Tuesday 25 September 2012

Preventing Cataracts


Cataracts are white, opaque blemishes on the normally transparent lens of the eye. They occur as a result of damage to the protein structure of the lens, similar to the protein of eggs when they are boiled or fried.
Gradual loss of vision through development of cataracts is most common in the elderly, but the process can begin much earlier. The first signs of cataract onset are unclear vision and an increased sensitivity to light. An early symptom of a cataract in the elderly is the sudden ability to read without once-needed glasses. Over the years, one or both lenses cloud over and lead to total blindness. The process is painless. Cataracts are the leading cause of impaired vision in Ireland. With any changes in vision, a professional diagnosis is very important.
The majority of people over sixty years of age display some degree of cataract formation. With normal ageing, there is a progressive increase in size, weight and density of the lens, but though cataracts are common they should not be considered normal.
Cataracts are caused by free-radical damage to the sulphur-containing proteins in the lens. Free-radicals are highly reactive molecules which can react with and destroy body tissue. The lens protects itself from free-radical damage with antioxidants (free-radical scavengers).
Can nutritional supplements reverse cataracts? In advanced cases, probably not, but in the early stages there are several possibilities.
Studies show that cataract formation may be retarded and visual disturbances improved by increasing the intake of antioxidants. This can partially be done by diet; avoid sugar, white-flour products, rancid or high fat foods and processed foods, all of which are sources of free-radicals, eat more legumes, garlic (the high sources of sulphur-containing amino acids), onions, which are high in quercetin and yellow vegetables like carrots, famous for the eyes.
Several clinical studies have demonstrated that vitamin C supplements can halt cataract progression and, in some cases, significantly improve vision. For example, in one study conducted in 1939, 450 patients with cataracts were placed on a nutritional programme that included 1 gram of vitamin C per day, which resulted in a significant drop in cataract development. Though similar patients had previously required surgery within four years, among the vitamin C-treated patients only a small number required surgery. During the 11-year period of the study, most of these patients showed no evidence that the cataract progressed.
Among the herbs used to help prevent cataracts and to improve vision is the flavonoid-rich bilberry or blueberry. This berry has been shown to have flavonoids which have an affinity for the eye, thus protecting it from free-radical damage. People with diabetes often use this herb to protect their eyes also. In one human study, bilberry extract plus vitamin E stopped progression of cataract formation in 48 of 50 patients with cataracts.
The individual with cataracts should avoid direct sunlight and bright light in general; wear sunglasses with ultraviolet protection when outdoors.


David Foley
MNIMH, MRCHM
Medical Herbalist

Thursday 13 September 2012

Colds and Flus


Changing seasons are often the time we get colds and ‘flus - in particular, autumn, winter and springtime are times when we get sniffling and running noses. In the past our forefathers always considered this time of year a good one to take certain herbs to cleanse and strengthen the body, today we are fortunate to have available a wide range of herbs to achieve this purpose of strengthening the body during the changing seasons against colds and ‘flus. Herbs such as Astragalus, Echinacea, Bogbean and Aloe Vera can help protect people against colds and ‘flus doing the rounds at this time of year.
If we look at the reasons why we get colds at this time of year, we note that sudden changes of temperature can occur, which can catch out the body’s defence system, especially if one’s immune system is weak due to overwork, stress or poor diet.
Try to dress for the weather: going from a very warm house or shopping centre or car into a cold breeze, especially if you’re sweating, will put you at great risk of catching a cold. Teenagers seem to be immune to this, perhaps because their immune systems are more powerful than adults’. But as we grow older, we can’t get away with Tank Tops, even if we did want to wear them!
When you get a cold, use Echinacea in high doses; also Vitamin C and Zinc lozenges - one every hour - will help to halve the length of time a cold lingers and hopefully prevent it from turning into an infection. If the cold does move into your chest, use Plantain Juice, Thyme Juice and Garlic bulbs to ease the infection. These herbs can be used with an antibiotic if you need one.
If you get a fever, then a good herbal mixture would be Yarrow, Peppermint and Elderflower with a little fresh Ginger to help sweat the fever out. It’s interesting to note how Elderflower berries work. In Israel it was found that Elderflower juice blocked the entry of the ‘flu virus into the body’s cells. It works for all types of ‘flu virus, since they all use the same method of entry into the body’s cells.
Do be careful when taking Diaphoretics (something that makes you sweat) to stay away from cold draughts, since your pores are open and you may be vulnerable to a relapse.
Avoid sugar when you have a cold or ‘flu as sugar weakens your immune response. Drink plenty of water when you have a fever. Chicken or Vegetable soups is very good to help your immune response.
If you do fight a cold or ‘flu with the aid of Herbal remedies, then you’ll fight it off even better the next time since your immune system becomes stronger.

David Foley
MNIMH, MRCHM
Medical Herbalist