Vitamin A


The Healthy Skin and Eye Vitamin

Vitamin A and carotenes are a widespread group of plant pigments that serve as antioxidants in the body. Vitamin A is important for bone formation, skin health, and vision. Deficiencies of Vitamin A are associated with night blindness, dry eyes, and skin diseases.

The optimal adult dose range is 5,000-10,000 IU. Higher doses of pre-formed vitamin A can accumulate in the body and become toxic. Carotene supplements are a safe and effective way to obtain vitamin A activity without toxicity.

Fish liver oils are a good dietary source of vitamin A.

Caution: Do not take more than 50,000 IU per day for 3 months without medical supervision. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant are advised not to take more than 5,000IU per day of vitamin A.

Beta Carotene: Fat-soluble Antioxidant Vitamin

Carotenes are plant pigments with vitamin A and antioxidant activity. They perform many functions, including maintenance of eye health, cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention, immune-system enhancement and skin/epithelial health.

Dr. Myatt’s comment: Use only natural beta carotene. Synthetic carotenes have been shown to have negative health effects.

 

Vision Health


Maintain Good Eyesight Life-Long

Eye ChartDeclining vision is not a “requirement” of advancing years. It is possible to maintain good vision life-long by following a few simple health measures.

The eye requires a number of nutrients — vitamins, minerals and accessory nutrients — to remain healthy. Many of these nutrients are deficient in the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.). An optimum potency (not minimum potency) daily vitamin and mineral supplement such as Maxi Multi goes a long way toward preserving good vision. Nutrients contained in Maxi Multi that are particularly important for eye health include: beta carotene (natural source), carotenoids, vitamins A, E, C, B2, B3, selenium and zinc.

Lack of normal stomach acid (low gastric acid) and resultant failure to absorb nutrients from diet and supplementation can contribute to eye disease. I recommend a Gastric Acid Self-Test for anyone concerned about vision and eye health.

Visit this page for General Eye Health Recommendations.

Vision Health Supplements
Vision-Related
Health Concerns
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Beta Carotene
Bilberry Plus+
CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Eye Drops from Hell
Fish Oil
Ginkgo
Grape Seed Extract
Lutein Plus+
Lycopene
Maxi Greens
Maxi Multi
Melatonin
Vitamin C Cataracts
Glaucoma
Macular Degeneration

 

 

 

 

Macular Degeneration


Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. AMD causes no pain.

In this simulation, how a person with AMD sees the world is presented graphically. As the disease progresses the area of central vision deteriorates. The gradual destruction of light sensitive cells continues until large areas are totally lost. Peripheral vision remains, but the ability to clearly see straight ahead is gradually lost. Credit: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health

In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older.

Wet AMD versus dry AMD

Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid. The blood and fluid raise the macula from its normal place at the back of the eye. Damage to the macula occurs rapidly.

With wet AMD, loss of central vision can occur quickly. Wet AMD is also known as advanced AMD. It does not have stages like dry AMD.

An early symptom of wet AMD is that straight lines appear wavy. If you notice this condition or other changes to your vision, contact your eye care professional at once. You need a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. As dry AMD gets worse, you may see a blurred spot in the center of your vision. Over time, as less of the macula functions, central vision is gradually lost in the affected eye.

The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. You may have difficulty recognizing faces. You may need more light for reading and other tasks. Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected.
 

Normal vision and the same scene as viewed by a person with age-related macular degeneration. Normal vision
Normal vision   The same scene as viewed by a person with age-related macular degeneration
The same scene as viewed by a person with age-related macular degeneration

Causes and Risk Factors

Who is at risk for AMD?

The greatest risk factor is age. Although AMD may occur during middle age, studies show that people over age 60 are clearly at greater risk than other age groups. For instance, a large study found that people in middle-age have about a 2 percent risk of getting AMD, but this risk increased to nearly 30 percent in those over age 75.

Other risk factors include:

  • Smoking. Smoking may increase the risk of AMD.
  • Obesity. Research studies suggest a link between obesity and the progression of early and intermediate stage AMD to advanced AMD.
  • Race. Whites are much more likely to lose vision from AMD than African Americans.
  • Family history. Those with immediate family members who have AMD are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
  • Gender. Women appear to be at greater risk than men.
  • Aspirin. A new study links daily aspirin use to an increased risk of macular degeneration.16

Can my lifestyle make a difference?

Diet and lifestyle can play a role in reducing your risk of developing AMD.

  • Eat a diet high in green leafy vegetables and fish.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Avoid daily aspirin use.16

Conventional Medical Treatment for Macular Degeneration

Wet AMD can be treated with laser surgery, photodynamic therapy, and injections into the eye. None of these treatments is a cure for wet AMD. The disease and loss of vision may progress despite treatment.

  1. Laser surgery. This procedure uses a laser to destroy the fragile, leaky blood vessels. A high energy beam of light is aimed directly onto the new blood vessels and destroys them, preventing further loss of vision. However, laser treatment may also destroy some surrounding healthy tissue and some vision. Only a small percentage of people with wet AMD can be treated with laser surgery. Laser surgery is more effective if the leaky blood vessels have developed away from the fovea, the central part of the macula. (See illustration at the beginning of this document.) Laser surgery is performed in a doctor’s office or eye clinic.

