Cataracts and Accelerated Oxidative Stress

Cataracts!  Common but extremely debilitating and frustrating to our clients.  Most of them simply come with aging – and accelerated oxidative stress that accompanies a lifetime of metabolism.  However, lifestyle choices can make a big difference in the rate of oxidative stress, and there are some simple solutions that can help dramatically.

One of the most powerful things you can do to help your clients avoid or stop exacerbating cataracts is to limit excess fructose and glucose in the diet.  We already know that persistently elevated blood sugar causes oxidative damage to soft tissues; the kidneys and/or the eyes are often the first ones affected.  Look for this interconnectedness in your clients who have insulin resistance, prediabetes or diabetes.  Remember that fasting glucose above 90 mg/dl  is likely indicative of some level of insulin resistance (though well within the typical reference range).  Blood sugar does not have to be clinically high (i.e. outside the reference range) in order to have significant oxidative effects.

On the other hand, popular fads encourage those with insulin resistance, weight, or blood sugar control issues to turn away from high glucose foods (e.g. table sugar) in favor of high-fructose ones (e.g. agave).  But alas, all excess sugars have their dangers; the pathway to healing in these cases simply must include large reductions in both glucose and fructose.  For these individuals, I recommend weaning off of all added sweeteners on a regular basis and also all dried fruit and fruit juice.  Whole fruit is generally fine (and wonderfully nutritious) as long as it’s not over-consumed.  Despite being high in nutrients, high-fructose fruits like cherries, grapes, and mango are not the best choices when one is trying to reverse this oxidative stress dynamic. This clinical study reference may be of interest: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19198870 .

There is also evidence that acetyl-l-carnosine can prevent progression of and sometimes reverse cataracts. Below are a couple of references you might appreciate. It can be paired with Vitamin A and Vitamin E – two other critical antioxidants for eye health. I like Bright Eyes by Life Extension – which contains acetyl-l-carnosine.  2 drops in each eye 3x/day for someone trying to reverse what’s already there. Be sure to set expectations that it may take 2+ months for significant results; obviously the cataracts did not typically *develop* over a short time either. Of course you will pair this with a focus on reducing inflammatory foods in the diet and boosting antioxidants via high intake of plant foods. A potentially VERY POWERFUL way to wildly satisfy a client who is struggling in this area.  These might be of interest:

• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19487926
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12001824

I hope this quick clinical tip serves you and your patients and clients.

Warmly,