Guest guest Posted September 6, 2003 Report Share Posted September 6, 2003 Cataracts: Hope with Proteolytic Enzymes -- In '82, I was diagnosed with cataract formation. I found a leading Behavioral Optometrist here in NYC who had good experience with nutrition. . .offered little hope at the time except he had a dog with cataract formation and the vet gave the dog proteolytic enzymes - and the cataracts regressed. The optometrist had me take the enzymes on an empty stomach - in between meals - and in 3 months, the cataracts' progression stopped. Since then, with every periodic check-up, I can read " further down the chart " and that was over 20 years ago - with no further problem with the cataracts. The optometrist worked with an integrative, holistic physician using the enzyme process, and they're repeated my experience many times. Of course, I take (and took before starting on enzymes) a well balanced supplement program for my overall health. It's definitely worth a try - harmless with big dividends. Jerry Mittelman, DDS, FAPM - JoAnn Guest Friday, September 05, 2003 2:39 PM Cataracts (Prevention) Cataracts (Prevention) Principal Proposed Treatments . Antioxidants Other Proposed Treatments . Bilberry; Ginkgo; OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins); Turmeric; Cysteine; Lipoic Acid; Vitamin B3 (Niacin); Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin); Selenium; Taurine; Zinc http://community.healthgate.com/GetContent.asp? siteid=iHerb & docid=/tnp/pg000256 Principal Proposed Treatments for Cataracts (Prevention) Other Proposed Treatments for Cataracts (Prevention) References --- ----------- Cataracts-an opaque buildup of damaged proteins in the lens of the eye-are the leading cause of visual decline in those over 65. In fact, most people in that age group have at least the beginnings of cataract formation. Many factors contribute to the development of cataracts but damage by free radicals is believed to play a major role. (See the article on atherosclerosis for a description of free radicals.) Cataracts can be removed surgically. Although this has become a relatively quick, safe, easy, and painless surgery, it does not result in completely normal vision. Clearly, preventing cataracts, if possible, would be preferable. --- ----------- Principal Proposed Treatments for Cataracts (Prevention) Antioxidants Numerous observational studies suggest that high intake of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids (beta- carotene, lutein, and lycopene) are associated with a reduced incidence of cataracts.1-11 However, the results of observational studies are notoriously unreliable. It is quite possible that individuals who consume a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins have other lifestyle habits that could be responsible for the benefits seen. Furthermore, foods containing antioxidants also contain numerous other active substances, which could be responsible for the effects seen in some studies rather than the identified antioxidants themselves. Studies that involve actually taking supplements (intervention trials) can provide much stronger evidence regarding whether a treatment actually works. Unfortunately, the results of a recent large intervention trial were not encouraging. This double-blind placebo-controlled trial studied the effects of antioxidant supplements in 4,629 older individuals.12 Participants received either placebo or an antioxidant supplement containing 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, and 15 mg of beta-carotene. The results over more than 6 years showed no effect on the risk of development of cataracts nor the rate at which existing cataracts grew worse. A previous double-blind placebo-controlled study examined the use of beta-carotene or vitamin E alone and failed to find them effective.13 --- ----------- Other Proposed Treatments for Cataracts (Prevention) Herbs high in antioxidant flavonoids are frequently suggested for preventing cataracts. These include bilberry, ginkgo, OPCs, and turmeric. For various theoretical reasons, the supplements cysteine, lipoic acid, niacin (vitamin B3), riboflavin (vitamin B2), selenium, taurine, and zinc have also been proposed. However, there is little real evidence that any of these treatments actually help. --- ----------- References 1. Hankinson SE, Stampfer MJ, Seddon JM, et al. Nutrient intake and cataract extraction in women: a prospective study. BMJ. 1992;305:335- 339. 2. Tavani A, Negri E, La Vecchia C. Food and nutrient intake and risk of cataract. Ann Epidemiol. 1996;6:41-46. 3. Carson C, Lee S, De Paola C, et al. Antioxidant intake and cataract in the Melbourne Visual Impairment Project [abstract]. Am J Epidemiol. 1994;139(11 suppl):A65. 4. Robertson JM, Donner AP, Trevithick JR. Vitamin E intake and risk of cataracts in humans. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1989;570:372-382. 5. Rouhiainen P, Rouhiainen H, Salonen JT. Association between low plasma vitamin E concentration and progression of early cortical lens opacities. Am J Epidemiol. 1996;144:496-500. 6. Vitale S, West S, Hallfrish J, et al. Plasma antioxidants and risk of cortical and nuclear cataract. Epidemiology. 1993;4:195-203. 7. Vitale S, West S, Hallfrisch J, et al. Plasma vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene levels and risk of cataract. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1991;32:723. 8. Ross WM, Creighton MO, Trevithick JR. Radiation cataractogenesis induced by neutron or gamma irradiation in the rat lens is reduced by vitamin E. Scanning Microsc. 1990;4:641-650. 9. Mares-Perlman JA, Brady WE, Klein BEK, et al. Diet and nuclear lens opacities. Am J Epidemiol. 1995;141:322-334. 10. Brown L, Rimm EB, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;70:517-521. 11. Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Weddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;70:509-516. 12. Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E and beta carotene for age-related cataract and vision loss. AREDS Report No. 9. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119:1439-1452. 13. Teikari JM, Rautalahti M, Haukka J, et al. Incidence of cataract operations in Finnish male smokers unaffected by alpha tocopherol or beta carotene supplements. J Epidemiol Community Health. 1998;52:468- 472. --- ----------- Last reviewed March 2002 by HealthGate CAM Medical Review Board All HealthGate health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. http://community.healthgate.com/GetContent.asp? siteid=iHerb & docid=/tnp/pg000256 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2003 Report Share Posted September 6, 2003 Well Jerry; I am 76, and take supplements, AND starting in the year 1950; I EAT very little sugar or other refined food. My eyes are good enough to win shooting contests without glasses. I can do better than most younger shooters; partly because I am a good shot; Partly because I see well; But most of them use corrective lenses. I do use a +1.75 lens for reading fine print in poor light. So I am an anecdotal example of nutrition and good sight at an advanced age. Lorenzo Jerry Mittelman [jmittelman] Friday, September 05, 2003 5:12 PM Re: Cataracts (Prevention) Cataracts: Hope with Proteolytic Enzymes -- In '82, I was diagnosed with cataract formation. I found a leading Behavioral Optometrist here in NYC who had good experience with nutrition. . .offered little hope at the time except he had a dog with cataract formation and the vet gave the dog proteolytic enzymes - and the cataracts regressed. The optometrist had me take the enzymes on an empty stomach - in between meals - and in 3 months, the cataracts' progression stopped. Since then, with every periodic check-up, I can read " further down the chart " and that was over 20 years ago - with no further problem with the cataracts. The optometrist worked with an integrative, holistic physician using the enzyme process, and they're repeated my experience many times. Of course, I take (and took before starting on enzymes) a well balanced supplement program for my overall health. It's definitely worth a try - harmless with big dividends. Jerry Mittelman, DDS, FAPM - JoAnn Guest Friday, September 05, 2003 2:39 PM Cataracts (Prevention) Cataracts (Prevention) Principal Proposed Treatments . Antioxidants Other Proposed Treatments . Bilberry; Ginkgo; OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins); Turmeric; Cysteine; Lipoic Acid; Vitamin B3 (Niacin); Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin); Selenium; Taurine; Zinc http://community.healthgate.com/GetContent.asp? siteid=iHerb & docid=/tnp/pg000256 Principal Proposed Treatments for Cataracts (Prevention) Other Proposed Treatments for Cataracts (Prevention) References --- ----------- Cataracts-an opaque buildup of damaged proteins in the lens of the eye-are the leading cause of visual decline in those over 65. In fact, most people in that age group have at least the beginnings of cataract formation. Many factors contribute to the development of cataracts but damage by free radicals is believed to play a major role. (See the article on atherosclerosis for a description of free radicals.) Cataracts can be removed surgically. Although this has become a relatively quick, safe, easy, and painless surgery, it does not result in completely normal vision. Clearly, preventing cataracts, if possible, would be preferable. --- ----------- Principal Proposed Treatments for Cataracts (Prevention) Antioxidants Numerous observational studies suggest that high intake of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids (beta- carotene, lutein, and lycopene) are associated with a reduced incidence of cataracts.1-11 However, the results of observational studies are notoriously unreliable. It is quite possible that individuals who consume a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins have other lifestyle habits that could be responsible for the benefits seen. Furthermore, foods containing antioxidants also contain numerous other active substances, which could be responsible for the effects seen in some studies rather than the identified antioxidants themselves. Studies that involve actually taking supplements (intervention trials) can provide much stronger evidence regarding whether a treatment actually works. Unfortunately, the results of a recent large intervention trial were not encouraging. This double-blind placebo-controlled trial studied the effects of antioxidant supplements in 4,629 older individuals.12 Participants received either placebo or an antioxidant supplement containing 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, and 15 mg of beta-carotene. The results over more than 6 years showed no effect on the risk of development of cataracts nor the rate at which existing cataracts grew worse. A previous double-blind placebo-controlled study examined the use of beta-carotene or vitamin E alone and failed to find them effective.13 --- ----------- Other Proposed Treatments for Cataracts (Prevention) Herbs high in antioxidant flavonoids are frequently suggested for preventing cataracts. These include bilberry, ginkgo, OPCs, and turmeric. For various theoretical reasons, the supplements cysteine, lipoic acid, niacin (vitamin B3), riboflavin (vitamin B2), selenium, taurine, and zinc have also been proposed. However, there is little real evidence that any of these treatments actually help. --- ----------- References 1. Hankinson SE, Stampfer MJ, Seddon JM, et al. Nutrient intake and cataract extraction in women: a prospective study. BMJ. 1992;305:335- 339. 