By Dr. Rick Kattouf II, Host of Rx Nutrition, Certified
Wellness and Nutrition Consultant
I am sure most people would agree that sight is one of our
most precious senses, but they may not realize is how closely related overall
body health is with eye health. Our lifestyle choices can lead to severe ocular
complications that can even lead to blindness. Let's examine three
sight-threatening conditions and what we can do in our lifestyle to prevent
them from occurring.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Complications : As a result of Type II diabetes, retinal
blood vessels (in the back of the eye) can become blocked, leak or break down.
This will cause visual impairment and is treated by laser surgery and a
procedure called a vitrectomy.
Prevention : The key to preventing Type II diabetes is to
eat right and train right. We want to be sure to eat 5-6 times per day, and not
to overeat at any meal or snack. Balancing our carbohydrates, protein, and fat
is also a key component at each meal/snack. Combine this with consuming the
proper amount of calories, a good weight-training and cardio vascular program,
and this will assist in achieving and maintain a low body fat percentage which
is vital for preventing the onset of Type II diabetes.
Hypertensive Retinopathy
Complications : Hypertension (high blood pressure) is known
as the 'Silent Killer.' There are no signs, and which is what makes it so
dangerous. Untreated hypertension can lead hypertensive retinopathy which is
characterized by blocked retinal blood vessels causing bleeding in the retina.
Prevention : As with preventing Type II diabetes, high blood
pressure prevention requires one to eat right, weight train, perform
cardiovascular exercise, and maintain a low amount of body fat. Reducing salt
intake is another key factor in preventing high blood pressure from occurring.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Complications : In a study published in the Archives of
Ophthalmology, 261 middle-age and elderly patients were found to have a
correlation between high amounts of body fat and AM D progression. AM D is
characterized by leaking blood vessels in the retina, affecting the central
portion of the retina (macula) which is responsible for sharp, central vision.
Prevention : Aside from following the above in order to
maintain a low body fat percentage, antioxidants are essential for optimal
ocular health and the prevention of AM D. The most important antioxidants for
prevention of AM D are lutein, zinc, beta carotene (converted to a retinol, a
form of vitamin A, in the small intestine), vitamin C, zeazanthin, and vitamin
A.
Many of these antioxidants can be obtained from foods. For
example, avocado's have a high amount of lutein. Brocolli contains zeaxanthin,
lutein, and vitamin C. For a great source of vitamin A, as well as lutein and
zeaxanthin, use spinach for all of your salads. I also recommend taking a multi
vitamin daily that contains all of these antioxidants. Ideally, you want to
consume 6-20 mg of Lutein daily.
The
eyes are said to be the windows to the soul. Well, they can definitely tell us
a lot about one's overall health. When you eat right and train right, the benefits
are endless. You will be healthy, your energy levels will be high, and you will
help prevent sight threatening conditions from occurring...what a bonus. Seeing
is believing!
