by Richard L. Lindstrom, MD
Aging is one risk factor for disease and degeneration that no one can avoid. As all of us over the age of 60 know, the only good thing about aging is that it is superior to the alternative. It is telling that in the U.S., those over the age of 65 years consume 10 times the eye care as those under the age of 65 years.
The challenge for all seniors is to age gracefully, remaining as healthy, wealthy and wise as possible, allowing a high-quality, joyous life. It is part of our duty as physicians to assist our patients in meeting the challenges of aging as best possible. This challenge includes helping them preserve their vision, restoring visual function when treatable diseases are present and, in many cases, enhancing their visual function by, for example, reducing their dependence on glasses when desired.
Preservation of vision includes diagnosing age-related eye disease in a timely fashion and treating patients appropriately. The most common age-related diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, cataract, glaucoma and ocular surface disease are all best managed when diagnosed early and treated as indicated. We are all well-trained and experienced in the this type of restorative medical care.
On the other hand, counseling patients in preventive medical care through proper diet and lifestyle habits was not taught in my medical training, which began some 40 years ago. When I began my medical training in 1969, the significant impact that nutrition and behavioral choices can have on health and quality of life were both less well-understood and, to be direct, neglected in our formal educational process. Today we know that lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on our patients’, and our own, health and quality of life. Clear risk factors include smoking, a poor diet high in saturated fats, inadequate fruit and vegetable ingestion, lack of exercise and improper eye protection when performing dangerous activities, such as pounding a nail. It is important for us all to be aware of these factors and share this knowledge with our patients.
I am an advocate of nutritional supplements and encourage for many patients antioxidant and multiple vitamin supplements as well as omega-3 fatty acids. I take these myself as well as a daily dose of aspirin. Avoidance of smoking is critical. If one enjoys the occasional alcoholic drink, red wine seems the best choice with its high content of the antioxidant resveratrol — ideally never more than two glasses in a given day. Fish is to be encouraged frequently in place of meat. My internist’s recommendation is fruit for breakfast, salad for lunch, and fish or white meat for dinner with lots of green vegetables. In addition, exercise is critical. For most in their senior years, walking is the best therapy, along with light weight training. In addition, the impact of companionship on health and quality of life is well-established. Isolation often leads to depression, and it is important for all physicians to look for and offer referral to the untreated depressed patient.
In regards to vision restoration, the most common cause of visual disability in advanced countries, AMD, can in many cases be mitigated by referral to a specialist in low-vision aids. I ask every new patient I see with significant visual disability whether they have seen a low-vision specialist, and sadly, I would estimate that only about 10% have been previously evaluated. In addition, well more than 50% of senior patients with a visual disability also suffer from an untreated hearing disability. We now screen for this in our practice as well and offer treatment. This is an area where we as a profession can do better.
Of course, most rewarding is the restoration of vision, and the miracle of modern cataract surgery remains one of the most satisfying operations in all of medicine to perform. For many patients, we can not only restore good vision, but in many cases enhance visual performance and quality of life through the utilization of refractive cataract surgery customized to the individual patient’s lifestyle goals.
While the rewards of visual restoration remain at the core of our practice as ophthalmologists, it is important that we do not neglect our duty to preserve vision as well. I also believe it is now appropriate for every cataract surgeon to learn and practice the skills required for refractive cataract surgery, which provides the most common opportunity today for visual function enhancement in the senior patient. As always, the demand for lifelong learning and surgical skill advancement remains a challenge, but the positive impact on our senior patients’ quality of life is well worth the effort.
Bookmark and Share
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tomato Juice can Ward Off Osteoporosis- study
by neha gupta -
Two glasses of tomato juice a day keeps osteoporosis risk at bay, according to a recent research conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto in Canada.
2diggsdigg
Two glasses of tomato juice a day keeps osteoporosis risk at bay, according to a recent research conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto in Canada.
Consuming tomato juice on a regular basis can prevent osteoporosis, a bone ailment leading to an increased risk of fractures, by strengthening bones.
Lycopene, an antioxidant contained in the fruit is believed to be the key ingredient behind the process.
Lycopene has been earlier known to reduce the risk of prostate cancer [abnormal cells that divide without control, which can invade nearby tissues or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. ] and heart diseases in men.
The study details
The study, aimed to find the role of tomato juice in preventing osteoporosis, looked at 60 post-menopausal women aged between 50 to 60 years.
The participants were asked not to take any tomato product for 30 days.
Cutting out all tomato products from their diet led to a steep increase in their level of N-telopeptide, a chemical produced on breaking of bones.
They were further instructed to consume a daily dose of tomato juice for a period of 4 months.
The dosage included either 15mg of lycopene, 35mg of lycopene, lycopene capsules or dummy capsules.
