The more we learn of how, primarily, the western diet is adding to a long list of health compromises, the more reasons you have to take action or take your chances.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is leading approximately 11 million Americans toward blindness with an estimate of that number doubling over the next two decades. As science scrambles to figure out a cure, scores of treatments are being used to slow this sight robbing disease.
Rather than wait for research to come up with something, medicinal eating can be an excellent preventative as well as a possible decelerator of current symptoms. Consider some foods explored here that fit the criteria of macular and overall optical strengthening capabilities. However, the first thing that is recommended is to rid yourself of 4 foods that cause total blindness. Corroborating research has boldly made this statement, just as it did with cancer and tobacco. There are no surprises here other than the fierce determination of science to shove obvious results at us in the hopes that some will listen and suffer less.
We Know What Works
Many research studies have been conducted regarding the link between specific nutrients and healthy vision. One notable and revered study was the Age-Related Eye Disease Study aka AREDS I & II. This showed significant results when a good combination of plant-based compounds were accumulated in the system as a daily protocol preventative.
The supplements recommended in the AREDS II (the more current recipe) formula include:
You can take this combination of supplements daily as well as incorporate them nutritionally in foods such as:
This kind of dedication to ‘eating for the eyes’ has shown not only in the AREDS research but many other studies on macular degeneration. However, if poor food decisions don’t get eliminated from your diet more research is showing just the opposite results, even if you think you’re maintaining a “healthy diet”.
Teen Across the Pond
Outside of the macular degeneration numbers reported in America, the United Kingdom has its own AMD challenges with approximately 1.5 million afflicted. However, it is in the UK where a unique case of malnutrition proved, at least in this observational study as compared to scientific data, the dangers of these 4 foods that cause total blindness.
It turns out that nutrition, or lack thereof, became more of a focus when one 17-year old high school student from Bristol, England went totally blind as a result of his extreme subpar diet.
According to an article in the Bristol Post, when the young man was 14-years old his parents’s sought out medical assistance due to symptoms of him being tired. Doctors labeled him a “fussy eater”.
It was reported that,
“He admitted that, since leaving primary school, his diet consisted of French fries, Pringles, white bread and processed meat and, upon testing, it was revealed he had a number of vitamin deficiencies, including a low level of B12 and macrocytic anaemia – a condition which brings larger than normal red blood cells.”
In addition, doctors found:
His physician recommended supplements and a more mindful diet. However, one year later the teen returned with impaired vision as well as hearing loss confessing to his doctor that he had not changed his diet. At this point the optic nerve, his macula and his retina were too damaged to save his vision and he went blind.
Although this is an extreme case it did somehow corroborate with scores of studies which warn of the dangers of eating too many of the wrong foods, particularly when it comes to vision. Now, science is narrowing it down to specifics so you can make an informed decision as to whether you would like to do everything you can to continue seeing into your old age.
The 4 Bandidos (and a few friends)
As mentioned, it is no surprise that these four foods are a risk to healthy vision by potentially perpetuating AMD. You have probably been reminded many times of the importance of avoiding these foods. Yet, just like the teen who went blind, the chance of reducing or even eliminating these from your diet may be too overwhelming. However, if you can remain steadfast and follow a cleaner dietary protocol the chance of you surpassing those that do not heed this warning is high.
These four most prominent foods, according to current research, experts say are now the most dangerous foods to regularly consume as there is a high potential for developing macular degeneration and rapid vision loss.
A report by Times Now Health, one of India’s leading news outlets, describes how, over time, these foods affect vision,
“…they increase blood sugar levels. Experts say that spiking blood sugar can lead to age-related macular degeneration which may damage the retina. As a result, this can cause blindness in the central field of vision and…could result in total blindness.”
It is a bold statement to announce that these foods are dangerous when they are staples of so many diets. Yet, that is the exact point. From generation to generation a processed food diet has become the norm with most regularly eating boxed, canned, fried, packaged, or fast-food choices.
The Times article even adds three more food warnings linked to macular degeneration and blindness. These foods are:
What is Too Much?
It is important to note that all the foods mentioned were studied as accumulative risks. This means you would need to eat one or more every day for rapid degeneration to occur. However, slower degeneration may not be much better. Blind is blind.
Therefore, eliminating these foods and replacing them with more mindful choices is a smart investment in your health and especially your vision. Increase more plant-based foods, clean raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, brown rice, seaweed snacks, and anything else that is not loaded with sugar, salt, and preservatives.
You don’t need these foods that cause AMD and total blindness. The whole ‘total blindness’ description should convince you. If not, well a future problem seems like no problem until it’s a problem.
Sources:
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/experts-issue-warning-over-food-7111301
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