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December 23, 2004 |
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In This Issue...
CLEARING THE CLOUDS AWAY More than half of people age 65 and over have some degree of cataract development. Cataracts generally develop slowly and vary in size, density and location. Their impact on sight also is gradual Eventually, for many people, the problem becomes so severe that they undergo cataract surgery, an outpatient procedure in which the surgeon removes the clouded natural lens and then implants an artificial lens to take its place. Assuming the surgury is successful, the result is clear vision HOLISTIC HELP Although many doctors say there is nothing you can do about cataract development, a few are taking a holistic approach. They claim that there are definite steps you can take that will make a difference. I spoke with one of these eye experts, E. Michael Geiger, OD, who practices in New York City and is author of Eye Care Naturally (Safe Goods). Dr. Geiger says that by controlling your environment and diet, and taking certain supplements, you can slow the onset of cataracts at the very least, perhaps lessen their impact and, if you start early enough, prevent them entirely. Dr. Geiger's first advice concerns the environment. Studies show that cataracts are more common among people who smoke and for those who live in sunnier climates and are subjected to greater UV-ray exposure. Because we absorb so many UV rays before the age of 18, it is important even for children to wear UV-protected sunglasses. (For more on choosing the right protection for your eyes, see Daily Health News, July 5, 2004.) Adults should wear sunglasses most of the time they are outside or invest in a broad-brim hat that will keep the rays from striking the eyes. As for smoking, the threat of cataracts is yet another entry on the long list of why you should not smoke. THE FOOD FRONT On the food front, Dr. Geiger stresses the importance of vitamin C and other antioxidants for eye health. He advises all kinds of green vegetables, as well as carrots, onions, corn, citrus fruits, cantaloupe and apples. He also recommends garlic (it increases blood circulation, including to the eyes) and he has a tip for maximizing its nutrients Foods to avoid include fried foods SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Dr. Geiger is a strong supporter of taking supplements for eye health. In addition to a high-quality multivitamin, he advises taking specific antioxidants, including lutein, the herb eyebright, quercetin, selenium and zinc, vitamins C and E and beta-carotene. He also suggests garlic as a supplement (one tablet a day) and coenzyme Q10 because it, too, enhances circulation. These should be prescribed by an ND... or you can have an ND refer you to a natural eye-care physician. It's not a difficult regimen to follow, but it is one that goes along with general health guidelines. If you have high blood-sugar levels or a family history of cataracts, be especially vigilant. People with diabetes are three to four times at higher risk of developing them. ONE-HALF CUP OF THIS MIRACULOUS "MEDICINE FOOD" CUTS YOUR CHOLESTEROL BY 10%! Wouldn't it be great if you could lower your cholesterol by 10% just by eating one-half cup of this popular food each day? That's a quick 25-point drop if your count is 250 What's more, a 2001 study published in Archives of Internal Medicine demonstrated how this same food also can lower your risk for heart disease by 22%, PLUS help lower your blood pressure. It even can help block diabetes! What a winner! ASIAN FUSION Some say it's an acquired taste, but natto, a Japanese delicacy for more than 1,000 years, is finally catching on this side of the Pacific. Its pungent scent and slimy, string-like consistency may never make this fermented soybean food the cross-cultural menu star that sushi is, but natto's health benefits may move even timid souls to give it a try. Soybeans are boiled and then fermented to make natto, and researchers say that two enzymes formed during this process In Japan, aficionados often eat natto, seasoned with soy sauce and spicy mustard, on top of rice for breakfast, but natto also appears in sushi, atop noodles and in other hot dishes. If you're thinking of trying natto for clot-busting purposes, make it raw. Nattokinase appears to lose its effectiveness when heated. You can purchase natto in stores that sell Japanese foods, or you can buy the extract over the Internet and in some health-food stores. HOW ABOUT OTHER SOY SOURCES? Although you won't find clot-dissolving nattokinase in other soy foods, many health experts, including those at the American Heart Association, praise soy's ability to lower cholesterol and fight cardiovascular disease. Unfermented foods, such as tofu, soy milk and soy nuts, also are good sources of protein, but some health experts stress that fermented soy foods, such as natto, miso and tempeh, are safer and healthier alternatives, claiming that fermentation blocks soy components that can interfere with protein digestion and mineral absorption. SOY SAFETY Meanwhile, the debate continues to rage over whether soy foods may increase women's risk for breast cancer, promote dementia and impede thyroid function. "Overall, soy foods are safe," says Mark Messina, PhD, adjunct associate professor of nutrition at Loma Linda University and one of the top soy researchers. Dr. Messina thinks there's not enough data to advise people to stop eating soy, but cautions against consuming any one food to the exclusion of others Who should avoid natto? Those taking warfarin, coumadin or any blood-thinning medication, or those who suffer from bleeding disorders or peptic ulcers. You also should avoid natto if you have had a recent ischemic stroke, neurosurgery or other major trauma. For all others, it's nice to know about another natural tool in the heart health tool chest. Be well,
HEART DISEASE CURED IN JUST 14 DAYS! George Washington University School of Medicine's clinical associate professor Michael Mogadam, MD, can't get over how fast and cheap the long-sought solution turned out to be. As Dr. Mogadam explains... More than half of all adults with "hardening of the arteries" are actually infected with a common germ called C. pneumoniae. You catch it just by breathing, but the bug quickly spreads to your arteries, eating away at their walls. Then your body tries to patch the damage Sources... Clearing the Clouds Away
Asian Fusion
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