    The risk of new blood vessels developing after laser treatment is high. Repeated treatments may be necessary. In some cases, vision loss may progress despite repeated treatments.

     

  2. Photodynamic therapy. A drug called verteporfin is injected into your arm. It travels throughout the body, including the new blood vessels in your eye. The drug tends to “stick” to the surface of new blood vessels. Next, a light is shined into your eye for about 90 seconds. The light activates the drug. The activated drug destroys the new blood vessels and leads to a slower rate of vision decline. Unlike laser surgery, this drug does not destroy surrounding healthy tissue. Because the drug is activated by light, you must avoid exposing your skin or eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for five days after treatment.

    Photodynamic therapy is relatively painless. It takes about 20 minutes and can be performed in a doctor’s office.

    Photodynamic therapy slows the rate of vision loss. It does not stop vision loss or restore vision in eyes already damaged by advanced AMD. Treatment results often are temporary. You may need to be treated again.

     

  3. Injections. Wet AMD can now be treated with new drugs that are injected into the eye (anti-VEGF therapy). Abnormally high levels of a specific growth factor occur in eyes with wet AMD and promote the growth of abnormal new blood vessels. This drug treatment blocks the effects of the growth factor.

    You will need multiple injections that may be given as often as monthly. The eye is numbed before each injection. After the injection, you will remain in the doctor’s office for a while and your eye will be monitored. This drug treatment can help slow down vision loss from AMD and in some cases improve sight.

Nutritional Treatment of Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)

Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)

The National Eye Institute’s Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that taking a specific high-dose formulation of antioxidants and zinc reduces the risk of advanced AMD and its associated vision loss by 25%, slowing AMD’s progression from the intermediate stage to the advanced stage.

 The specific daily amounts of antioxidants and zinc used by the study researchers were 500 milligrams of vitamin C, 400 International Units of vitamin E, 15 milligrams of beta-carotene (often labeled as equivalent to 25,000 International Units of vitamin A), 80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide, and two milligrams of copper as cupric oxide. Copper was added to the AREDS formulation containing zinc to prevent copper deficiency anemia, a condition associated with high levels of zinc intake.

Can diet alone provide the same high levels of antioxidants and zinc as the AREDS formulation?

No. The high levels of vitamins and minerals are difficult to achieve from diet alone. However, previous studies have suggested that people who have diets rich in green leafy vegetables have a lower risk of developing AMD.

Can a daily multivitamin alone provide the same high levels of antioxidants and zinc as the AREDS formulation?

No. The formulation’s levels of antioxidants and zinc are considerably higher than the amounts in any daily multivitamin.

If you are already taking daily multivitamins and your doctor suggests you take the high-dose AREDS formulation, be sure to review all your vitamin supplements with your doctor before you begin. Because multivitamins contain many important vitamins not found in the AREDS formulation, you may want to take a multivitamin along with the AREDS formulation. For example, people with osteoporosis need to be particularly concerned about taking vitamin D, which is not in the AREDS formulation. 1

How to Make Vision Supplements Work Better

Many people who take the AERDS nutritional supplement formula do not benefit from it and the disease progresses. Only about 25% of study participants benefited. Also note that this formula often slows the advancement of the disease. Just because you don’t notice improvement doesn’t mean it isn’t working.

Some holistic physicians, myself included, have found that poor assimilation — especially a decrease of gastric acid function in the stomach — is an important factor in the development of AMD. No matter how many supplements one takes, if they are not assimilated, they are of no value.

It is probably no coincidence that the risk of AMD increases with age and so does the decline of stomach acid production. Contrary to popular belief, most people who experience “heartburn” actually have too little stomach acid, not too much. Find out how that happens in this article: What’s Burning You?

So, in addition to taking eye nutrients, improving digestion and assimilation is also highly recommended.

Dr. Myatt’s Recommendations for Macular Degeneration

  1. Diet: eat a diet high in antioxidant nutrients (especially green vegetables), high in Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish) and low in Omega-6 fatty acids.
  2. Gastric function: Perform a Gastric Acid Self-Test or ask your holistic physician to perform a Heidleberg gastric analysis. Make corrections to gastric acid function as indicated by the test.
  3. Vision supplements: The following are specifically recommended for macular degeneration:

    I) Maxi Multi– optimal potency multiple vitamin / mineral / trace mineral supplement. 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals.

    Vision was the same or better in 88% of people with AMD who took a multiple vitamin / mineral supplement compared with 59% of those who those who did not take the supplement. This is a statistically significant difference. The supplement used in this study contained beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and riboflavin. 2  Other studies have confirmed the importance of vitamins A, C, E, zinc and other nutrients found in a quality multiple vitamin/ mineral formula. 3,5 More recent studies have also shown the importance of B complex vitamins in AMD.4

    II.) Maxi Marine O-3: (high potency fish oil). 1 cap, 2 times per day. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, especially from fish oil, has been associated with lower risk of macular degeneration in multiple studies. 5-10

    III.)  Lutein Plus (lutein and zeaxanthin).  1 cap, 1-2 times per day with meals. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids that act directly in the macula to protect it from damaging effects of excess light.  Along with vitamins C and E, they are part of the antioxidant defense system of the macula.11      

    Studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the risk of AMD and may slow progression. 3-5, 11-14
    Smokers have an increased need for these carotenoids. 14      

How Long to See Results?

