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My new web site NaturoBase.com has a lot more information - over 6,000 research studies, etc!
Visit the NaturDoctor Store for professional nutritional supplements. Basic Nutritional Support Hormone Panels Children's Health. Men's Health Women's Health Detoxification Liver Digestion Support Heart and Cholesterol Musculoskeletal Finally, a Healthy Energy Drink for you and your kids! |
Information on Macular DegenerationDescription Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 55, affecting more than 10 million Americans. The disease occurs when the central portion of the retina (the macula) deteriorates, resulting in impaired vision or blindness. One definition of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is pigmentary changes in the macula or typical drusen (small bright structures seen in the retina and in the optic disc) associated with visual loss to the 20/30 level or worse, not caused by cataract or other eye disease in individuals over 50 years of age. Other definitions do not include age or visual acuity criteria. ARMD is the leading cause of irreversible severe visual loss in persons over 65 years of age. There are two stages: Atrophic/nonexudative and Neovascular/exudative. Atrophic/nonexudative has drusen and/or pigmentary changes in the macula. Neovascular/exudative has growth of blood vessels underneath the retina. Prevalence increases with age. Over 75 years; one quarter of men and one third of women will have evidence of ARMD.; The prevalence of severe visual loss from ARMD increases with age. 2.2% of patients over 65 years of age are blind in one or both eyes from ARMD. The atrophic/nonexudative stage accounts for 20% of cases of severe visual loss. The neovascular/exudative stage accounts for 80% of cases of severe visual loss. Causes The cause of macular degeneration is considered to be visible light which can result in the formation and accumulation of metabolic byproducts in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which normally helps remove metabolic byproducts from the retina. The excess accumulation of these metabolic byproducts interferes with the normal metabolic activity of the RPE and can lead to the formation of drusen. Some postulate these changes are initiated by isolated regions of choriocapillaris vascular failure. These proceedings cause the RPE to degenerate, resulting in photoreceptor loss. As the photoreceptors disintegrate, the inner nuclear layer collapses and contacts BruchÕs membrane, initializing the degeneration of the outer retinal layers. Some theorize that the mechanism of damage may be through ultraviolet radiation-induced oxidation and free radical formation within these structures. Risk factors include: Excess sunlight exposure; Blue or light iris color; Hyperopia; History of cardiovascular disease (hypertension, circulatory problems); Short height; History of lung infection; and Cigarette smoking. Conventional Labs Macular degeneration is diagnosed by opthalmoscopy, which shows drusen (small bright structures seen in the retina and in the optic disc), retinal pigment epithelial atrophy or clumping in the macula. Standard lab tests are recommended to identify risk factors, especially cardiovascular disease. Specialty Lab Tests Products to consider Natural Therapies Most natural health web sites put a list of herbs, vitamins and nutritional supplements along with citations from scientific studies. Have you found this to be confusing, since there are so many to choose from? A far simpler way is to choose a supplement from the appropriate body system, such as liver support, detoxification, etc. A well formulated supplement works a lot better than separate vitamins and usually costs a lot less. Please call me at (239) 659-2684 if you would like some assistance in choosing an appropriate product. I can't diagnose or treat diseases by phone, but I can assist you in making better choices. I also can send some relevant articles to read. The first ten minutes are free (as long as you purchase from my web site). |
The next step, after you have been diagnosed with a disease, is to find out what is the specific cause, and then choose supplements that address it. Phone consults are my specialty. Please call my at (239) 659-2684 to schedule a consultation.
I recommend that you make an informed choice, and the goal of this web site is to provide you with the information to make a wise choice when it comes to your health and wellness.
As you can see, I don't sell any vitamins on this web site. There are thousands of vitamin stores that will sell you whatever vitamin you want, and many of them offer discounts.
If you are interested in some high-quality basic nutritional supplements, I recommend visiting the Store You will find my recommendations for a multiple, tasty chewable fiber wafers, high-potency probiotics, and fish oils.
Good luck in your journey towards health and wellness!!
Unfortunately, that would be a clear violation of FDA regulations. Also, one of the most important aspect of naturopathy is: "Treat the person, not the disease". This is a profound statement, and many people have spent thousands of dollars on vitamins listed in books or web sites for a specific disease. This is what I call "vending machine medicine". It rarely works! The solution is to find a naturopathic physician, such as myself, to assist you.
© 2002