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Each day Paul takes 20 pills. This baby-boomer is not sick.
His problem is that he is 50 years old. This baby-boomer is
rebelling against aging. Like other baby-boomers who are
gulping down "anti-aging" therapies, he is well educated and
is willing to spend time and money to keep himself in robust
health. He has spent the past five years trying to turn back
the clock with anti-aging remedies. He does not want to get
cataracts or macular degeneration like his grandparents did.
As an ophthalmologist, I see what seems to be mounting
evidence that antioxidants can help prevent blindness. Was
mother right when she told us to eat our carrots and eat our
spinach? Can antioxidants possibly prevent cataracts and aging
changes that blind our senior citizens?
An increasing number of scientists seem to think so.
As an eye surgeon who specializes in laser and cataract
treatment, I have followed this research for years. Many
studies seem to conclude that two leading causes of blindness
(cataracts and macular degeneration) may be accelerated by
oxidation damage. This oxidation damage is caused by three
factors: our metabolism, sunlight and cigarette smoking.
The theory is that antioxidants such as Vitamin C, E and
beta-carotene all help to neutralize the damage.
It is understandable that everyone wants to avoid blindness,
surgery or drug reactions. People today want safer
alternatives. I think it is very healthy for everyone to be
interested in prevention, instead of waiting until catastrophe
strikes.
I believe it makes sense to try to prevent blindness and
accelerated aging for that matter.
The truth is, good nutrition and eye health go hand in hand.
The evidence suggests that the protections from antioxidants
in a balanced diet, added supplements and salad, (and, yes,
spinach and carrots, too) may reduce the need for drugs and
surgery or laser when it comes to the eye.
Providing antioxidant supplements, as well as supplements of
B-Complex vitamins, in addition to a good diet makes good
sense, especially to any patient "at risk," or to smokers. The
hope is that cataracts and macular degeneration will be
delayed or possibly prevented.
Recommending antioxidant (anti-aging) therapy is not new.
However, it is still controversial. The people who believe in
it cannot praise it enough. The people who do not believe in
it understandably say there is not enough proof or evidence.
The public should be wary of anti-aging claims. Often such
claims play on the fears that aging and growing older are to
be avoided and can be avoided at all cost.
The recommendation right now would be to remember your
mother's advice: Eat all your vegetables.
Until then, my recommendation is to keep an open mind, but let
the buyer beware.
Remember that no vitamin will work if you are smoking,
drinking, burning the candle at both ends, and are not getting
enough exercise as a couch potato in front of the TV.
With dietary changes, smoking cessation and exercise, then
taking an antioxidant may very well help to lessen heart
disease, brain disease, cataracts and macular degeneration.
You will definitely look better and probably see better also.
Remember, do not overdo it, and discuss new exercise programs
or dietary changes with your family doctor. |