One study suggests that it takes at least 6 months of supplementation to see results. 15
 


References

  1. www.nei.nih.gov
  2. Olson RJ. Supplemental dietary antioxidant vitamins and minerals in patients with macular degeneration. J Am Coll Nutr 1991;10:550.
  3. Krishnadev N, Meleth AD, Chew EY. Nutritional supplements for age-related macular degeneration. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2010 May;21(3):184-9.
  4. Olson JH, Erie JC, Bakri SJ. Nutritional supplementation and age-related macular degeneration. Semin Ophthalmol. 2011 May; 26(3):131-6.
  5. Ho L, van Leeuwen R, Witteman JC, van Duijn CM, Uitterlinden AG, Hofman A, de Jong PT, Vingerling JR, Klaver CC. Reducing the genetic risk of age-related macular degeneration with dietary antioxidants, zinc, and ω-3 fatty acids: the Rotterdam study. Arch Ophthalmol. 2011 Jun;129(6):758-66.
  6. Mance TC, Kovacević D, Alpeza-Dunato Z, Stroligo MN, Brumini G. The role of omega 6 to omega 3 ratio in development and progression of age-related macular degeneration.Coll Antropol. 2011 Sep;35 Suppl 2:307-10.
  7. Merle B, Delyfer MN, Korobelnik JF, Rougier MB, Colin J, Malet F, Féart C, Le Goff M, Dartigues JF, Barberger-Gateau P, Delcourt C. Dietary omega-3 fatty acids and the risk for age-related maculopathy: the Alienor Study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011 Jul 29;52(8):6004-11. Print 2011 Jul.
  8. Sangiovanni JP, Agrón E, Meleth AD, Reed GF, Sperduto RD, Clemons TE, Chew EY; Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. {omega}-3 Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and 12-y incidence of neovascular age-related macular degeneration and central geographic atrophy: AREDS report 30, a prospective cohort study from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Dec;90(6):1601-7. Epub 2009 Oct 7.
  9. SanGiovanni JP, Chew EY, Agrón E, Clemons TE, Ferris FL 3rd, Gensler G, Lindblad AS, Milton RC, Seddon JM, Klein R, Sperduto RD; Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. The relationship of dietary omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intake with incident age-related macular degeneration: AREDS report no. 23. Arch Ophthalmol. 2008 Sep;126(9):1274-9.
  10. Seddon JM, Rosner B, Sperduto RD, Yannuzzi L, Haller JA, Blair NP, Willett W. Dietary fat and risk for advanced age-related macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001 Aug;119(8):1191-9.
  11. Fletcher AE. Free radicals, antioxidants and eye diseases: evidence from epidemiological studies on cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmic Res. 2010;44(3):191-8. Epub 2010 Sep 9.
  12. SanGiovanni JP, Chew EY, Clemons TE, Ferris FL 3rd, Gensler G, Lindblad AS, Milton RC, Seddon JM, Sperduto RD. The relationship of dietary carotenoid and vitamin A, E, and C intake with age-related macular degeneration in a case-control study: AREDS Report No. 22.  Arch Ophthalmol. 2007 Sep;125(9):1225-32.
  13. Tan JS, Wang JJ, Flood V, Rochtchina E, Smith W, Mitchell P. Dietary antioxidants and the long-term incidence of age-related macular degeneration: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.Ophthalmology. 2008 Feb;115(2):334-41. Epub 2007 Jul 30.
  14. Schweigert FJ, Reimann J. [Micronutrients and their relevance for the eye–function of lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids]. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd. 2011 Jun;228(6):537-43. Epub 2010 Aug 25.
  15. Cangemi FE. TOZAL Study: an open case control study of an oral antioxidant and omega-3 supplement for dry AMD. BMC Ophthalmol. 2007 Feb 26;7:3.
  16. Paulus T.V.M. de Jong, Usha Chakravarthy, Mati Rahu, Johan Seland, Gisele Soubrane, Fotis Topouzis, Johannes R. Vingerling, Jesus Vioque, Ian Young, Astrid E. Fletcher. Associations between Aspirin Use and Aging Macula Disorder:The European Eye Study. Ophthalmology Volume 119, Issue 1 , Pages 112-118, January 2012

 

Dr. Myatt’s Guide to Good Health

Natural Support Strategies

Basic Principals of Health:

Nutritious diet, pure water, regular exercise, NO smoking, moderation of alcohol and caffeine, daily multiple vitamin/mineral supplement with antioxidants (Such as Maxi Multi or Once Daily MyPacks), stress reduction, sufficient sleep and relaxation, spiritual practices (see the video Remembering Who You Are), enjoy life! (Be sure to read 10 RULES OF GOOD HEALTH. All other recommendations build on these basics…..

For Healthy Brain and Nervous System:

Nutritious diet with limited saturated fats; additional essential fatty acids (Flax seed oil); extra antioxidants (found in Once Daily MyPacks or Maxi Multi); herbs (Maxi Greens or ginkgo, bilberry, tumeric.).