2. Tavani A, Negri E, La Vecchia C. Food and nutrient intake and risk of cataract. Ann Epidemiol. 1996;6:41-46. 3. Carson C, Lee S, De Paola C, et al. Antioxidant intake and cataract in the Melbourne Visual Impairment Project [abstract]. Am J Epidemiol. 1994;139(11 suppl):A65. 4. Robertson JM, Donner AP, Trevithick JR. Vitamin E intake and risk of cataracts in humans. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1989;570:372-382. 5. Rouhiainen P, Rouhiainen H, Salonen JT. Association between low plasma vitamin E concentration and progression of early cortical lens opacities. Am J Epidemiol. 1996;144:496-500. 6. Vitale S, West S, Hallfrish J, et al. Plasma antioxidants and risk of cortical and nuclear cataract. Epidemiology. 1993;4:195-203. 7. Vitale S, West S, Hallfrisch J, et al. Plasma vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene levels and risk of cataract. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1991;32:723. 8. Ross WM, Creighton MO, Trevithick JR. Radiation cataractogenesis induced by neutron or gamma irradiation in the rat lens is reduced by vitamin E. Scanning Microsc. 1990;4:641-650. 9. Mares-Perlman JA, Brady WE, Klein BEK, et al. Diet and nuclear lens opacities. Am J Epidemiol. 1995;141:322-334. 10. Brown L, Rimm EB, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;70:517-521. 11. Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Weddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;70:509-516. 12. Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E and beta carotene for age-related cataract and vision loss. AREDS Report No. 9. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119:1439-1452. 13. Teikari JM, Rautalahti M, Haukka J, et al. Incidence of cataract operations in Finnish male smokers unaffected by alpha tocopherol or beta carotene supplements. J Epidemiol Community Health. 1998;52:468- 472. --- ----------- Last reviewed March 2002 by HealthGate CAM Medical Review Board All HealthGate health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2003 Report Share Posted September 6, 2003 Lorenzo, Is 75 'advanced?' I'm 80, and Bev and I walk up 23 stories in our building every other day for exercise - no huffing/puffing. -nor to I need glasses outside. No shooting contests in NYC, I believe so anyway. The very fact that you and I are on this list says something! Jerry - " LF " <lorenzo1 Saturday, September 06, 2003 2:40 AM RE: Cataracts (Prevention) > Well Jerry; I am 76, and take supplements, AND starting in the year 1950; I > EAT very little sugar or other refined food. My eyes are good enough to > win shooting contests without glasses. I can do better than most younger > shooters; partly because I am a good shot; Partly because I see well; But > most of them use corrective lenses. > > I do use a +1.75 lens for reading fine print in poor light. > > So I am an anecdotal example of nutrition and good sight at an advanced age. > > > Lorenzo > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2003 Report Share Posted September 7, 2003 For years I walked up 17 stories in the morning before work. At first I had pain in my legs after two stories; Then I started pausing to check my pulse every second story and that tiny rest was all I needed to get to the top without the pain. Re: Cataracts (Prevention) Lorenzo, Is 75 'advanced?' I'm 80, and Bev and I walk up 23 stories in our building every other day for exercise - no huffing/puffing. -nor to I need glasses outside. No shooting contests in NYC, I believe so anyway. The very fact that you and I are on this list says something! Jerry - " LF " <lorenzo1 Saturday, September 06, 2003 2:40 AM RE: Cataracts (Prevention) > Well Jerry; I am 76, and take supplements, AND starting in the year 1950; I > EAT very little sugar or other refined food. My eyes are good enough to > win shooting contests without glasses. I can do better than most younger > shooters; partly because I am a good shot; Partly because I see well; But > most of them use corrective lenses. > > I do use a +1.75 lens for reading fine print in poor light. > > So I am an anecdotal example of nutrition and good sight at an advanced age. > > > Lorenzo > > 8/03 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.514 / Virus Database: 312 - Release 8/28/03 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2003 Report Share Posted September 7, 2003 We do much the same - take a moment to stretch our legs - calves. Jerry - " LF " <lorenzo1 Saturday, September 06, 2003 8:24 PM RE: Cataracts (Prevention) > For years I walked up 17 stories in the morning before work. At first I > had pain in my legs after two stories; Then I started pausing to check my > pulse every second story and that tiny rest was all I needed to get to the > top without the pain. > > > Re: Cataracts (Prevention) > > Lorenzo, > Is 75 'advanced?' I'm 80, and Bev and I walk up 23 stories in our > building every other day for exercise - no huffing/puffing. -nor to I > need glasses outside. No shooting contests in NYC, I believe so > anyway. > The very fact that you and I are on this list says something! > Jerry > > - > " LF " <lorenzo1 > > Saturday, September 06, 2003 2:40 AM > RE: Cataracts (Prevention) > > > > Well Jerry; I am 76, and take supplements, AND starting in the year 1950; > I > > EAT very little sugar or other refined food. My eyes are good enough to > > win shooting contests without glasses. I can do better than most younger > > shooters; partly because I am a good shot; Partly because I see well; > But > > most of them use corrective lenses. > > > > I do use a +1.75 lens for reading fine print in poor light. > > > > So I am an anecdotal example of nutrition and good sight at an advanced > age. > > > > > > Lorenzo > > > > > > > 8/03 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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