Too many to ignore!!: I have read many... - Macular Society

Macular Society

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Too many to ignore!!

31 Replies

I have read many reports relateng to "Reversing or/and arresting AMD. They all state it is down to the gut, all disease starts from there, so they say. The reports state, how following a low glycemic diet and eating living foods (Google) will either reverse (depending how far on the AMD is) or arrest it. I don't know about you (whom ever reads this) but I'm sure going to give it a try. I've decided to go for an OCT scan in a couple of weeks and then in six months time, to check how I'm doing after following the diet plan. I feel I ought to add here that on finding out I had AMD, I gave up sugar,, followed a low carb diet and joined a gym. The latest OCT scan has shown no progression in the AMD, so something must be working? However , I shall be changing the opticians I attend as her response to me telling her that I also take Viteyes supements for the AMD was "It gets everyone in the end". Can you believe that !! There is docemented proof that nine people in America have REVERSED their AMD through diet. I hope this write up brings some of you some hope and determination. best wishes always...Pauline

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31 Replies
Ayayay80 profile image
Ayayay80

Hello Pauline

I think to blame all diseases on poor diet is simplifying things a bit. Although I believe wholeheartedly that a healthy lifestyle can only do good and should be recommended it is by no means the only criterium. It reminds me of a friend who had done everything by the book, never smoked, ate healthyly with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and walked for miles across the countryside every week. Yet, when she was dying of cancer, she felt cheated because she had done everything right while some of our friends of the same age still smoked, some were obese and yet still seemed to be as fit as a fiddle. Call it fate, or chance.

There will always be people who claim to have had a disease reversed due to whatever they think it was that brought it about and just as many for whom their lifestyle has not made any difference either way. The human body is a complicated machine and there are hundreds of hidden functions and reactions going on within us without being aware of it. Sorry, Pauline, I do not mean to shout your idea down. Not at all! I just think it is not that simple. It also seems a little unfair that everything that is going wrong with our health - we are entirely to blame for it. May I just add that I will be 81 in 4 weeks time and still go on 6-8 mile rambles and still play table tennis. So I think myself qualified to voice my opinion.

Best wishes and thank you for caring

in reply toAyayay80

? I didn't blame all disease "On a poor diet? " What I said was All disease starts in the gut ?". You have misunderstood my message. It's far too in-depth for me to go into, however I dont make such statements lightly and have quoted many latest scientific research reports.

rosyG profile image
rosyG in reply to

sorry Pauline you have to do better than this ( it's far too in depth.....!!!- we can follow links to these reports if you 'd like to post them!!

BasiRose profile image
BasiRose in reply toAyayay80

Way to go, Ayayay80! You are an inspiration.

maritravel profile image
maritravel in reply toAyayay80

I'm with you on this ayayay. Too often we are persuaded into lifestyle changes and dietary supplements on little evidence that the changes will work. I have always been a believer in moderation in all things, so I eat well, I drink alcohol, I exercise by walking (never go near a gym) but all in moderation. I've never taken supplements. I've survived cancer and had two major operations in my lifetime but consider myself healthy and fit for my age (I am one of life's 'ancients'). I think I will continue along this route until scientific evidence proves that there is a better way to good health.

Ayayay80 profile image
Ayayay80 in reply tomaritravel

Thank you for that, maritravel. I follow a similar route. Moderation is the clue. No supplements and no gym; antibiotics only when absolutely neccessay, no long-term medication, only the occasional paracetmol when needed. Hope you keep going that way; it has served us well! x

Macular_1 profile image
Macular_1

Hi Pauline,

Whilst good diet, (perhaps coupled with an 'AREDS' vitamin supplement), protecting your eyes against the sun and a general healthy lifestyle will help; sadly macular degeneration cannot be reversed, despite what you may have read.

The above should however slow down the rate of deterioration.

Unfortunately it is becoming more apparent through scientific research, that aging and genetics play a large part in someones likelihood of developing AMD.

It will however be interesting for you to feedback your OCT results in another 6 months time.

Best wishes

Macular Society

Just like the 2 opticians I have spoken to , you too, destroy all hope I have in any hope and inspirational I TRY to find within myself, from reports I come across . Before I quote any findings I ensure the source is legit and from people who are advanced and dedicated in the medical science of eye care, the list is too long to mention here. I'm in regular contact with some in Canada. I won't be adding anything further on this site...Bye.

niki11 profile image
niki11 in reply to

I understand your frustration. I was just recently diagnosed with AMD with a lot of drusen in both eyes at 44 years old. My mom and grandfather had wet AMD. however with my mom she didn't see any deterioration until her early 70s. I have been wearing glasses since 3rd grade. I'm nearsighted. With my glasses I still see 20/20 and have had this RX for the last five years, so right now I do not have any symtoms. I feel as though I'm just waiting for that other shoe to drop, I'm filled with anxiety checking my eyesight every couple of hours (ugh).