For a Healthy Cardiovascular System (Heart and Circulation):

High fiber, low fat diet; NO smoking; regular exercise; achieve ideal body weight; Limit coffee (regular OR decaf.); Multiple vitamin/mineral supplement with bioflavonoids and antioxidants (such as Maxi Multi or Once Daily MyPacks); Extra B vitamins, especially B6, B12, and folic acid (such as in B-complex 50); extra fiber supplements (such as Fiber Formula); CoQ10; Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oils (Flax Seed Oil) herbs (hawthorne, ginkgo, garlic); stress reduction (watch Dr. Myatt’s video The Body/Mind Connection).

For a Healthy Colon:

High fiber diet; fiber supplementation (such as Fiber Formula); intestinal bacterial replacement (such as Suprema-Dophilus); see also Healthy Digestion, below.

For Healthy Digestion:

Chew food thoroughly; don’t eat when upset or rushed; take digestive enzymes (such as Similase or Bromelain).

For Healthy Eyes and Vision:

Multivitamin with antioxidants (such as Maxi Multi or Once Daily MyPacks), herbs (Bilberry Plus, Ginkgo); wear sunglasses in bright light.

For a Healthy Immune System:

Nutritious diet; regular exercise; multiple vitamin/mineral supplement with extra antioxidants (such as Maxi Multi or Once Daily MyPacks); immune-enhancing herbs (Immune Support, Astragalus, bromelain, echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, turmeric, hypericum); stress reduction; visualization and affirmation; meditation or other spiritual practices (see Dr. Myatts video Remembering Who You Are).

Rejuvenation & Longevity

Many of the practices that make for a healthier life also increase life expectancy. In addition, some herbs and nutritional substances may increase life expectancy, although this is less well-proven than the health practices described below.

Factors which have definitely been shown to increase life expectancy, demonstrated in decades-long research in animals and also in human population studies: Maintaining a lean body mass index (being at the lean end of your desirable weight range) while maintaining a high level of nutrition. (Staying slim through nutrient deprivation doesn’t extend life. Staying slim by eating a high quality, low calorie diet does). [See Weight Loss if you are overweight]. No other physical means (not even exercise) is proven to increase life expectancy. (Exercise is known to increase health span, meaning the number of years that a person stays healthy. We have no proof that it increases total lifespan, however).

SUPPLEMENTS: (less well-proven than caloric restriction, but there is a strong consensus among longevity experts that the following nutrients may help extend expected life-span).:
I.) Multiple vitamin/mineral, antioxidants: see Supplements for dosage recommendations.
II.) Maxi Greens antioxidants. Flavonoid herbs
III.) CoQ10: 20-100mg per day

Eye Drops From Hell®

Natural Support For Healthy Eyes

Dr. Myatt’s Comment:

Not for the timid, but for those who wish to make serious improvement in their eye health. Yes, it stings a bit at first due to increased circulation caused by cayenne! And it really helps improve the eyes: cataracts, dry eye syndrome, eye infections, tired eyes, declining vision.

Contains: Eyebright (Euphrasia), Chamomile (Matricaria), Golden seal (Hydrastis), Cayenne (capsicum).

Dose: Begin with one drop in an eye cup filled with distilled water or buffered saline solution. Rinse each eye. Gradually work up to as many as 12 drops in an eye cup of water.

This formula is Unavailable – thanks to increasingly restrictive FDA “protective” regulations.

Because we have had so many requests for this formula and it is no longer available ready-made we are providing you with the recipe so that you can make your own.

Please, follow this recipe very carefully – make no substitutions or changes to ingredients or amounts or ratios. Be sure that your ingredients are absolutely pure, fresh,and sterile. Be sure that all the equipment that you use to make thsi formula is absolutely sterile and that the bottle that you keep the product in is sterile. Remember, there is no preservative in this formula so store it carefully and discard it immediately if you should contaminate it in any way.

Remember – you will be using this formula in your eyes – don’t take chances!

Dr. Myatt’s Eye Drops From Hell:

  • Capsicum: .8%
  • Cineraria: .4%
  • Euphrasia 25%
  • Foeniculum 13%
  • Coptis 14.5%
  • Calendula succus 11.75%
  • Plantago 11.75%
  • Sterile water 22.75%.

Specific amounts of all these ingredients in ml or ounces or grams or drops will depend on the amount of solution that you are making. Double-check your math, be careful, and be safe.

Remember, you are making and using this formula at your own risk!


Detailed Directions For Using Eye Drops From Hell

You will need an eye cup. (Eye rinse cups can be obtained inexpensively at any pharmacy)

Fill the cup with distilled water. Begin by adding 3 drops of the Eye Drops From Hell.

Do Not use Eye Drops From Hell undiluted !

Rinse each eye. (It is not necessary to make a new solution for each eye unless you have an eye infection). Rinse both eyes in the freshly made solution. Discard – do not save leftover or extra mixed solution.

As you eyes become accustomed to the rinse, gradually increase the number of drops of Eye Drops From Hell that you use. You will eventually be able to work up to 12 drops per dose. Use morning and evening for best results. You may use more frequently if desired.

