Top Supplements For Sight

Top Supplements For Sight

Nutrition cannot provide all the answers. We need to be able to add extra constituents to our dietary and life style program in order to catch up and restore what may have been lost. Here are my general recommendations for vision. They include those elements that are antioxidants, nerve supporters, pigment protectors, cell membrane components, vasodilators and co-factors.

Vitamin C -Vitamin C is an important structural component to strengthen capillaries and build collagen. It maintains the shape of the cornea, especially in cases of infection, and supports the fight against free radicals throughout the body. Vitamin C is the second most common antioxidant in the lens, and prevents cataracts from developing, whether due to sunlight exposure or other oxidative stresses.

B Complex vitamins -These vitamins are necessary for nerve function. The retinal receptor cells send all their messages through nerve fibers into the optic nerve, and into the brain. These vitamins maintain many nerve and general body activities. B-12 is especially important, as it is the most common deficiency in elderly individuals. 1000 mcg of B-12, sublingually (under the tongue) a day is recommended for people with optic nerve disease or glaucoma.

Alpha Lipoic Acid- This is a very important nerve stabilizer and is helpful in diabetics, and in patients with glaucoma, to protect their remaining optic nerve fibers.

Lutein -Lutein and other carotenoids are very important in the eye. We know that carrots are good for day vision and lutein and zeaxanthin are important in protecting the central retina (the macula) from blue and ultraviolet light. Studies have shown that oral administration of lutein, or eating spinach, can increase the level of lutein in the retina. This is especially important for people with age-related macular degeneration.

DHA -Dicosahexaenoic acid, with six unsaturated double bonds, comprises 30 percent of the good fat that is in the retina, brain and adrenal gland. The primary source for this is algae and cold water fish such as tuna, mackerel, salmon and sardines. DHA has been used as a supplement in infant formulas to improve visual performance in the first year of life, as well as emotional and physical development. People have found that following objects at a distance, driving and hand/eye coordination have all been improved with the use of this important fat, that stabilizes cell membranes throughout the body.

N-Acetyl Cysteine -This is the primary component in the production of glutathione. Glutathione is produced and released by the liver, and is the major antioxidant in the lens of the eye. Cellular enzymes — glutathione reductase, super oxide dismutase and catalase, are the primary free radical-fighting potions inside our cells. Glutathione helps fortify these and protect many structures throughout the body while removing toxins from the body.

Magnesium- Magnesium is important in nerve conduction and it dilates blood vessels. Magnesium at bedtime, 400-500 mg, is important for maintaining blood flow to the eye and brain in elderly individuals with macular degeneration or diabetes, at a time of decreased blood pressure because they are lying down. Magnesium and B-12 deficiencies are the two most common deficiencies in the elderly.

Chromium- This is important in regulation of blood sugar. Selenium is a co-factor for vitamin E, as well as glutathione reductase. Zinc plays a role in many enzymes present in the retina. Supplementation of more than 30 mg of zinc daily requires adding 2 mg of copper.

Gingko biloba- This herb has been used for millennia for eye and central nervous system problems. It is known to be a selective cerebrovascular dilator and seems to increase circulation to the back of the eye. It is becoming an adjunct in the treatment of macular degeneration and glaucoma. Although there are no critical studies that show a definite scientific value, there are many reports about its increasing blood flow to the eye.

Coleus forskohlii, Pilocarpus jaborandi, and Triphala- These have been recommended for patients with glaucoma to lower intra ocular pressure via parasympathetic relaxation of the body. Triphala (composes of Emblica officinaliis, Terminalia belerica and Terminalis chebula) has long been known in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of glaucoma. It is interesting that its mild laxative effect brings about a generalizing calming feeling, which is so important for glaucoma individuals, to reduce stress. Magnesium and B-12 are also important for these individuals with chronic glaucoma.

Silymarin -This is the primary component of milk thistle. Silymarin is a major liver support and is the only known treatment for chronic active hepatitis and for alcoholic cirrhosis. The  liver is the key organ for the eye, since all the fat soluble vitamins and glutathione are stored there. The B vitamins are activated in the liver. The eye is subjected to bright light throughout the day and the important ingredients for repair are stored in the liver. When the liver is overburdened, eyesight will be compromised.