I want to hear some good news too, but remember this is an online health forum. And while people are very insightful and supportive, most people gravitate to a health forum for a specific condition or disease usually when they're first diagnosed to see what is ahead of them, or if they're experiencing symtoms and currently getting treatment (injections in this case).

In other words, someone who was diagnosed with lets say dry AMD 15 years ago and is doing fine with it so far(none or little change in sight), probably isn't going to be online seeking answers or sharing their story. It's just the nature of health forums online. For instance, I would say half the members seem to have wet AMD in one or both eyes, when the reality is only 10% of people with AMD have wet.

People here seem to be positive and supportive, though.

Remember ODDS ARE IN YOUR FAVOR. ONLY 10% OF PEOPLE DEVELOP WET AMD. Even with me, with the genetic association, the doctor said I have double the risk. I gasped and said "About 50% chance then?" and shook his head furiously and said "NO! There is a ten percent chance for most, but considering you have drusen in both eyes at a young age and your mom had wet AMD, you have more like a 20/25 percent chance instead of 10"

So even with all the things working against me, the odds are still in my favor of not getting wet AMD.

I'm starting to take vitamins, stopping all simple carbs, and start exercising. It might not make a damn bit of difference in the end, but even if there is a 5% chance it slows it down, I'm doing it.

We all here stories "Well he smoked and lived to 90, and he was healthy and never smoked and dropped dead of a heart attack at 55". However those are anomalies. Very few heavy smokers, obese people etc live to be very old. I say play the odds and try the diet and vitamins.

in reply toniki11

Thank you for you're positive, uplifting, inteligent response ! But as I stated earlier, I wont be adding anything further on here. I'm now in contact with several like minded individuals via email. People need to do their own research, it's all out there!

Hollyg profile image
Hollyg in reply toniki11

I'm on that 10%..wet in one dry my other.

Hollyg profile image
Hollyg in reply to

hey keep in touch with me!

Ayayay80 profile image
Ayayay80

I am a little saddened that I (and the supporters of my reply) have offended Pauline. It was not my intention. I have studied human physiology and have a fair knowledge of how the body works. Too many claims are made of miracle cures when even doctors don't believe in them. Statistics (which by the way I have also studied) are what you want them to be by manipulating data - what to include and what to leave out. They are what they are! I apologise to Pauline, but while some people prefer to believe in false hope I prefer to face the facts in a sensible way. We are all entitled to express our own opinions without ridiculing someone elses, which by the way, I never intended to do. We all should follow what seems right for us.

Bfree profile image
Bfree

Pauline I think that’s awesome . Finding that there was no cure for my WMD that I feel into a deep depression and considered ended my life . I then watched talks from Lisa Rankins and read books about self healing . The mind is very powerful and there is scientific proof that people have healed themselves and it’s only this that gives me the hope to carry on . I will have a look at that diet . Thank you xx

in reply toBfree

Thank you .

alison-g profile image
alison-g

I believe in this although even if one does not there is no down side. It will only make you healthier all around.

IvyRose2 profile image
IvyRose2 in reply toalison-g

Agree with you Alison, no harm in positivity and getting yourself healthier lifestyle. I was told smoking is one of the biggest risks.

enopmar profile image
enopmar in reply toIvyRose2

As long as she doesn't have irreversible damage while she waits.

IvyRose2 profile image
IvyRose2 in reply toenopmar

She has not stated that her AMD is wet or dry!!

Hollyg profile image
Hollyg

I dunno about reversing retinal damage, however, I've greatly improved my worst eye by changing to an anti inflammatory diet.

niki11 profile image
niki11 in reply toHollyg

That's great. Can you give a quick run down of some of the foods you're eating on this diet? Thank you.

I think inflammation is tied to the risk of this disease.

Brilliant!

