Have you ever felt your money was wasted on supplements? That even though you
consistently followed the protocol from your health-care practitioner you were
not getting the results others obtained with the same program? You may have been
right! We've helped hundreds of patients with age-related macular
degeneration (ARMD) with these healing secrets designed to help
"non-responders"; those for whom the average supplement and dietary protocol
fails to work.
ARMD is the leading cause of blindness in elderly Western populations and it
is marked by central vision loss where blind spots or scotomas intrude.
Threading a needle and passing the driver's licensing test eventually become
impossible but ARMD is preventable – even reversible to some degree with the
diligent, intelligently targeted efforts we have put into practice in our
clinics to increase the chances of success.
The best doctor's recommendations or nutritional consulting for ARMD are
fruitless unless nutrients are able to be broken down or micellized, transported
to the macula, and assimilated there. After years of observing how some patients
prevent ARMD despite strong hereditary tendencies, how some halt or even reverse
impending blindness, and how some patients actually get worse despite being on
the same protocol, it became clear that powerful tactics were needed in addition
to recommending dietary changes or supplements.
The strategies we employ are successful for many individuals and have
applications far beyond the diagnosis of ARMD. They will influence conditions or
diseases where proper fat breakdown is essential to impact issues such as dry
eye, post-cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery) status, liver
disease, etc. The eye, GI tract, liver, and gallbladder are intricately
entwined. Think about it, when your liver is sick, your eyes turn yellow or
jaundiced. When your GI tract is out of balance, red, itching "allergy" eyes
often result. Interesting signaling! The solution is more complicated than just
popping a supplement or even making some dietary changes. Are you ready to learn
the secrets? Whether you have macular degeneration or not, these concepts will
serve you well.
Best Kept Secret #1: Work from the GI Tract Outward
Some doctors, when pressed if they had only one system to specialize in,
would tell you, "The GI tract." Why? Because the GI tract is central to good
health and its ability to affect the entire body so powerful when operating at
its peak. It is here that we begin to improve vision. The target nutrients used
in past studies[1] to prevent, halt,
or reverse ARMD are lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, antioxidants, and fish
oil. The carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene) concentrate in the
central part of the retina, and help us identify colors and see fine details, so
they are vital in a healing strategy. They also provide protection against blue
light, which damages the retina. Building macular optical pigment density (MOPD)
is the goal in this approach, replenishing the macula; but first we have to
break down these carotenoids and antioxidants and then shuttle them to the
macula by following several simple tactics.
Dr. Stuart Richer, who demonstrated success in reversing macular
degeneration with the LAST studies,[2] shares an encouraging increase in MOPD in
the pictures below. From July 14, 2011, to October 6, 2011, the degree of MOPD
increased by employing some of the following strategies. A picture is worth a
thousand words and is the tool best used to motivate patients to committed
action. These pictures give hope to those losing their eyesight; the macula is
refilling nicely with lutein and zeaxanthin.
The graphs show MOPD, at baseline on the left and increasing in the
right-hand picture reflected by the non-red portions of the image after nearly
three months of supplementation use. This means the macula is refilling with
lutein and zeaxanthin.
To ensure proper breakdown of supplements, use a good digestive supplement,
preferably one that contains ox bile, taurine, lecithin, and adequate
hydrochloric acid, or a combination of these. Thinning the bile is a major key
to eye health as it will help more lutein get to the macula. Doing a
liver/gallbladder flush[3]
seasonally is an aggressive part of the plan, if one wishes to take a serious,
logical approach. Remember, the liver and gallbladder influence the eye, so aim
to create a healthy, fully functioning liver and gallbladder. We are not only
our eyes. We are a complete system, so thinking from a systems biology
approach[4] may create the desired
healing response. To do this, head south to the GI tract first.
Interior Terrain Influences Absorption, So Start Clean
A well-functioning GI tract influences the eye tremendously. Support
digestive ability by following the 4-R[5] or GI Restoration program. Absorption of the
macula-replenishing carotenoids like beta-carotene will be hindered by the
presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria and/or an imbalance of intestinal
bacteria. This interior terrain needs a healthy balance of good bacteria versus
bad bacteria by using targeted supplements and the support of digestive enzymes
along with the other approaches discussed in the 4-R protocol.
All of the targeted supplements and carotenoid-rich foods we suggest will not
do you a bit of good unless they are first broken down or micellized.
As even Wikipedia notes, "Micelle formation is essential for the absorption
of fat-soluble vitamins and complicated lipids within the human body. Bile
salts formed in the liver and secreted by the gall bladder allow micelles of
fatty acids to form. This allows the absorption of complicated lipids (e.g.,
lecithin) and lipid soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) within the micelle by the
small intestine."[6]
These are the micellizing "magicians" that get the job done: (1) Ox
Bile: Supply exogenous ox bile, particularly to post-cholecystectomy
patients; (2) Lecithin:
(Sunflower or soy) can be added to the diet to aid in fat breakdown;
and (3) Taurine: A precursor to bile production, which also
thins bile.
Fat-soluble lutein and zeaxanthin, essential to
replenish the macula, require being emulsified or broken down to the
micellized state in order to enter the bloodstream for transport by a
very surprising particle "shuttle," high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
Sufficient, Well-functioning Bile Is Vital
Bile acids are made from cholesterol in the liver and stored and concentrated
in the gallbladder where they act as an emulsifying agent to break up fat into
smaller globules, making it more soluble or hydrophilic. This process is called
micelle formation. Fat and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, K, beta-carotene,
and the carotenoid family are carried to the intestinal mucosa, absorbed into
the lymphatic system, and then into the bloodstream. So what is the best kept
secret? First, break down the fat-soluble vitamins and then get them to
the macula by raising HDL levels to 61 or above.