The drops will cause some mild stinging, especially at first. This is normal.

The cayenne in the formula enhances circulation to the eyes. Although your eyes may appear red just after use, they will then clear and be very white. Your eyes will feel good, too!

Remember — if you have a medical condition or eye disease, it is best to be under the care of a physician who can help you know what other healing measures to take.

Have fun with these drops! And Happy Healing!

Eye and Vision Health


Natural Strategies for Preventing and Reversing Vision Loss

Cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related vision changes are major causes of vision loss. These eye diseases appear to have several common origins: free radical damage to various parts of the eye and nutrient deficiencies. People with diets low in antioxidants have been shown to have a higher rate of eye disease.

For example, people who take multi vitamins or other supplements containing vitamins C and E for more than 10 years have been reported to have a 60% lower risk of forming a cataract.

Vision loss does not have to be an inevitable aspect of aging. It is possible to maintain healthy eyes and vision well into old age by following some basic health measures.

Diet And Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Eat a diet high in “Super Foods” and antioxidant nutrients.
  • Decrease carbohydrates and simple sugars in the diet. This is especially important for preventing diabetic cataracts. Sugars bind with body proteins to produce AGES (Advanced Glycosylated End-products) that cause irreversible changes in the lens of the eye.
  • Drink at least 64 ounces of pure water daily. The vitreous portion of the eye has a high water content.
  • Wear high UV protection sunglasses.

Primary Support

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of antioxidants (ACES), carotenes, B complex vitamins, selenium, zinc and bioflavonoids are particularly important for eye health.
  • Maxi Greens (Advanced Phytonutrient Formula): 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Bilberry, grape seed extract and ginkgo are particularly important, but plant flavonoids in general help protect the eyes.
  • Dr. Myatt’s Eye Drops from Hell: rinse eyes 2-4 times per day according to instructions. Use in all eye disease EXCEPT glaucoma. (It is unknown whether increasing general circulation to the eyes would adversely effect pressures).

Additional Support

Lack of normal stomach acid (low gastric acid) and resultant failure to absorb nutrients from diet and supplementation can contribute to eye disease. I recommend a Gastric Acid Self-Test for anyone concerned about vision and eye health.

Please refer to the following links for more in-depth information concerning individual eye diseases:

For Cataracts:

  • Melatonin: 1-3mg at bedtime.
  • Bilberry extract: 1 cap, 2-3 times per day with meals (Target dose range: 120-240mg or more per day).
  • Lipoic acid: 1 cap, 2-3 times per day with meals. (Target dose: 500mg per day).
  • Lutein and Zeaxanthin 15 -20mg, 3 times per week. People with the highest intakes of these two carotenoids had only 1/2 the risk of developing cataracts as the general population. In one study, people who supplemented these carotendoids at the recommended dose has a significant improvement in age-related cataracts.
  • Vitamin C, E, B2 and B3 (these nutrients are present in a daily multiple such as Maxi Multi in sufficient amounts to prevent cataracts). Low doses of these nutrients are associated with higher rates of cataracts.

For Macular Degeneration : Find more information here.

  • Vitamin E (extra 200-400IU): once per day with a meal. (Target dose range: 600-800IU).
  • Lutein: 5-20mg per day.
  • One of the following:
    Grape Seed Extract: 150-300mg per day with meals.
    Bilberry extract: 1 cap, 2-3 times per day with meals (Target dose range: 120-240mg or more per day).
    Ginkgo: 120-240mg per day wtih meals.

For Glaucoma:

  • Ginkgo: 160mg per day for four weeks, then 120mg per day thereafter.
  • Forskolin (Coleus): 10-60mg per day. This herb can lower blood pressure. At higher doses, this effect can be too much for people with normal blood pressure. Monitor B.P. accordingly.

References

  1. Jacques PF, Chylack LT Jr. Epidemiologic evidence of a role for the antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids in cataract prevention. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;53:352S–5S.
  2. Mares-Perlman JA, Lyle BJ, Klein R, et al. Vitamin supplement use and incident cataracts in a population-based study. Arch Ophthalmol 2000;118:1556–63.
  3. Knekt P, Heliovaara M, Rissanen A, et al. Serum antioxidant vitamins and risk of cataract. BMJ 1992;305:1392–4.
  4. Bhat KS. Nutritional status of thiamine, riboflavin and pyridoxine in cataract patients. Nutr Rep Internat 1987;36:685–92.
  5. Prchal JT, Conrad ME, Skalka HW. Association of presenile cataracts with heterozygosity for galactosaemic states and with riboflavin deficiency. Lancet 1978; 1:12–3.
  6. Taylor A, Jacques PF, Nadler D, et al. Relationship in humans between ascorbic acid consumption and levels of total and reduced ascorbic acid in lens, aqueous humor, and plasma. Curr Eye Res 1991;10:751–9.
  7. Jacques PF, Chylack LT Jr. Epidemiologic evidence of a role for the antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids in cataract prevention. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;53:352S–5S.

Consultations With Dr. Dana Myatt

Help Yourself To Good Health

Notice To New Patients:

Because of Dr. Myatt’s reputation of being the doctor to call when conventional medicine gives up she has been inundated with a number of extremely complicated patients.

