Curing cataract without the need for surgery
Transcription
Curing cataract without the need for surgery
A non profit organisation dedicated to healthier, longer lives Newsletter No.1 Autumn 2007 Curing cataract without the need for surgery Cataract is an age-related visual problem that is caused by excessive free radical damage. Unfortunately free radicals are toxic by-products of everyday metabolism. As we age the production of these free radicals increases, and at the same time the body’s defences against them becomes less effective. As a result, free radicals destroy proteins, enzymes and DNA causing chronic damage to your tissues. This process is called oxidation, but there is another important process implicated in the formation of cataract, called glycation. This is a process whereby sugar and similar molecules attack your proteins and DNA, causing abnormal chemical bonds between individual molecules. Free radicals then make matters worse by facilitating this destruction of your tissues. In the end, there is an increased amount of abnormal, twisted and deformed proteins in your body, worsening the risk of developing age-related chronic conditions. In the case of the eye, these deformed proteins can cause visual impairment through cataract, (and indeed also through macular degeneration or glaucoma). What is cataract? Cataract is a common age-related condition that affects 1 in 4 people over the age of 65. It is caused when the proteins inside the lens of the eye (called crystallins) become damaged. Glycation is the main culprit here, it causes the crystallins to bind to each other and become misshapen, forming opaque plaques in the lens of the eye. As a result, light cannot pass properly through the lens and so vision is impaired. The word cataract is Greek and means waterfall, thus a severe cataract may look like trying to peer through a waterfall. In summary, cataract develops on a background of both oxidation and glycation. It is logical to assume that in order to prevent, or even reverse this that cataract may be cured without the need to resort to an operation. Anti-glycators to the rescue Apart from carnosine, other good antiglycators are the agents pyridoxamine and aminoguanidine. Both work to reduce the risk of glycation of proteins within the lens of the eye and thus prevent the harm caused to the proteins of the lens. By helping to improve microcirculation of the blood in the eye these can be useful both in macular degeneration and glaucoma. damage, it is necessary to use a combination of chemicals which work both against oxidation and glycation. The remarkable natural molecule called N-acetylcarnosine The most recent development in the prevention of age-related eye diseases is the nutrient N-acetyl-carnosine (NAC). This natural chemical is closely related to the natural dipeptide (meaning two aminoacids linked together) carnosine. Carnosine has been investigated extensively and there are over 1000 scientific reports discussing its biological actions and safety. NAC works by preventing free radical damage and reducing the risk of glycation, but NAC is particularly useful within the eye because it remains biologically active for longer. Once inside the eye tissues NAC transforms into pure carnosine and prevents free radicals from further destroying eye tissues such as the crystallins. It also reverses glycation, in other words, it may be useful in curing already existing cataracts. Indeed, clinical trials conducted in Russia have highlighted the fact that NAC eye-drops such as Can-C™ when used regularly over a period of 3-5 months can halt and even reverse cataract! As such these eye-drops are a very important discovery- because it shows The by-products of glycation (called AGEs) are frequently found in several parts of the eye. Thus, antiglycators such as carnosine, pyridoxamine and aminoguanidine can fool nature by reducing AGEs before these have the chance to combine with the receptors and affect the eye. It may not be enough to only use one remedy in order to prevent or even reverse chronic eye conditions. Using additional supplements will ensure that you are getting the extra insurance necessary to keep free radical action at low levels and reduce the risk of further harm to the eyes. The following are some relevant nutritional factors that may also have a role to play in improving vision. Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo is used in order to improve memory and blood circulation problems. It is also a very good antioxidant. However, many people buy the ‘raw leaf’ preparation of ginkgo which may not contain a standard amount of the active ingredients. It is best to use a standardised extract. Ginkgo can protect against cataract by reducing the injury caused by oxidation on the lens of the eye. It turns out that ginkgo increases antioxidant enzymes which makes it less likely that free radicals caused by radiation, (such as UV for example) can damage the lens. BLS Newsletter 1 : Page 1 Grape Seed It is well known that both grapes and their seeds contain antioxidants such as flavonoids. These are strong natural chemicals with antioxidant power up to 20 times more than vitamin E and 50 times more than vitamin C. Flavonoids from grape seeds help to protect the eyes from UV radiation and to improve overall vision. Vinpocetine Although vinpocetine is a well known brain booster, it has also a role to play in preventing chronic eye conditions, particularly if used in combinations with other supplements. Nutritional supplements such as vinpocetine improve blood circulation. Scientists have found that vinpocetine can improve optic nerve atrophy caused by head injury and improve the sensitivity of the retina and protect the optic nerve, (which transmits visual signals from the eye to the brain). Also, it improves blood flow within the arteries of the eye- which means that more nutrients could reach vital eye tissues. Lutein and zeaxanthin The two best known supplements for eye protection are the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. There is quite a lot of scientific evidence confirming that consumption of these two chemicals reduces the risk of age-related cataract. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only two carotenoids present in the lens, and their role is to protect the lens against free radicals caused by UV radiation from the sun. Others Apart from vitamins and nutrients, it is also necessary to protect your eyes in other ways. For example, avoid strong sunlight which facilitates free radical reactions within the eye. Instead, wear good quality sunglasses, particularly if you live in a place where sunshine is strong. Wearing a hat is also a good idea, as it cuts down some of the harmful UV radiation reaching your eyes. Frequent eye tests will pick up any early signs of eye disease and will give you the chance of starting or modifying your prevention nutritional programme. If you have diabetes, are a smoker or have a family history of chronic eye disease, then prevention therapy becomes even more important. BLS Newsletter 1 : Page 2 The Antiageing Island We all know the British radio show where guests are told they are going to be stuck on a remote island and they can only bring a few things along with them. Then they have to explain why they chose those things. Here we will play the same game a little differently! We will ask leading antiageing professionals what few things they would bring to their island to help them fight against the ravages of ageing! (By the way, the island gets plenty of sunshine, has numerous exercise possibilities and is full of fresh organic produce, fish & game and pure water!) Today it’s Walter Pierpaoli, M.D. • Born Milan in 1934 • Graduated in medicine and holds a PhD in immunology. • He has his own research laboratory and Institute for Integrative Biomedical Research as well as the foundation for basic biomedical research in Zurich. • Is the Director of the Jean Choay institute for neuroimmunomodulation in Riva San Vitale • He is author of over 130 publications on referenced scientific journals and the organizer of the Stromboli Conferences on Aging and Cancer. • Plus he has also published popular books including the; “Melatonin Miracle” which has been translated into 15 languages and a New York Times bestseller. BLS: Dear Walter, what is it you are bringing to your island? WP: That’s an easy answer for me- it’s melatonin of course! BLS: Please explain why that is an easy choice for you? WP: Quite simply because it is the most universal molecule we’ve ever come across. In essence it’s a molecule that protects us from ageing. BLS: So where does it come from? WP: It is produced in the pineal gland in the brain; it is also produced in some other parts of the body; however I do not consider it to be a hormone per se. It is a special molecule that existed before life began and has been put to a unique role. BLS: What do you consider its primary function to be? WP: To protect the pineal from ageing and to allow the pineal to manufacture other chemicals that rebalance the entire hormone system, thus bringing order to the circadian cycle, the daynight cyclicity that governs our ageing. An easy way to think of this is to imagine the pineal as the conductor of an orchestra (the hormones). Without a conductor the orchestra makes noise, with a conductor it makes music. BLS: I know you have performed lot of animal and human research with melatonin, what sort of outcomes have you seen? WP: Once the sleep cycles and the endocrine system come back into harmony there are many miraculous benefits. Our patients have conquered “Melatonin protects us from ageing” their cancers, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, depression and of course their ageing. Also I want to mention that a recent trial has highlighted that melatonin can halt and even reverse age related macular degenerationwhich is the leading cause of vision disorders in the elderly. BLS: How can you be so sure that ageing is reversed too? WP: We conducted an experiment with mice, taking the old pineal gland out of an old mouse and putting it into a young mouse, at the same time we took out the young pineal from the young mouse and placed it into the old mouse. The young mouse aged quickly and the old mouse became young! We have published this information in medical journals and presented it as numerous conferences. BLS: It’s a wonder why this hasn’t become widely known? news Diesel fumes increase the risk of heart disease Recently scientists have discovered that diesel contaminants breathed in from the air react with fats in the body to switch on genes that cause inflammation to blood vessels. WP: There are many forces and dogmas against preventative medicine, especially in old Europe which seems to be set against the widespread use of melatonin, unlike the USA and some other countries where it can be purchased freely. BLS: What about safety with melatonin? WP: It is very safe indeed, the regular dose is 3 mg before bedtime, yet one study gave women 300 mg for a year, 100 times the normal dose and yet no significant side effects or contradictions were recorded. BLS: You mentioned earlier that the wake/ sleep cycle governs our ageing, does this mean that you believe in a pre-programmed limit to life? WP: In a way the answer is yes, but the point is that melatonin resets the clock, literally turning back the hands of time. It gives us more time and perhaps more importantly it gives us better health with that time. BLS: Do you think that you will be able to describe this concept in a future book? WP: I hope to publish this as the rotation theory of ageing. BLS: We wish you more power to your elbow Walter and good luck with everything you are doing. WP: Thank you and I hope that the fine message you are trying to cry out in the UK with the