***Lutein to Prevent or Reduce the Effects of Macular Degeneration: What Research Shows

Imagine if, just by taking a little lutein pill each day, you could prevent macular degeneration - the leading cause of blindness among adults over 55 in the United States and other developed countries. That's exactly what the research on lutein is showing.n nNumerous studies have concluded that the more lutein you ingest, the less likely you are to develop this eye-destroying disease. The most recent study, which tracked nearly 2,500 people for five to ten years, found that people who got the most lutein and zeaxanthin (a sister pigment) through diet slashed their risk of developing macular degeneration by an incredible 65 percent. nnEven if you already have macular degeneration, lutein can help. One of the biggest human clinical trials to date on lutein, called the Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial (or LAST), tracked what happened when macular degeneration patients were given lutein supplements or placebo pills for a year. Researchers found that those who took lutein experienced significant improvements in their visual acuity (sharpness of vision) and contrast sensitivity (the ability to make out objects that blend into a similarly colored background) compared to those who took a placebo. Neither the researchers nor the subjects knew who was getting the dummy pill and who was getting the real thing, so there was no possibility of a "placebo effect."n nBecause lutein and zeaxanthin have such a profound effect on vision, some researchers have even asked if these two pigments are "conditionally essential" nutrients. In other words, while lutein and zeaxanthin don't have official vitamin or mineral status, might they be just as essential?I think the answer is yes. In fact, low levels of macular lutein and zeaxanthin are now considered a risk factor for the development of macular degeneration.n nUnfortunately, most people in developed countries don't eat nearly the amount of fruits and vegetables needed to get optimal levels of lutein. Scientists have determined we need between 6-20 mg of this important phyto-nutrient per day to protect against macular degeneration. Yet in the United States, the mean intake is just 1.7 mg per day. Not only that, levels of lutein and zeaxanthin within the macula decline with age. That makes it especially important for anyone over 50 to supplement their diets with lutein. nn What do macular degeneration, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and Alzheimer's have in common? Chronic inflammation. nnMany chronic diseases are caused by chronic low grade inflammation, which can be prevented and reversed. Yet most health professionals don't know this. nnThat's the message of Harvard-trained physician Vijaya Nair, M.D., a researcher and epidemiologist who turned to alternative medicine when her own health problems (tumors, diabetes and other ills) weren't responding to conventional treatments.nnHealthy Revelations conducted an exclusive interview with Dr. Nair, available at nwww.healthyrevelations.com/alternativemedicineinterview.aspnnBelow are some of the topics covered in this interview with Dr. Nair:nn· Although billions of dollars are given to study cancer and other diseases, Western medicine hasn't made a dent in the death rate due to cancer and its complications.nn· Why botanical therapy and mind-body-spirit medicine work so well when you're ill.nn· Answers questions about complementary and alternative healing (life-enhancing nutritional supplements, herbal medicines, meditation, yoga, guided imagery).nn· Her own inspiring story of bouncing back to optimum health.nn· What informed patients discuss with their doctors.nn· 5 tips to de-stress your life, enjoy more time, get by on less sleep, and have a great sex life!nnCREDENTIALS: Dr. Vijaya Nair, a Harvard and Columbia trained physician and epidemiologist, is a highly-regarded expert in identifying risk factors for disease and for determining optimal treatment for cancers, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer's. Dr. Nair, a pioneer in developing and promoting the JIVA Line of nutritional dietary supplements, has authored the critically-praised book PREVENT CANCER, Strokes, Heart Attacks, and Other Deadly Killers!nnPlease visit jivasupplements.org for more information about natural supplements and to order Dr. Nair's book.nn