Women taking any one of the lycopene products along with the juice reported a significant decrease in their N-telopeptide levels.
However, no such benefit was witnessed in the ones taking the dummy capsules.
According to the researchers, standard market juice was found to be as beneficial as the lycopene-enriched one.
"Tomatoes not only contain high levels of carotenoid antioxidants [compounds that protect against cell damage inflicted by molecules called oxygen-free radicals, which are a major cause of disease and aging.] such as lycopene, but also serve as a significant source of vitamin C, fiber and potassium in the American diet," said Kristin Reimers, Ph.D., nutrition manager, ConAgra Foods.
A little about Lycopene
Lycopene is a red colored carotene and carotenoid pigment commonly found in red fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, watermelons and papayas, pink grapefruit, pink guava, red bell pepper, seabuckthorn and wolfberry.
Tomato products like tomato-based sauces, juices, and ketchup account for almost 85 percent of the total lycopene consumption for most of us.
As the nutritional content of lycopene is not reduced on cooking of tomatoes, tomato products like a tomato paste are much more lycopene concentrated than raw tomatoes.
Lycopene is known to neutralize the growth of harmful radicals leading to several cancers like pancreatic cancer, colon [The part of the large intestine that runs from the cecum to the rectum as a long hollow tube that serves to remove water from digested food and let the remaining material, solid waste called stool, move through it to the rectum and leave the body through the anus. ] and rectum [lower end of the large intestine, leading to the anus.] , esophagus, oral cavity, breast, and cervix cancer besides heart diseases, macular degeneration and other age-related illnesses.
Two glasses of tomato juice a day keeps osteoporosis risk at bay, according to a recent research conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto in Canada.
2diggsdigg
Two glasses of tomato juice a day keeps osteoporosis risk at bay, according to a recent research conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto in Canada.
Consuming tomato juice on a regular basis can prevent osteoporosis, a bone ailment leading to an increased risk of fractures, by strengthening bones.
Lycopene, an antioxidant contained in the fruit is believed to be the key ingredient behind the process.
Lycopene has been earlier known to reduce the risk of prostate cancer [abnormal cells that divide without control, which can invade nearby tissues or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. ] and heart diseases in men.
The study details
The study, aimed to find the role of tomato juice in preventing osteoporosis, looked at 60 post-menopausal women aged between 50 to 60 years.
The participants were asked not to take any tomato product for 30 days.
Cutting out all tomato products from their diet led to a steep increase in their level of N-telopeptide, a chemical produced on breaking of bones.
They were further instructed to consume a daily dose of tomato juice for a period of 4 months.
The dosage included either 15mg of lycopene, 35mg of lycopene, lycopene capsules or dummy capsules.
Women taking any one of the lycopene products along with the juice reported a significant decrease in their N-telopeptide levels.
However, no such benefit was witnessed in the ones taking the dummy capsules.
According to the researchers, standard market juice was found to be as beneficial as the lycopene-enriched one.
"Tomatoes not only contain high levels of carotenoid antioxidants [compounds that protect against cell damage inflicted by molecules called oxygen-free radicals, which are a major cause of disease and aging.] such as lycopene, but also serve as a significant source of vitamin C, fiber and potassium in the American diet," said Kristin Reimers, Ph.D., nutrition manager, ConAgra Foods.
A little about Lycopene
Lycopene is a red colored carotene and carotenoid pigment commonly found in red fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, watermelons and papayas, pink grapefruit, pink guava, red bell pepper, seabuckthorn and wolfberry.
Tomato products like tomato-based sauces, juices, and ketchup account for almost 85 percent of the total lycopene consumption for most of us.
As the nutritional content of lycopene is not reduced on cooking of tomatoes, tomato products like a tomato paste are much more lycopene concentrated than raw tomatoes.
Lycopene is known to neutralize the growth of harmful radicals leading to several cancers like pancreatic cancer, colon [The part of the large intestine that runs from the cecum to the rectum as a long hollow tube that serves to remove water from digested food and let the remaining material, solid waste called stool, move through it to the rectum and leave the body through the anus. ] and rectum [lower end of the large intestine, leading to the anus.] , esophagus, oral cavity, breast, and cervix cancer besides heart diseases, macular degeneration and other age-related illnesses.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Nutrition and the Eye
Article submitted By Dr. Klair
Aging is a mystery, and everyone does it in their own way. Some people retain clear vision into old age, but most people, even those who are otherwise healthy, develop cataract, and some suffer macular degeneration. Nutrition plays an important role in the long term health of the eye.
