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Eight to ten million people
suffer from eye problems 1and many cases of eye
damage and vision loss are linked to underlying diseases of
one type or another, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Sun exposure, tobacco smoke, and dehydration are other common
causes of eye problems.2
However, poor nutrition is linked
to nearly every cause of eye damage or loss of vision.3
From eyestrain to bags under the eyes, from bloodshot eyes to
blurred vision, nearly every irritation or trouble with the
eyes can be linked to the poor diet consumed by most people
every day. Our common American diet—high in foods laced with
chemicals and preservatives—is particularly detrimental to the
eyes.
With intense eyestrain from
computer work, inadequate light, environmental pollutants, the
need for eye-nourishing nutrients is even greater. Nicotine,
sugar and caffeine are also extremely detrimental, increasing
the need to provide nutritional support for the eyes. In fact,
a study reported in Science magazine reported that the single
greatest cause of cataracts is the body’s inability to cope
with milk sugar (lactose) and refined white sugar.4
Research shows that a
deficiency in nutrients can lead to various eye
problems. Nutrition can also help the eyes stay strong and/or
heal. Dietary factors have been shown to protect the retina
from loss of sensitivity.5 In another report,
Snodderly states that including more caretenoids in the diet
(dark green and orange fruits and vegetables) protect the eyes
against light damage.6 So supplementation is
critical to ensure that you are receiving the necessary
nutrients for healthy eye function and also to receive
antioxidants to protect against the damaging effects of free
radicals. In a study by the National Institute of Health in
October 2001, high levels of antioxidants and zinc were shown
to significantly reduce the risk of advanced age-related
macular degeneration and vision loss.7 Vitamin A is
absolutely necessary for proper eye function. Vitamins B, C, &
E are also necessary in healing and proper function.8
The Greatest Vitamin in the
World contains the highest quality nutrients to improve
your eye health (see Vitamins and Minerals). This formula is
a great source of all of the nutrients needed to ensure
optimal eye function.
1.
http://www.afb.org/ (American Foundation for the Blind).
2. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition. p.
355-358.
3. Ibid.
4. Seddon, JM, et al. Dietary caretenoids, vitamins A, C, & E,
and advanced age related macular degeration. A multicenter
study. JAMA 1994, 272:1413-1420.
5. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Feb, 1998,
Vol 39, No 2.
6. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, August,
1997; 38(9):1795-1801.
7.
http://www.nih.gov/. Antioxidant Vitamins and Zinc reduce
risk of vision loss from age related macular degeneration.
8. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition. p. 356.
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