Integrative Vision Care And Nutrition
by
Dr. Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac.
Mind/Body medicine is based on the fact that our health and well-being depends on all the
individual parts to work together effectively. So it should come as no surprise that healthy
eyesight is also dependent upon our total well-being, which is affected by our genetic makeup,
the food we eat, our work environment and exposure to airborne toxins, as well as our general
belief systems about ourselves and the world we live in.
Each of us is unique and literally
takes the world in through our senses, primarily through our vision. Many believe the way we
take in the world is, to some degree, a reflection of who we are and which symptoms we might
manifest. The integrative approach evaluates the person's lifestyle, habits, diet, exercise
routine, and stress management, along with the family history, in determining a therapeutic
approach. It attempts to bring in the patient as an active partner in the program to improve
or maintain eye health. Specific habits have been identified in studies to be very damaging
to eye health, including smoking, excessive alcohol, coffee, excess sugar and refined foods,
and hydrogenated oils (like margarines).
Nutrition and Nutritional Supplementation
Nutrition and nutritional supplementation could
play a key role in helping to prevent vision loss and keeping our bodies strong. More and
more peer review studies are identifying specific nutrients, by eye disease, that are lacking
in patients with diseases such as the following:
Glaucoma
Vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, Coleus, Ginkgo, Magnesium - in parts of Europe
and Asia, vitamin C is considered part of routine treatment for glaucoma. more ...
Macular Degeneration
Cataracts
Vitamin C and Glutathione are especially helpful for cataracts. In addition, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Alpha Lipoic Acid,
vitamin C, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, zinc, and other nutrients, while natural
sources include eggs, broccoli, avocados, garlic, onions and cauliflower. more ...
However, nothing
replaces a positive, healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, daily meditations or
walks in nature and a healthy diet. The rapid pace of our lives often interferes with us
taking the time to really take care of ourselves. Caring for ourselves helps to keep our
bodies healthy, and maximizes the mind/body's inherent healing potential.
Our NaturalEyeCare site offers specific recommendations for many eye conditions and diseases.
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