The eye is subject to a lifetime barrage of light energy, which includes the white light of vision as well as the higher energy (and more damaging) ultra-violet radiation. The natural lens inside the eye absorbs much of this UV radiation and is subject to cumulative oxidative damage. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor of the eye and is believed essential in the repair of this damage. Vitamin C is widely available in citrus fruits and beverages, as well as tomatoes and most acidic fruits. Vitamin C is not stored in the human body and so must be consumed every day. If a person doesn't eat vitamin C rich foods, then they should supplement with 500 milligrams daily. In addition to the health of the eye, vitamin C is critical to the immune system, gums, and skin.
The macula, or central vision area of the retina, has complex pigments that constantly recycle and restore the retina after exposure to light. It has long been known that beta-carotene is essential to this process. Most people know that eating carrots, a rich source of beta-carotene, is good for vision. Vitamin A is supplemented in milk, and is also present in some animal products, especially liver. Humans store vitamin A in their liver and overdosing is possible, therefore the preferred supplement is beta carotene.
Recently it has been discovered that other carotinoid pigments, called lutein and zeaxanthine, are essential to the health of the macula. These are found in carrots but are more abundant in the dark green leafy vegetables, like collard greens, spinach, and kale. Yellow fruits like squash and pumpkin are also a good source. These pigments are concentrated in the macula and play a critical role in the function and restoration of the retina.
Unfortunately, as some people age the macula deteriorates. Age-related macula degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of new blindness in Americans over the age of 65. The risk is strongly age dependent and by age 75 there is a 5% incidence of the disease. There are two forms, "wet" and "dry," with the wet type being far more devastating to vision. Both types usually begin with the appearance of "drusen" in the macula. These usually appear in the 5th-6th decade of life and are detected by ophthalmologic examination. The American Medical Assoc. recommends screening exams every 2-4 years for ages 40-64, and then annually after age 65.
After years of anecdotal and epidemiologic evidence in favor of dietary pigments for AMD, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, released in November of 2001, definitively supports the role for dietary supplements in macular degeneration. The study found that patients with macular degeneration who took 80 mg of zinc, 500 mg of vitamin C, 15 mg of beta carotene, and 400 IU of vitamin E daily did better than those who took placebo or other combinations over a three year follow-up.
Eat a broad variety of foods over the course of a lifetime to maintain healthy eyes. Consult an ophthalmologist for use of dietary supplements.
Aging is a mystery, and everyone does it in their own way. Some people retain clear vision into old age, but most people, even those who are otherwise healthy, develop cataract, and some suffer macular degeneration. Nutrition plays an important role in the long term health of the eye.
The eye is subject to a lifetime barrage of light energy, which includes the white light of vision as well as the higher energy (and more damaging) ultra-violet radiation. The natural lens inside the eye absorbs much of this UV radiation and is subject to cumulative oxidative damage. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor of the eye and is believed essential in the repair of this damage. Vitamin C is widely available in citrus fruits and beverages, as well as tomatoes and most acidic fruits. Vitamin C is not stored in the human body and so must be consumed every day. If a person doesn't eat vitamin C rich foods, then they should supplement with 500 milligrams daily. In addition to the health of the eye, vitamin C is critical to the immune system, gums, and skin.
The macula, or central vision area of the retina, has complex pigments that constantly recycle and restore the retina after exposure to light. It has long been known that beta-carotene is essential to this process. Most people know that eating carrots, a rich source of beta-carotene, is good for vision. Vitamin A is supplemented in milk, and is also present in some animal products, especially liver. Humans store vitamin A in their liver and overdosing is possible, therefore the preferred supplement is beta carotene.
Recently it has been discovered that other carotinoid pigments, called lutein and zeaxanthine, are essential to the health of the macula. These are found in carrots but are more abundant in the dark green leafy vegetables, like collard greens, spinach, and kale. Yellow fruits like squash and pumpkin are also a good source. These pigments are concentrated in the macula and play a critical role in the function and restoration of the retina.
Unfortunately, as some people age the macula deteriorates. Age-related macula degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of new blindness in Americans over the age of 65. The risk is strongly age dependent and by age 75 there is a 5% incidence of the disease. There are two forms, "wet" and "dry," with the wet type being far more devastating to vision. Both types usually begin with the appearance of "drusen" in the macula. These usually appear in the 5th-6th decade of life and are detected by ophthalmologic examination. The American Medical Assoc. recommends screening exams every 2-4 years for ages 40-64, and then annually after age 65.
After years of anecdotal and epidemiologic evidence in favor of dietary pigments for AMD, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, released in November of 2001, definitively supports the role for dietary supplements in macular degeneration. The study found that patients with macular degeneration who took 80 mg of zinc, 500 mg of vitamin C, 15 mg of beta carotene, and 400 IU of vitamin E daily did better than those who took placebo or other combinations over a three year follow-up.
Eat a broad variety of foods over the course of a lifetime to maintain healthy eyes. Consult an ophthalmologist for use of dietary supplements.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
