|
Diabetic Retinopathy Common Questions (Q) & Answers (A)
Also see the overview on Diabetic Retinopathy
Q: Why take nutritional supplementation?
A: Nutritional support along with a proper diet can help reduce
the effects of diabetes on the eyes. Anyway that you can combine a natural support with the program your doctor prescribes will help reduce your need for insulin, improve your breakdown and utilization of sugar, and potentially partially regenerate pancreatic B-cells which produce insulin.
Q: What products and nutrients can help me?
A: We recommend a combination of the following products: 1) GlycoEase Formula which is a sublingual liquid formula that can improve your utilization of insulin, help balance blood sugar and support the pancreas; 2) Advanced Eye & Vision Support formula - completely whole food eye formula; 3) Carlson's Fish Oil.
Q: Can't I get these nutrients from food?
A: Consistent intake of the above nutrients, combined with an proper and healthy diet, will help ensure the body receives the therapeutic doses necessary for prevention of vision loss.
Q: How long will I have to take the nutrients?
A: You may find that you can start reducing the amount of insulin you take within 1-2 weeks of starting the above regimen. You will probably have to continue taking these nutrients for the rest of your life. Please note that it is very important to monitor your blood sugar levels on a daily basis to adjust your medications as needed.
Q: When will I notice an improvement?
A: We are initially looking for a stabilization of the effects of diabetes on your eyes over 3-6 months. Over time you may experience an actual improvement of your vision. Much of the benefits we are looking for also depend on your lifestyle and diet (see Do's and Dont's below).
Q: Do other diseases contribute to my problems with diabetes?
A: Yes, it is important to manage chronic diseases like high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, elevated cholesterol, osteoporosis, and indigestion. If you suffer from obesity, it's very important to lose weight.
Q: Can I take these nutrient with other medications?
A: Check with your doctor is you have any questions or concerns about these nutrients and the medications you are taking.
Q: Are there any contraindications?
A: If you have a bleeding condition or are on anticoagulants (blood thinners), do not increase your level of essential fatty acid intake or ginkgo biloba except on the advice of our doctor.
Q: Can I take these nutrients with my vitamins?
A: Typically yes, but make sure you are not duplicating nutrients from one formula to the other.
Q: Are these products available in stores?
A: Most are only available through licensed health care professionals.
Q: Can my friends or relatives order these products?
A: Yes, just have them call or email our office.
DO'S: Eat plenty of fruits & vegetables, drink 6-8 glasses of water per day, minimize stress, get regular daily exercise, eat cold water fish (including mackerel, salmon, sardines) two to three times a week, increase fiber in your diet, eat slowly, try to eliminate allergenic substances from your surroundings and diet, find ways to reduce stress, take digestive aids (natural form) if needed to improve digestion..
DONT'S: Don't smoke, drink caffeine, sodas or alcohol (except a glass of red wine after dinner may be good for your eyes), avoid foods with artificial sweeteners or hydrogenated/transfatty fats, avoid cortisone, which elevates blood sugar.
Dry Eyes Common Questions (Q) & Answers (A)
Also see the comprehensive overview on Dry Eyes
Q: Why take nutritional supplementation?
A: Poor nutrition and hormone imbalances are probably the major culprits in causing dry eyes. Lack of essential fatty acids, vitamins A, C, riboflavin and B6 affect the workings of the eye's lubrication system. For an excellent selection of natural eyedrops for dry eyes and other recommended nutrients Click Here.
Q: Can't I get these nutrients from food?
A: Although a healthy diet is extremely important in maintaining healthy eyes, consistent intake of the above nutrients ensures the body receives the therapeutic doses necessary for prevention and maintenance.
Q: How long will I have to take the nutrients?
A: You take the supplements and use the tears as long as your symptoms persist. You can taper off once you start feeling better. The continued use of HydroEyes is still recommended due to the continued value of the essential fatty acids in your diet.
Q: When will I notice an improvement?