In order that she may continue to provide all her patients the high levels of care and attention that they have come to rely upon she is accepting only very select new patients.

In order to determine suitability to be added to her caseload Dr. Myatt is requiring all those who wish to be taken on as new patients to first speak with her in a Brief Telephone Consultation.

DANA MYATT, N.M.D.

Member: American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (eligible)
President: ECAFH Foundation, Inc. (Exploring Complementary Answers for Health)
Author: A Physicians Diary
Professor: Atlantic University
Graduate: National College of Naturopathic Medicine

How May I Help You? Herbs Homeopathy Nutritional Evaluations Lifestyle Counseling Chinese Medicine Edgar Cayce Remedies Health Optimization Immune Enhancement Detoxification and Fasting Stress Reduction Health Education Weight Management

 

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Do Doctors Still Make House Calls?

Dr. Myatt And Nurse Mark Make “The Ultimate House Calls”!

Many of our private practice patents and Wellness Club Customers know that Dr. Myatt travels often to speak, teach, and lecture. When her travels bring her to areas where her patients live she is happy to schedule them for an in-person consultation, including examination and other therapeutic treatments. Patients may be seen in Dr. Myatt’s Wellness Club coach or even in the comfort of their own home. When visits can be scheduled to coincide with Dr. Myatt’s travel itinerary her customary consultation fees apply.

Your Own Private Naturopathic Doctor And Nurse – In Attendance:

For those who need the undivided attention of this unique doctor and nurse team, Dr. Myatt and Nurse Mark can travel to your location where they will attend to your holistic health needs 24/7 if need be. This may include not only intensive care for the patient, it may include teaching for family members and caregivers or for staff such as personal chefs, personal assistants, housekeepers, or security staff.

You can be assured of absolute, inviolate confidentiality and respect for your privacy when working with Dr. Myatt and Nurse Mark.

This is a unique and specialized service and it is not inexpensive. Not all patients will qualify for or benefit from this intensive in-home naturopathic medical care. Please contact Dr. Myatt for cost and availability and to determine your suitability for this ultimate health-restorative opportunity.

Is your situation more urgent?

Do you need Dr. Myatt and Nurse Mark to attend you more quickly than is possible with road travel? (for road travel figure 500 miles per day from northern Arizona to your location)

Dr. Myatt will not travel by commercial (public) air carrier. She will consent to travel by private business aircraft and there is an airfield near her location that will accommodate this class of aircraft. (KTYL) Contact The Wellness Club to discuss this option.

Dr Myatt can also arrange to travel to your location by private plane. Nurse Mark is a licensed Private Pilot and their airplane allows them to reach you quickly and discretely. Requirements for visitations of this kind will include a destination airport with adequate runways and secure tie-downs and available fuel, appropriate transportation arrangements on arrival and during the visit, and appropriate accomodations for Dr. Myatt and Nurse Mark while on location.

Piper Warrior II Private Airplane
Dr. Myatt and Nurse Mark can be at your side quickly if need be. Click on the picture above for more information about their aircraft.


Dr. Myatt’s Wellness Club Coach is 36 feet in length. She maintains contact with her patients and the internet via 2-way satellite. When in location she requires electrical service for her communications: 20 amps minimum.

Brief Consultations

Brief Consultations by telephone are available between 9 AM and 5 PM, Tuesday through Friday, Arizona time. When you checkout please tell us what times and dates would be best for your consultation – we will make every effort to accommodate your needs, subject to prior scheduling commitments. Please be sure that we have both a valid email and telephone number so we can contact you to arrange your appointment.

Please Note: Be sure that you are available at the telephone number you provide, at the time you have arranged, when Dr. Myatt calls you – there are no refunds for missed appointments!

In the very unlikely event that a medical emergency prevents Dr. Myatt from calling at your appointment time, you will be offered a full refund or a rescheduled appointment – your choice.

DO NOT send Dr. Myatt lab reports, medical records or summaries, or any other medical information unless you are booking a New Patient Visit Consultation! Any medical information that is received unsolicited will be treated as confidential medical records and will be destroyed immediately.

Medical records and other documentation can be sent to:

Dr. Myatts Wellness Club
Attn: Medical Records
PO Box 900
Snowflake, AZ 85937

It is of no benefit to send via “overnight” courier – USPS Priority Mail provides timely and inexpensive delivery to our location – usually as quickly as any “overnight” courier!

Cataracts

Prevent and Possibly Reverse Lens Opacity

Cataracts are an opacity of the eye lens which gives a visual sensation like trying to look through a cloudy window. In their early stages, cataracts may not be much of a problem. As they progress, however, it can become more difficult, or even impossible, to see clearly. Cataracts are the leading cause of decreased vision in adults over age 65, and cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure for seniors.

People can get have “age-related” cataracts in their 40s or 50s, though the changes at this stage tend to be small and vision disturbance minimal. By age 55, 15% of people have cataracts. This figure jumps to 50 percent by age 75, and 90 percent by age 85. It’s important to note, however, that cataracts worsen over time … so it’s never too late-or early-to try to prevent them and/or treat them!

