Foods To Reduce Macular Degeneration
We advise you on how to create a diet to partially stop macular degeneration. Adapt our tips to your personal preferences and needs.
Over time, many problems begin to appear in the body. Reducing macular degeneration has become a priority for people with this condition. It is a condition that appears with age and affects vision. So, if you no longer see clearly and you feel that visual acuity is not the same, you should go to a specialist to detect the disease in time.
With the help of a healthy and balanced diet, in addition to urgent medical control, you will be able to avoid partial blindness and improve your quality of life.
Symptoms of macular degeneration
Macular degeneration occurs because, over time, the macula of the eye deteriorates. In the center of the retina is an important part that is vulnerable to oxidative stress caused by free radicals. The retina, having a concentration of oxygen and polyunsaturated fatty acids, is more exposed to the oxidants that cause this disease. To detect it, look out for the following symptoms:
- You do not perceive fine or small details that are located in the central area of the visual field.
- You see straight lines with distortion.
- Dark or empty areas are present in the center of the visual field .
- Difficulties recognizing faces, reading, moving freely, or driving.
During the onset or when the disease occurs in only one eye, it is more difficult to perceive. That is why you must be attentive and make regular visits to your ophthalmologist.
Risk factor’s
Leading a healthy life will always guarantee good health. However, mistakes can be made that will cause short-term and long-term damage. In this case, macular degeneration is caused by:
- Tobacco use.
- Unbalanced diet, high in unhealthy fats.
- High cholesterol levels
- Diabetes, hypertension.
Diagnosis
The main decision you must make if you feel any of the above symptoms is to go to the ophthalmologist to begin the evolution of the case and prevent the disease from advancing rapidly. You should bear in mind that there are two types of macular degeneration:
- Dry or atrophic: It appears slowly. It is the most frequent case. Its evolution cannot be stopped because there are no medical treatments that prevent the case from worsening.
- Moist or exudative: The main cause is the lack of oxygen in the retina. It is rare, but the most serious. There are treatments to stop it: laser surgery and drugs that are injected directly into the eye.
Diet to reduce macular degeneration
Oxidative stress and the action of free radicals that are concentrated in the retina can be reduced by consuming certain foods. This will help reduce macular degeneration partially. Look for foods that contain the following nutrients:
- Vitamin C: It is concentrated in the eye tissues and also helps fight cataracts and maintain the health of blood vessels. It should be taken into account that this nutrient has a high antioxidant capacity, according to a study published in Nutrients .
- Vitamin E: It is also an excellent antioxidant, as stated by research published in Hospital Nutrition.
- Zinc: Helps the liver release vitamin A, which benefits the eye tissue and the proper functioning of the retina. It has also been shown to help improve memory and fight night blindness.
- Copper: Contributes to the production of myelin, a substance that protects the nerves.
- Beta-caronetenes: Source of vitamin A, essential for sight and the functioning of the immune system.
In this process it is not necessary to include vitamin supplements but food with the above nutrients. You can get them in products of the Mediterranean diet such as:
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Vegetable oil
- Whole grains .
- Nuts.
- Eggs.
- Meats.
- Fish.
Foods to reduce macular degeneration
Introduce the following foods in your diet to prevent and reduce macular degeneration.
Ginkgo biloba
This Asian plant improves blood circulation, reducing oxidative stress in the eye area. Of course, take it seasonally, every three months and rest the next two. You can also take it in capsules or in extract.
Berries
They are a source of antioxidants, vitamin C and lutein, a component that acts as a sunscreen and prevents vision loss. In addition, they are delicious fruits that you can take in juices, desserts, salads and smoothies. Blueberries stand out, but you can also eat raspberries, strawberries, red plums, blackberry or cherry.
Spinach
They have beta carotenes, minerals, vitamin K and B complex, Omega 3, coenzyme Q10, polyphenols and chlorophyll. Consequently, its properties are necessary to help us reduce macular degeneration. However, we warn you that it is more effective to consume these raw vegetables. In fact, salads or juices combined with fruits are a good option.
Black grape seeds
They act as an antioxidant thanks to its contribution of flavonoids, which will help you prevent this disease. Prepare a smoothie with the grapes and do not remove their seeds. You should eat 40 to 60 mg per day.
Blue Fish
Fish has omega-3 fatty acids, which not only help the cardiovascular system in general, but also have important functions on sight. Include it in your regular diet and enjoy the beneficial effects of these healthy fats.
Yolk
With one a day you will be helping the production of visual pigments, since they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients that act in this process. This disease can be reversed, or at least mitigated, by assuming a healthy lifestyle. Of course you can have certain quirks, but they should not be excesses that affect health. Even if your family history does not indicate that you can suffer it, take care of your eyes and do not force it.
Improve diet to prevent macular degeneration
If signs of macular degeneration are already showing, see a doctor immediately. The tests and treatments that they prescribe will help you not lose your sight quickly. Keep in mind that good lifestyle habits will help to avoid this process, thus improving well-being.