A: We often see a stabilization and possibly an improvement within 1month after starting the program. You may start to feel better almost immediately from the eyedrops..
Q: Can I take these nutrient with other medications?
A: Typically yes, though you should contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Q: Are there any contraindications?
A: If you have a bleeding condition or are on anticoagulants (blood thinnners), do not increase your level of essential fatty acid intake except on the advice of our doctor.
Q: Can I take these nutrients with my vitamins?
A: Typically yes, but be sure to check to make sure you are not duplicating nutrients between formulas you are taking.
Q: Are these products available in stores?
A: Usually not.
Q: Can my friends or relatives order these products?
A: Yes, just have them call or email our office.
Q: Do my medications affect my tear production?
A: Some medications may contribute to increased eye symptoms. These include antihistamines, blood pressure and ulcer medications, oral contraceptives, diuretics, over-the-counter vasoconstrictors (such as Visine), anti-glaucoma eye drops and antidepressants. Ask your doctor about these.
Q: Are any diseases associated with Dry Eye Syndrome?
A: Yes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, asthma, Thyroid Disease, Lupus and possibly glaucoma may all be associated. Supplementing with natural anti-inflammatories may reduce the symptoms of both your arthritis and dry eyes as well. Contact us for more information.
Q: Does using computers affect tear production?
A: Yes, computer users blink less often. Users need to take an eye break every 20 minutes, and do simple eye exercises like staring at your finger at close distance then focusing on something far away. Repeat this for 30 seconds. For free eye exercises Click Here.
DO'S: Eat plenty of fruits & vegetables, drink 6-8 glasses of water per day, get regular daily exercise, eat cold water fish (including mackerel, salmon, sardines) two to three times a week, increase fiber in your diet, eat slowly, try to eliminate allergenic substances from your surroundings and diet, find ways to reduce stress.
DONT'S: Don't smoke, drink caffeine, sodas or alcohol (except a glass of red wine after dinner may be good for your eyes), avoid foods with artificial sweeteners or hydrogenated/ransfatty fats.
Glaucoma Common Questions (Q) & Answers (A)
Also see the comprehensive overview on Glaucoma
Q: Why take nutritional supplementation?
A: Research has shown that certain nutrients can help protect the optic nerve such as Taurine, Vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and possibly alpha lipoic acid and gingko biloba. An excellent formula for glaucoma prevention or for those with glaucoma, we recommend the Optic Nerve Formula, which can help slightly lower Interocular Pressure (IOL) and help protect the optice nerve from damage. Essential nutrients include antioxidants such as Vitamin E, C and Beta carotene, along with fatty acids, Taurine, Bilberry, Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Selenium, and Chromium. Alpha Lipoic Acid is particularly important for glaucoma as studies have shown alpha lipoic acid to have positive benefits for those with glaucoma (see Studies on Glaucoma for more information).
Q: Can't I get these nutrients from food?
A: Although a healthy diet is extremely important in maintaining healthy eyes, consistent intake of the above nutrients ensures the body receives the therapeutic doses necessary for prevention and maintenance.
Q: How long will I have to take the nutrients?
A: Your doctor will monitor your Interocular Pressure and condition of your optic nerve on an ongoing basis. If you respond well to the nutrients over the course of a few months, your eye doctor may be able to reduce your glaucoma medication over time.
Q: When will I notice an improvement?
A: You may notice an improvement within 2-3 months of taking the supplements.
Q: Can I take these nutrient with other medications?
A: Usually, though nutrients such as gingko biloba, omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E all have a slight blood thinning quality, so if you are on any blood thinning medication, please consult with your doctor first before adding these nutrients. If you have any questions or concerns about nutrients and medications, you should consult with your doctor.
Q: Are there any contraindications?
A: See answer to question above.
Q: Can I take these nutrients with my vitamins?
A: You need to check the nutrients from the different formula you are taking or considering taking to make sure you are not duplicating nutrients. If you have any questions about this, please contact us.