Do you know what your HDL level is?
We discovered this secret by observing hundreds of macular-degeneration
patients and had noted in their history that many had had their gallbladder
removed or else they were obese or otherwise compromised and had trouble
digesting fats, as evidenced by their dry skin, dry eyes, weight gain, gas and
bloating, or floating or shiny stools after fatty meals had been consumed. The
connection was obvious! No gallbladder, fat maldigestion, or liver or GI issues
equaled problems. Half a million people a year are opting for cholecystectomy
(gallbladder surgery), not realizing that they can simply cleanse the liver and
gallbladder with a "flush,"[7] which
is basically an "oil change" that removes old, stasis bile and relieves symptoms
in most cases. It is not hard or expensive to do and anyone can do it. And it is
certainly worth a try.
However, we are concerned – particularly in a patient with macular
degeneration who has undergone cholecystectomy – that fat-soluble vitamins be
effectively broken down and absorbed. It is hoped that practitioners caring
for macular-degeneration patients incorporate these strategies into their
standard of care so that non-responders will have more chance of
improvement.
But proper breakdown isn't the end of the story. Nutrient transport is
another key player. Call the HDL "Shuttle."
Best Kept Secret #2: Lutein and Zeaxanthin Need HDL Particles
Lutein and zeaxanthin, critical components to replenish the macula, are
carried in the bloodstream to the macula on HDL particles. That's amazing.
Carotenoids responsible for central vision hitch a ride on a cholesterol
particle and hone in on their destination: the macula. And you thought
cholesterol was the enemy ... wrong! Cholesterol in a healthy ratio and thin
bile are key players in this healthy-eye strategy.
Bile is made of bile salts, cholesterol esters, and lecithin. Keep
cholesterol at a healthy, total level and at an optimal HDL-to-low density
lipoprotein (LDL) ratio because if cholesterol is too low, we will not have
enough of the raw materials we need to make bile. Be sure you have what it takes
to make cholesterol. Even magnesium plays a part. Blood-serum concentration of
lutein and zeaxanthin by proper breakdown of nutrients into micellized globules
is important, but equally important is the ability to transport them to their
targeted destination. Unless HDL cholesterol is adequate – at least 61
milligrams per deciliter – time and money are potentially wasted on
supplements.
Strategies to Raise HDL
Since keeping your HDL at 61 mg/dl or over is important, you might consider
the following strategies:
- Exercise: Regular exercise that raises your heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes increases HDL.
- Lose Weight and stop eating transfats: Carotenoids concentrate in the fat first, so if overweight, lose weight! Meantime, while you're working on it, take more lutein and zeaxanthin and employ the most successful diet recorded to lose weight and reduce disease: the Hale Project[8] documented the amazing success of the Mediterranean Diet (MeDi). Not only is it a smart way to eat, but it also reduced all causes of death and disease by fifty percent in study participants aged 70-90 with active disease processes established after ten years adherence, practicing moderate red wine consumption, light exercise, and not smoking. Macular degeneration or not, this diet is proven!
- Drink Red Wine or use Resveratrol: High-altitude or heat-stressed vine wines from Argentina, Chile, Australia, or damp, moldy vines found in areas like the Finger Lakes of New York are typically higher in resveratrol and will not only raise HDL but also influence health at 1-2 glasses per day. If you don't drink wine or it is contraindicated for you, then use non-alcoholic resveratrol.
- Take Niacin and Fish Oil: both increase HDL.
- Quit Smoking: Besides reducing HDL smoking asphyxiates the eye.
- Get an Oil Change: Remove all transfats from your diet and replace them with healthy, healing oils to raise your HDL. Employ olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, hemp oil, and flax oil.
There is strength in combining a multi-pronged approach, so consider
employing the total approach. Preventing, halting, and even reversing blindness
is worth every sacrifice or new habit employed to ensure success and these
secrets are a winning combination.
Summarizing the Total Approach
- Aim for an HDL of 61 mg/dl.
- Lose weight, if needed, and take a combination of supplements proven to halt or reverse macular degeneration. If overweight, take more than the recommended amount of carotenoids or use water-soluble zeaxanthin. In either case, employ the MeDi. It extends life and reduces disease.
- Take a supplement that supports proper fat breakdown along with a good eye vitamin.
- Do the 4R program[9] and/or a liver/gallbladder flush in the Spring and Fall to improve fat assimilation.
- Flush and nourish the liver/gallbladder.
- Eat a preferably organic diet, rich in the carotenoids, to replenish the macular pigment (MOPD –remember the pictures?). Egg yolk, kale, spinach, collard and turnip greens lightly steamed, romaine lettuce, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, red and yellow vegetables, and fruits are all great sources.
*A special thanks to Dr. Stuart Richer, Dr. Donald Carroll, NTP, and Bill
Sardi, Medical Researcher, for reviewing this article.
This article is for informational purposes only. By providing the information
herein, I am not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating or preventing any type
of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural,
integrative, or conventional treatment or regime, it is advisable to seek the
advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
©2013 Katherine Ann Carroll. All Rights Reserved.
Written By:
Katherine Carroll, NTP
Disclaimer: This
article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views
expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its
staff.
Source: http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/best-kept-secrets-prevent-halt-or-even-reverse-macular-degeneration
- [2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15117055
- [3] http://curezone.com/schulze/herbal_5day_liver_cleanse.asp
- [4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_biology
- [5] http://flt.metagenics.com/practitioners/programs/4r-gi-health-program
- [6] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micelle
- [7] http://curezone.com/schulze/herbal_5day_liver_cleanse.html
- [8] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15383513
- [9] http://flt.metagenics.com/practitioners/programs/4r-gi-health-program
