Cataracts - Manuka honey?

CATARACTS.

Symptoms.

Gradual loss of vision through the development of cataracts is most common in the elderly, but the process can also begin much earlier. The first signs of cataract onset are unclear vision and an increased sensitivity to light. An early symptom of a cataract in the elderly is the sudden ability to read without once needed reading glasses. Over the years one or both lenses cloud over and may lead to total blindness. The process is painless. When the condition becomes serious, the cataract is unmistakable to the onlooker as the darkened lens clouds over the pupil.

Causes.

Cataracts are the result of degenerative changes in the eye. It is a hereditary problem if it develops very early, but this is not common. Repeated exposure the eyes to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, radiation or the infrared rays of an open fire without protective eye wear can cause cataracts. Welders and glass blowers are at high risk. Cataracts may have some relationship to a variety of causes, diabetes, ultraviolet light or radiation exposure, injury or surgery, viral infections, toxic heavy metal excess in the body, heredity galactosemia and advancing age. Cataracts are caused by free radical damage to the sulphur containing proteins in the lens. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules which can react with and destroy body tissues.

Nutritional Supplements.

Cataracts are often related to nutrient deficiencies that are caused by poor diet or ling term use of medications. All nutrients are necessary for the prevention of cataracts, but vitamins B2, B5, C and E are particularly important. Vitamin C is a very important antioxidant for the eye. It is concentrated in amounts thirty to fifty times greater in the aqueous humor of the eye than in the blood. Studies show that vitamin C levels are greatly reduced or absent in the lens with a cataract and that supplementation (1,000mg or more a day) can halt cataract progression. If you are already taking Vitamin C consider taking more. Your individual needs may far exceed your current supplementation level. Taking Vitamin C to bowel tolerance will teach you your body’s individual needs. Other important nutrients are Vitamin A and beta carotene, which are particularly important for the eyes and vision. Like vitamins C and E they are antioxidants which prevent free radical damage to the lens of the eyes.

Bioflavonoids, especially bilberry or grape seed extract and quercetin also provide strong antioxidant protection. Glycine, Glutamic Acid and cysteine are the three amino acids that make up the antioxidant, glutathione found in very high concentrations in a healthy lens. Glutathione levels are low in all cases of cataracts and can be increased by supplementing the amino acid precursors, glycine, glutamic acid and cysteine.

Herbal Remedies.

Rinse the eyes once a day with golden seal bayberry or eyebright infusions

External / Physical Therapies.

Wear UV protective sunglasses sun exposure accelerates cataract formation
Avoid overall stress
(NaturalNews) Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. Doctors will tell you that there is no cure for cataracts and that your only options are to either have surgery or treat the symptoms. The truth is that cataracts can often be reversed and even eliminated with natural treatments. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens which usually worsens and blurs the vision as time goes by. It is believed than many things can lead to cataracts such as: aging in the eye accelerated by toxic stress, dehydration and heavy metal poisoning with metals such as bromine, cobalt, cadmium and nickel and lead. Notably, heavy cigarette smoke is a leading source of cadmium. Dr. Kondrot at the Healing the Eye and Wellness Center in Dade, Fl., believes that the three most important steps you can take to reduce the growth and reverse cataracts are the following: 1) Change your diet to organic living foods. Avoid all preservatives, GMO foods and corn fructose. 2) Maintain proper hydration. Cataracts are denatured lens proteins (denatured = dehydrated). Proper hydration is also the best way to reduce your toxic load. 3) Be tested for heavy metal poisoning and if heavy metals are present have them treated. The only proper way is to have a six-hour urine challenge test with a provocative agent to measure the heavy metals. If you have elevated heavy metals you need to undergo chelation therapy. See www.acam.org for doctors who do this challenge test. Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/039859_cataracts_natural_remedies_vision.html#ixzz45grLRV79