Causes of Cataracts

The lens of the eye is made of largely of protein and water. Most of the cells in our body are replaced by new cells over time. However, cells in the lens of the eye have no such “turnover.” The lens that you are born with is the same lens that you will have for the rest of your life.

Light normally passes through the lens of the eye without distortion, as if the lens were made of clear glass. When the lens becomes is injured, proteins within the eye begin to “clump.” This clumping of lens protein results in the characteristic “cloudiness.”

Factors that damage the lens include high exposure to UV-B light, oxidative stress from free radicals, nutrient deficiencies, high blood sugar levels, exposure to radiation, prolonged intake of corticosteroid or other drugs, and cigarette smoking.  Fortunately, these factors are all controllable.

Other less common causes of cataracts include infection and eye injury. There is also a form of congenital cataracts which affects infants and young children.

Cataract Prevention

UV-B radiation from sunlight is thought to be one of the leading causes of cataracts. Wearing UV-B protective sunglasses is a simple way to minimize the damaging effects of UV-B. [Dr. Myatt’s Note: I personally do not believe that sunlight per se is the cause of cataracts. After all, humans have been running around without sunglasses for thousands of years without going blind from cataracts. Could it be that low levels of anti-oxidants, as discussed in the next paragraph, predispose to sunlight damage? Or the decreased protection of the ozone layer that ordinarily filters out UV-B light? Until more is known, I still wear my sunglasses when I’m outdoors for extended periods].

The second known cause of cataract formation is free radical damage to the lens. This free radical damage is associated with a deficiency of anti-oxidant nutrients in the diet. Studies have shown that people with higher intakes of vitamins A,C,E, carotenes (especially lutein and zeanthin) have significantly lower rates of cataracts. In animals, grape seed extract (which is 50 times more potent in antioxidant properties than vitamin C and E) prevented cataracts in rats that had genetic tendencies to develop opacities.

In the large Beaver Dam Eye Study, scientists followed dietary intake of antioxidant nutrients and the incidence of cataract formation in a group of 1,354 adults, aged 43-84, for a period of over seven years. People who ate the most foods high in anti-oxidants had the lowest incidence of cataracts. The researchers concluded that the results “are consistent with a possible protective influence of lutein and vitamins E and C on the development of . . . cataracts.”

In the Nurse’s Health Study, researchers followed 50,828 women, aged 45-67, for eight years. Women who consumed the most vitamin A had a 39% lower risk of developing cataracts than women who consumed the least vitamin A.

Bilberry and vitamin E are have been linked to an improvement in cataracts. In 25 patients with senile cataracts, a combination of bilberry, standardized to contain 25-percent anthocyanosides (180 mg twice per day), and vitamin E (100 mg twice per day) for four months stopped the progression of cataracts in 96 percent of the subjects  compared to 76 percent in the 25 subjects in the control group. In another trial, people who took vitamin E supplements had less than half the risk of developing cataracts, compared with others in the five-year study. A daily dose of  400 IU of vitamin E per day is typically recommended for prevention. Smaller amounts (approximately 50 IU per day) have offered no protection in double-blind studies.

Vitamin C levels in the eye are known to decrease with age. Supplementing with vitamin C can prevent this decrease and has been linked to a lower risk of developing cataracts. People who take multivitamins or other supplements containing vitamins C or E for more than 10 years have been reported to have a 60% lower risk of forming a cataract. In one  study, people taking vitamin C for at least ten years showed a dramatic reduction in cataract risk, but those taking vitamin C for less than ten years showed no evidence of protection.

Diets high in spinach and kale have been reported lower the risk for cataracts. Spinach and kale are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, (carotenoids similar to beta-carotene). Lutein is normally found in the lens of the eye. In another study,  people with the highest intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin were half as likely to develop cataracts as those with the lowest intake.

Can Cataracts be Reversed?

If you are experiencing early vision changes due to cataracts, or have been told during an eye exam that you have “early cataracts,” you already know the conventional medical treatment: “Let them ripen” and we’ll surgically remove them. (“Let them ripen” is doctor-speak for “let them get worse”).

While surgical removal of cataracts can surely be a blessing to people with advanced cataracts, some 20-30% of those who undergo cataract surgery develop a subsequent clouding of the lens capsule, the part of the lens left in the eye to hold the new synthetic lens in place. If the capsule becomes cloudy, additional surgery may be required to restore clear vision. In some cases the surgery can lead to serious complications such as swelling of the eye, infections, and even blindness. Obviously, prevention is easier and safer than surgical “cure.”

Although most of the studies have focused on prevention, several have looked at actually reversing already-existing cataracts.

In one study, supplementation with 15 mg of lutein three times a week for one year significantly improved visual function in a small group of people with age-related cataracts.

Studies conducted in Russia have shown moderate to marked improvement in lens opacity with continued use of eye drops containing N-Acety-l-Carnosine. It took three months of continuous use for measurable improvmenets, and at six months, improvement stabilized. Some of the studies report results as high as 100% of participants experiencing noticeable changes (for the better!) in their vision.

Since N-Acety-l-Carnosine eye drops are not “FDA approved” for use in cataracts, you will see the productslisted as “lubricating eye drops.”

