Vitamins B, C and E may either prevent cataracts of slow their progression

Parting the clouds

Researchers have found that vitamins B, C, and E may either prevent cataracts or slow their progression.

Investigators at Tufts University found that women participating in the Nurses Health Study who reported supplementing their diets with vitamin E for 10 years or more had significantly less progression of their cataracts after five years of follow-up. A similar decrease in cataract development was seen when researchers compared women who ingested higher amounts of the B vitamins riboflavin and thiamin, than those who reported taking lower amounts.

This latest study built upon information gleaned from an earlier one conducted by the same group of scientists four years ago. Those results found that vitamin C may prevent cataracts from forming altogether.

In addition to these three nutrients, there are two more natural cataract treatments that Dr. Wright has written about: N-acetylcarnitine eyedrops and a Chinese herbal supplement called Hachimi-jio-gan (or, more simply, Clinical Nutrients for the Eyes). For more information on these products, see the February 2005 issue of Nutrition & Healing. (Subscribers can download and view these issues for free by visiting www.nutritionandhealing.com and logging in with the username and password listed on page 8 of your most recent issue.)

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Nailing it

Q: My husband works out regularly in a gym and then showers and goes on to work. But despite the obvious health benefits his exercise regimen provides, there has been a downside. He now has toenail fungus. How can he get rid of this really problem?

JVW: Unfortunately, locker rooms and public pools are prime places to come into contact with the fungus trichophyton rubrum. And once you get it in one toenail, it is important to treat it early, as it can spread to other nails.

Have your husband trim the nail back and use a soft toothbrush to apply tea tree oil to the affected nail twice a day. It will take time — possibly several months — but eventually it does work, so hang in there. To speed things along you can apply DMSO, a natural solvent that is available from many natural food stores. DMSO helps to carry the tea tree oil through the nail directly to the fungus.

I have also found that potassium iodide (SSKI) in combination with DMSO is quite effective in getting rid of toenail fungus. But there are two notes of caution with this particular treatment: People who are allergic to iodine should not use SSKI, and this treatment can suppress thyroid function if taken over a long period of time. To be safe, always consult with your doctor or naturopathic healthcare professional before using SSKI.

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What is…a cataract?

A cataract forms when proteins in the lens of the eye are altered causing a portion of the normally clear lens to become cloudy or opaque. This area tends to grow over time, eventually blurring or clouding vision. Usually the condition affects both eyes, but often to varying degrees.

Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Editorial Director
Nutrition & Healing

Sources:

Jacques P, et al, “Long-term nutrient intake and 5-year change in nuclear lens opacities,” Archives of Ophthalmology 2005; 123(4): 517-526