Five hundred thousand adults in the UK are living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that afflicts one-tenth of those older than 66 and close to one-third of those older than 75, reported the Daily Mail.
According to the article, AMD damages the macula, which is in the retina, so as to render every day tasks like writing, reading, driving and recognizing people hard. While laser therapy, medication and radiation are some of the ways AMD can be treated, people who want to fight the symptoms should also consider what they eat. According to the report, people who get the right nutrients can cut down by 19% AMD-related symptoms as well as reduce the odds by as much as 25% of getting the ailment in the first place.
The article highlighted some of the things people can do to either slow down the progress of, or avoid getting, AMD. What follows are some of the suggestions:
Lutein
Lutein, which can be found in certain fruits and vegetables, has been found to have a positive impact on eye health. Those who want to keep their eyes in good repair should, therefore, eat produce such as corn, spinach, kale and peas. In fact, a study conducted by Harvard University in 1994 found that people can lower their AMD risk to the tune of over 40% if they get a mere 6mg of lutein daily.
Zeaxanthin
Zeaxanthin can help to promote eye health. People can get this zeaxanthin by making liberal use of produce such as oranges, collard greens, goji berries and spinach. Research from University of Southampton discovered back in 2003 a clear connection between zeaxanthin and AMD. For optimal eye health, people should strive to get about 2mg of zeaxanthin daily.
Omega 3
Omega 3 fatty acids, which are found in seeds, oily fish and nuts, are beneficial to the macula, a French study found last year. The study also uncovered that people need to consume Omega 3 and Omega 6 at a ratio of 5:1 for best results.
Zinc
Zinc, which can be found in beans, seafood, seeds, poultry and meat, can also help to fight AMD. One study found that people should consume 80mg of the essential mineral.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can be obtained through all produce. In fact, people who take in 500mg of vitamin C daily can enhance by 19% their macula density.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E can be obtained by consuming oils, nuts and seeds. People should aim for daily intake of 22iu. Since vitamin E thins the blood, people who use it should make sure they’re not also taking blood-thinning drugs.
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