How Your Diet Affects Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is caused when the macula of your eye breaks down, causing central vision loss. The leading cause of vision loss among older Americans, AMD can occur gradually or all at once. But you may be surprised to learn that your nutrition can help prevent macular degeneration, or at least delay the progression of blindness. Here’s what to look for:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps promote healthy of blood vessels in the eye. To get a large dose of vitamin C, incorporate foods into your diet such as bell peppers, citrus fruits, kidney beans tomatoes, snow peas, summer squash, cauliflower, cabbage, cantaloupe, and green leafy vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussel sprouts.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E reduces the progression of AMD, as well as cataract formation. Your body doesn’t create sufficient vitamin E naturally, so it’s important to up your intake for good eye health by eating foods rich in this vitamin. These include almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, spinach, avocados, turnip greens, beets and mango.
Vitamin B
B vitamins may help reduce the risk of developing AMD by helping to lower blood levels of an amino acid called homocysteine, which can damage your eye. Foods rich in vitamin B include bananas, white and sweet potatoes, spinach, avocados, bell peppers, pistachios, chickpeas, pinto beans, tuna, salmon, pork tenderloin, and skinless chicken and turkey.
Zinc
Your retina contains zinc, which helps your enzymes function properly and contribute to good eye health. People with AMD have much lower zinc levels, so eating foods that contain zinc is a good way to prevent and prevent AMD. Look for foods like oysters, pumpkin seeds, low-fat yogurt, clams, lentils, black-eyed peas, wheat germ, soy beans, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds and pecans.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Studies indicate that omega-3 fats may reduce the risk of developing AMD. The best foods for omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, rainbow trout, oysters, mackerel, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, walnuts, soybeans and canola oil.
Are You Interested in Learning More About Age-related Macular Degeneration?
Contact our office or call 208.342.5151 in Meridian or 208.459.0717 in Caldwell. We look forward to hearing from you!