CATARACT

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Cataract surgery costs Medicare more money than any other medical procedure. Cataract is epidemic among the aged. It is usually caused by the excessive production of free radicals throughout life.

It is difficult to treat cataract with oral antioxidants because there is only a minimal amount of blood circulation within the eye compared to other parts of the body. Yet, there is evidence that the progression of cataract disease can be slowed by taking nutrients that improve blood circulation to the eye.

Ginkgo biloba extract should be taken at a dose of 120 mg a day by anyone suffering from cataracts. Bilberry extract should be taken at a dose of 150 mg a day by cataract patients. These two flavonoid nutrients may help to restore micro-capillary circulation to the eye.

After taking ginkgo and bilberry for a month, add 600 micrograms of the mineral selenium, 500 mg of the amino acid glutathione and 1,000 mg of alpha-lipoic acid every day.

Melatonin is a potent antioxidant that may be especially effective in treating cataract. Melatonin production slows down in people over the age of 40, and by age 60 there is virtually no melatonin being naturally produced. It is over the age of 60 when most cataracts develop. The suggested dose for Melatonin is 3 mg taken at bedtime.

Glycation (glycosylation) of proteins has been shown to play a prominent role in the development of diabetic cataract formation and retinopathy. This process also occurs as a result of general aging. Investigations have been conducted to explore the possibility of preventing glycation through the use of pyruvate and alpha-ketoglutarate. The results demonstrate that both these compounds are effective in preventing the initial glycation reaction, as well as the formation of eye disease.

Both pyruvate and alpha-keto glutarate also inhibit the generation of high molecular weight aggregates associated with cataract formation. The preventive effects appear to be due to competitive inhibition of glycation by the keto acids and the antioxidant properties of these compounds. These agents might be useful in preventing glycation related protein changes and consequent tissue pathological manifestations associated with cataract, diabetes and normal aging. Those with cataract disease should consider taking 650 mg of Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate three times a day.

The best form of pyruvate is calcium pyruvate. A 500-mg capsule of calcium pyruvate provides 405 mg of elemental pyruvic acid. One to three capsules a day of calcium pyruvate are suggested.

The European drug aminoguanidine in the dose of 300 mg a day has been shown to specifically inhibit glycation.

Arginine facilitates the natural synthesis of nitric oxide, and has been shown to enhance arterial elasticity in the diabetic patient. Nitric oxide enables arteries to easily expand and contract with each heart beat. One study also showed that supplementation with only two daily dosages of arginine free base (2 grams a day) produced a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and free radical by-products after three months. The researchers concluded that arginine supplementation could reduce the long-term micro-capillary complications seen in diabetic patients.

Those suffering from cataract disease might benefit from the circulatory-enhancing effects of arginine. An arginine formula called Powermaker II provides a potent dose of arginine and related co-factors. The dose of Powermaker II Sugar Free (without fructose) should be one to two tablespoons a day.

It is crucial for cataract patients to wear protective eyeglasses to shield against free radical damage induced by ultraviolet (UV) sunlight. If UV-blocking sunglasses were to be worn throughout life, the risk of cataract would be reduced greatly. Exposure to sunlight is a major risk factor in the development and progression of cataract disease. Low-cost, wrap-around sunglasses called Sun-Shields are available; they fit over regular glasses to provide almost 100-percent protection against UV penetration to the eye.

Some cataract patients apply vitamin drops, called Viva Drops, to their eyes every day. While there is no published data on whether vitamin drops can slow the cataract disease process, these vitamin drops do provide antioxidant protection directly to the lens of the eye.

Carmen Fusco has written an article on the prevention of cataracts and the treatment of early cataract with riboflavin, chromium, SOD and catalase. She also recommends reducing sugars, including milk sugar.

Product availability: You can order ginkgo biloba and bilberry, high-potency glutathione capsules, a special selenium complex that contains three different forms of selenium, alpha-lipoic acid, calcium pyruvate, Ornithine ketoglutarate, Melatonin, Power Maker II, Sun-Shields and Viva Drops by calling 1-800-544-4440 or order OnLine. Ask how to contact a European supplier of aminoguanidine.