Question: Do you have any recommendations for dry macular degeneration?
Dr. Blaylock's Answer:
Both the wet and dry forms of macular degeneration are caused by chronic activation of the microglial cells in the retina, with release of toxic concentrations of glutamate, which in turn damage the retinal neurons — a process called immunoexcitotoxicity. A number of studies have shown that antioxidants and anti-inflammatories help block these destructive reactions. There are also supplements of plant extracts that help protect the retina and promote healing. The wet form is most associated with smoking, and smoking dramatically increases free radicals in the retina.
The most helpful antioxidants/anti-inflammatories are 500 mg each of curcumin and quercetin mixed with a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil and taken three times a day. Lutein 6 mg a day, lycopene 20 mg a day, grape seed extract 100 mg twice a day, and bilberry 1,000 mg twice a day all protect the retina.
One should avoid a high meat diet (meats are high in iron and the excitotoxin glutamate). Avoid all foods containing excitotoxin additives (MSG, hydrolyzed proteins, vegetable proteins, soy products, carrageenan, yeast extract, caseinates, or protein isolates).
Magnesium citrate/malate reduces immunoexcitotoxicity as will the curcumin and quercetin. Vitamin E (natural form — Unique-E) and vitamin C (buffered) as well as a balanced multivitamin/mineral, such as Extend Core, all help protect the retina in cases macular degeneration. White tea contains a number of protective flavonoids called catechins. One should drink three cups of strong white tea a day. Finally, vitamin D3 in a dose of 2,000 IU to 5,000 IU a day is very protective against immunoexcitotoxicity.
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