The amazing orange and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

As if there weren’t enough problems to worry about as we get older, Age-related Macular Degeneration is one that is both serious and is relatively easily prevented.  Once it occurs, like everything else, treatment can be expensive and may not always yield perfect results.

AMD is a condition in which for one reason or another, the optic nerve attaching to the back of the eye starts to loose its connections.  At first there are no symptoms but as it develops, there is progressing loss of vision, clarity, and light, and it may or may not lead to blindness depending on the severity.

It has been known since 2008 that lycopene, zeazanthin, and other flavanoids found in fruits and vegetables help to delay the onset of AMD or worsening of symptoms.  This week a new study shows that an orange a day, with its treasure trove of flavanoids and vitamins seems to help with AMD.  Researchers studying AMD have looked at the effects of Vitamins A, B, C, and E on eye health but they are now turning their focus to a group of chemicals called bioflavanoids.  There are molecules that act as potent anti-oxidants and have important anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body, specially the immune system.

About ten years ago, a group of researchers in Japan found that one of the acupuncture points, traditionally used for pain, according to MRI studies, increases the signal and therefore the blood circulation, going to the optic nerve at the point of its attachment to the eyeball!  Acupuncture’s efficacy in treating a number of hard to treat conditions is unsurpassable.

If you have any questions about whether acupuncture and herbal medicine will help you, please call or email me.