Hollyg profile image
Hollyg

hi, I use my high-speed blender (nutribullet) for 1-2 meals a day. Veggie protein powder, chia/flax seeds, ground cinnamon, a but of tumeric, hanful of fresh kale or any dark greens, 1/2-1cup frozen berries or cut pineapple or banana, coconut milk 1 serving and ground ginger and ice.

loads of variations are on YouTube...give a look and see what you have on hand..then gradually add or subtract what makes you feel better.

plenty of whole , not liquid, food diets are on YouTube. What works fir me is smoothie fir breakfast, whit skinless chicken great on seeded bread with mayonnaise and fresh greens fir lunch then smoothie for dinner.

I snack on hummus and carrots or bell peppers if I get hungry. You don't have to be a saint about it..use moderation if you're out with friends.

my naturopath told me to start by eliminating anything white from mu diet. Drinking veggies is far more palatable than I thought it would be.

it's a great and creative way to love yourself and your body...i noticed a big difference in mt eyesight after a couple of months.

can't hurt 😉

Hollyg profile image
Hollyg in reply toHollyg

that was suppose to read a BIT OF TURMERIC...be careful with this spice in particular ...i over did it and my heart raced for hours.

ASK YOUR DOCTORS FIRST

ASK YOUR DOCTORS FIRST

about changing your diet.

niki11 profile image
niki11 in reply toHollyg

Thank you!

chbn profile image
chbn

I'd like to think that giving people hope by giving more options, be it through nutrition or lifestyle changes, can be very helpful. I can't accept the fact that there is no hope and everyone will just wait for the worst to come. The psychological aspect of the eye disease is very devastating, and I don't think many doctors understand that until they have to live through it themselves. I am currently following a very high nutrient diet with lots of green and lots of fruits. I at least find myself doing better psychologically.

enopmar profile image
enopmar

Sounds like woo to me.

Hollyg profile image
Hollyg

hi, I get the same response from my doc, although he's impressed at my progress.

funny they fully accept areds vitamins helping but not food. 😒

nor cannabis

I've been through this with doctors over the decades when in treatment for other stuff....my conclusion.... First doctors are scientists, the first and last proof they need is scientific proof.

that's understandable and in all fairness I'd prefer my docs to be a little anal along this line

however, let us consider this; we're virtually PIONEERS. AMD has never been as widespread before...i think I'm right on that.

we're setting new ground. So try things and keep a journal..what we, as patients, discover will help those who come after us, future generations will benefit from our experiences.

So will ophthalmology.

We will be a great part of the coming CURE 😊👍👍👍🍸🍸

Catseyes235 profile image
Catseyes235 in reply toHollyg

It's not that AMD is more widespread but that there are now treatments available and combined with the rising age of the population will be more prevalent like many other diseases including cancer. There may be other factors like in skin cancer such as more people exposed to sunlight. Both my brothers have the condition while neither of my sisters do so there must be a genetic component. On diet, the specialist I saw recommended Macushield Gold despite the fact I eat loads of dark green veg as she said this was far better and concentrated. My AMD is 'drying nicely' even after the 3rd injection (now had 5) but is this down to catching the condition early or the supplement it's difficult to say.

Hollyg profile image
Hollyg

generally speaking and imho no one has a clear idea of what helps us either maintain what sight we have or improvements in the disease decline; treatments and nutrition and in my case working a program of self discovery and acceptance /release or simple understanding of how LIFE works.

I'm a Taoist leaning toward Buddhism in practice, I'm not perfect nor a saint in my practice.

western medicine is in it's infancy treating illness -disease - disorders...beyond the principles they teach, i.e. surgery/comfort /maintenance.

combining nutrition and self esteem has gotten me through 3 major illnesses and surgeries..none sight related...directly. That is surgeries weren't on my eyes nor optic nerve.

I've nearly died twice and attempted suicide once; initiated by my continued medical/mental-emotional state post surgery.

I've recently, a year ago, returned to yogic practice and changed my diet. I maintain that a positive change in mood and thereby attitude has greatly assisted my eye surgeon's treatments.

I'm off 5 major maintenance drugs I took for 28 years as a weird form of palliative care. I gained nearly 100 pounds..i was deeply depressed for 28 years.

unable to work and walk or stand for long.

when the sight diagnosis (dx) came down..4 years ago I spent a whole YEAR in my darkened apartment.

to sum up..a year later in standing, learning to use.a computer for low vision and am returning to work.

I just turned 65 years old last Saturday.

all I'm saying is at least for me I'm approaching this disease just as I'd suppose my pioneer decedents did when the left our east coast and headed west..try EVERYTHING.

TAKE what you need leave the rest 😉👍😈

Hollyg profile image
Hollyg

in addition.

STOP BASHING PEOPLE ON THIS CHANNEL

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