmon and sardines, are essential for eye health. Studies suggest that these healthy fats reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of macular degeneration (Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2011).Another study was done with people over the age of 49.  Of the 3,000 participants, those who ate more fish were less likely to have macular degeneration.  Another source reported that eating fish once a week can cut the risk of having it in half.
   4. Zinc: This mineral, found in foods like oysters, fish, meat, pumpkin seeds and nuts, plays an important role in transporting vitamin A from the liver to the retina, aiding in increased protection for the eyes. A study published in a Journal of Ophthalmology (the study of eye disorders) found that a supplement with zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene reduced the risk of macular degeneration and also slowed down its progression.

Healing Foods for Macular Degeneration

Carrots: Are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.  Carrots support retinal health and vision.

Sweet Potatoes: Another excellent source of beta-carotene, providing necessary nutrients to protect against macular degeneration.

Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins C and K, blueberries help fight oxidative stress in the eyes. A cousin of blueberries called bilberry has also shown benefits for eye health.

Eye Exercises and Lifestyle Actions

Eye Exercises: This includes looking away from close-up work or computer work at regular intervals and focusing on a distant object, and practicing “palming” (gently covering the eyes with your palms to relax them).  These can help reduce eye strain and improve overall eye health.

Lifestyle Tips: Quitting smoking, wearing sunglasses to protect from the sun’s rays, eating leafy greens, orange-colored vegetables and blueberries, and managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, are essential in reducing the risk of macular degeneration.

By incorporating these natural remedies and lifestyle habits, you can effectively prevent or manage macular degeneration and protect your vision for the future.

This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original and effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II (also containing vitamin D and zinc), and Joints and More, a natural supplement with MSM for joint support, less aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.