Do they work? I don’t know. But there are enough studies with impressive reports that I would certainly consider using these drops for at least three months if I had any degree of cataracts.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Eat a diet high in “Super Foods” and antioxidant nutrients.
  • Decrease carbohydrates and simple sugars in the diet. This is especially important for preventing diabetic cataracts. Sugars bind with body proteins to produce AGES (Advanced Glycosylated End-products) that cause irreversible changes in the lens of the eye.
  • Drink at least 64 ounces of pure water daily. The vitreous portion of the eye has a high water content.
  • Wear high UV protection sunglasses.
  • DON’T SMOKE! Smoking greatly accelerates the formation of cataracts.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of antioxidants (ACES), carotenes, B complex vitamins, selenium, zinc and bioflavonoids are particularly important for eye health.
  • Maxi Greens (Advanced Phytonutrient Formula): 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Bilberry, grape seed extract and ginkgo are particularly important, but plant flavonoids in general help protect the eyes.
  • Dr. Myatt’s Eye Drops from Hell: rinse eyes 2-4 times per day according to instructions. This formula increases circulation to the eyes and is good for eye health in general.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

  • Lack of normal stomach acid (low gastric acid) and resultant failure to absorb nutrients from diet and supplementation can contribute to eye disease. I recommend a Gastric Acid Self-Test for anyone concerned about vision and eye health.
  • Lutein and Zeaxanthin 15 -20mg, 3 times per week. People with the highest intakes of these two carotenoids had only 1/2 the risk of developing cataracts as the general population. In one study, people who supplemented these carotendoids at the recommended dose has a significant improvement in age-related cataracts.
  • Bilberry extract: 1 cap, 2-3 times per day with meals (Target dose range: 120-240mg or more per day).

FOR POSSIBLE CATARACT REVERSAL OR IMPROVEMENT

  • Lutein and Zeaxanthin 15 -20mg, 3 times per week. People with the highest intakes of these two carotenoids had only 1/2 the risk of developing cataracts as the general population. In one study, people who supplemented these carotendoids at the recommended dose has a significant improvement in age-related cataracts.
  • N-Acety-l-Carnosine eye drops: 1-2 drops per day, 1-2 times daily.

References

1.) Procyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds prevents cataract formation in hereditary cataractous (ICR/f) rats. J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Aug 14;50(17):4983-8.

2.) Antioxidant intake and risk of incident age-related nuclear cataracts in the Beaver Dam Eye Study. Am J Epidemiol. 1999 May 1;149(9):801-9.

3.) Nutrient intake and cataract extraction in women: a prospective study. BMJ. 1992 Aug 8;305(6849):335-9.

4.) Preventive medical treatment of senile cataract with vitamin E and anthocyanosides: clinical evaluation. Ann Ottalmol Clin Ocul. 1989;115:109.

5.) Cataract: relationship between nutrition and oxidation. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:138–46 [review].

6.) Relationship in humans between ascorbic acid consumption and levels of total and reduced ascorbic acid in lens, aqueous humor, and plasma. Curr Eye Res 1991;10:751–9.

7.) Epidemiologic evidence of a role for the antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids in cataract prevention. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;53:352S–5S.

8.) Antioxidant status in persons with and without senile cataract. Arch Ophthalmol 1988;106:337–40.

9.) Vitamin supplement use and incident cataracts in a population-based study. Arch Ophthalmol 2000;118:1556–63.

10.) Antioxidant vitamins and nuclear opacities. The Longitudinal Study of Cataract. Ophthalmology 1998;105:831–6.

11.) Long-term supplementation with alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene and age-related cataract. Acta Ophthalmol Scand 1997;75:634–40.

12.) Long-term vitamin C supplement use and prevalence of early age-related lens opacities. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;66:911–6.

13.) Nutrient intake and cataract extraction in women: a prospective study. BMJ 1992;305:335–9.

14.) A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:509–16.

15.) Lutein, but not alpha-tocopherol, supplementation improves visual function in patients with age-related cataracts: a 2-y double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Nutrition 2003;19:21–4.

16.) Rejuvenation of visual functions in older adult drivers and drivers with cataract during a short-term administration of N-acetylcarnosine lubricant eye drops. Rejuvenation Res. 2004 Fall;7(3):186-98.

17.) Efficacy of N-acetylcarnosine in the treatment of cataracts.Drugs R D. 2002;3(2):87-103.

18.) The effect of a topical antioxidant formulation including N-acetyl carnosine on canine cataract: a preliminary study.Vet Ophthalmol. 2006 Sep-Oct;9(5):311-6

19.) N-Acetylcarnosine, a natural histidine-containing dipeptide, as a potent ophthalmic drug in treatment of human cataracts.  Peptides. 2001 Jun;22(6):979-94

Beta Carotene

A Fat-soluble Antioxidant Vitamin

Carotenes are plant pigments with vitamin A and antioxidant activity. They perform many functions, including maintenance of eye health, cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention, immune-system enhancement and skin/epithelial health.

Dr. Myatt’s comment: Use only natural beta carotene. Synthetic carotenes have been shown to have negative health effects. Our Wellness Club beta carotene is from D. salina and contains 100% natural mixed carotenoids. [Henkel brand Betatene®, the best available].