Q: How do I get the Optic Nerve Formula, how much does it cost?
A: You can get more information on the Optic Nerve formula and order from our website by Clicking Here.
Q: Is this product available in stores?
A: No, only through licensed health care practitioners who carry the product. Click Here to order.
Q: Can my friends or relatives order these products?
A: Yes, just have them call or email us.
Q: Are there any other considerations?
A: If you have glaucoma, make sure to have your thyroid checked by your doctor. Many cases of glaucoma have been linked to low thryoid functioning. Chronic stress can also contribute to glaucoma, so managing this stress can also help prevent or improve glaucoma.
DO'S: Eat plenty of fruits & vegetables, drink 6-8 glasses of water per day, get regular daily exercise, learn to relax through meditation, prayer and/or a walk in nature, massage your temples three times a day, eat cold water fish (including mackerel, salmon, sardines) two to three times a week, increase fiber in your diet, eat slowly, take digestive aids in necessary, have regular eye exams!!!
DONT'S: Don't smoke, drink caffeine, drink alcohol (except a glass of red wine after dinner may be good for your eyes), eat fried foods, foods with artificial sweeteners, excessive sugar or refined foods such as white bread or white rice, hydrogenated oils, don't add salt to your food.
Macular Degeneration Common Questions (Q) & Answers (A)
Also see the comprehensive overview on Macular Degeneration
Q: Why take nutritional supplementation?
A: Research has conclusively shown that a number of specific nutrients can significantly help prevent the onset of macular degeneration as well strenthen the retina, reduce the chances of dry macular degeneration turning to wet macular degeneration, and protect against vision loss. Specific nutrients include lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin C, taurine, omega-3 fatty acid, gingko biloba, bilberry, lycopene. For more information on recommended nutrients and specific related products, Click Here. For related research studies Click Here.
Q: Can't I get these nutrients from food?
A: A healthy diet can help provide many of these nutrients, but it is important to ensure through daily supplementation that you are receiving the "therapeutic" daily dosages recommended.
Q: How long will I have to take the nutrients?
A: You need to continue taking the supplements, although at some point it may be reduced to a maintenance level.
Q: When will I notice an improvement?
A: We often see a stabilization and possibly an improvement in vision within three months of taking the nutrients.
Q: Can I take these nutrient with my medications?
A: Usually, but check with your doctor first particularly if you are on any blood thinning medications, or have any questions regarding possible contraindications.
Q: Are there any contraindications?
A: These nutrients are very safe, but if you are on medications, particularly any medication to help thin the blood or raise the blood pressure, check with your doctor first before adding nutrients to your daily routine.
Q: Can I take too much of any nutrient considered essential?
A: Not if you stay within reasonable recommendations of the research studies.
Q: What products do we recommend?
A:There are some excellent formulas including Viteyes Complete, the Advanced Eye & Vision Support formula, Pure Focus and Carlson's Fish Oil. For more information on these products Click Here.
Q: How do I get these products?
A: For more information on these products or to order Click Here.
Q: Are these products available in stores?
A: No, mostly only through a licensed health care professional.
Q: Can my friends or relatives order these products?
A: Yes, just have them call or email our office, or visit our online store.
DO'S: Eat plenty of fruits & vegetables, drink 8-10 cups of water per day, get regular exercise, relax for a minimum of 20 minutes per day through meditation, prayer or/and a walk in nature, eat cold water fish (including mackerel, salmon, sardines) two to three times a week, increase fiber in your diet, (don't let your fat intake exceed 30% of your diet), wear UV protecting sunglasses when outside, have regular eye exams!!!
DONT'S: Don't smoke, drink caffeine, drink alcohol (except a glass of red wine after dinner may be good for your eyes), eat fried foods, foods with artificial sweeteners, excessive sugar or refined foods such as white bread or white rice, hydrogenated oils, avoid aspirin (discuss possible alternatives with your doctor).
Return to Top |