BLS- that there are real proven alternative health treatments, is a great success too. The study was published in the journal Genome Biology and its lead researcher Dr André Nel commented; “Their combination [diesel and LDL cholesterol] creates a dangerous synergy that wreaks cardiovascular havoc.” Dr Nel went on to state; “Exactly how air pollutants cause cardiovascular injury is poorly understood, but we do know that these particles are coated with chemicals that damage tissue and cause inflammation of the nose and lungs. Vascular inflammation in turn leads to cholesterol deposits and clogged arteries, which can give rise to blood clots that trigger heart attack or stroke.” The advice of the British Heart Foundation was that anyone with chronic lung disease or coronary heart disease should avoid staying outside for long periods when pollution levels are high. The BLS thinks that this is yet another indicator of how “everyday” pollutants are contributing to accelerating ageing and exacerbating various diseases. The obvious solutions apart from “cleaning up our act as a society” (which let’s be honest is going to take a very long time), is to also seek out regular (probably life long) detox and chelation therapies to ensure that we have the lowest possible levels of toxins inside of us. We hope to report more on these types of therapies in future issues, please stay informed by subscribing to the BLS today. A new drug is a novel aid to help stop smoking Frankly we believe at the BLS that it should be obvious to its members not to abuse their bodies with things such as excessive alcohol, narcotics and smoking etc., but once in a while we believe it’s worth discussing items that may help “kick the habit” to help those who want to quit- but are having difficulty. Varenicline (trade name Champix) is the first non-nicotine drug developed specifically to help smokers give up for good. Now that the smoking ban in public places is law across the United Kingdom it has become apparent to many smokers that apart from damaging their own health and the health of others, being a social outcast is yet another good reason to stop! The new Pfizer drug Varenicline is unusual in that it both stimulates and blocks specific nicotinic receptors in the brain. Through this mechanism it is believed that the stimulation to the receptors mimics nicotine to reduce cravings, plus the partial blocking produces a weaker response for the will to smoke. The clinical trials indicated that after a 12-week course of Varenicline 44% of smokers quit. These are impressive figures especially when compared to those on placebo (18% quit) or 30% quitting on another anti-smoking drug- Bupropion. A spokesperson for NICE said: “Having looked at all the evidence, our independent committee has concluded that Varenicline appears to be a good way to help people who want to quit smoking.” BLS Newsletter 1 : Page 3 Positive Stress May Be Healthy periods of intermittent fasting, irregular eating times and unusual items in the diet, such as exotic fruit, game, or uncommon nuts. Most people don’t know that mild and repeated stimulation or stress build-up our defences against ageing. Examples of stimulation or challenges which may show benefit include: •Dietary restriction. •Physical and mental exercise. •Social and spiritual stimulation. Scientists know that specific and mild stress or stimulation such as radiation, heat or cold can cause mild damage to the organism. This stress activates the repair processes which try to mend this damage and at the same time any age-related damage that happens to “mild positive stress is called hormesis” exist, is also repaired. This type of mild positive stress is called hormesis and whilst little is known about its effects on humans there is new research that shows promising results. Hormesis and human ageing A well known example of hormesis is caloric (or dietary) restriction, to date this is the only intervention that has repeatedly and consistently been shown to increase lifespan in all animals studied. Caloric restriction is a nutritional challenge to the body; it improves several biochemical factors such as cholesterol, insulin, hormones and immune proteins. Some doctors believe that nutritional stress could also be achieved by following an ever-changing dietary routine with variable amounts eaten at different, irregular intervals throughout the day. They advise to have BLS Newsletter 1 : Page 4 With regards to mild brain stress, several examples of anti-aging mental exercises can be given. Over the past 10 years we, at the British Longevity Society, have been recommending specific mental, sense and memory exercises as a way of counteracting some of the effects of age on the brain. These exercises cause hormetic events which may have a positive impact on the prevention or delay of age-related mental problems such as dementia and memory problems by: •Improving nerve growth factors to cause better binding of neurotransmitters to the brain cells. •Increasing sensitivity of brain stem cells. •Reducing abnormal and early death of brain cells. Examples of physical stimulation Day 1: 30 minutes tai chi in the morning and 20 minutes ballroom dancing in the evening Day 2: Go for a 20 minute brisk walk and then do 15 minutes yoga. Day 3: Play football or other ball games for 30 minutes in the afternoon. Day 4: No exercise, just follow your everyday routine. Day 5: Try a new sport such as horse-riding, fencing or rowing. Day 6: To the gym for 20-25 minutes of weight lifting. Day 7: Aerobics for 30 minutes, followed by yoga. Day 8: No exercise, but keep generally active. Examples of mental exercises •Choose a controversial subject and argue the side opposite to your own opinion. •Try listening to unusual music, such as traditional oriental songs. •Tune into a foreign language radio station and try to guess the general meaning of the programme. •For about 5-10 minutes, read a magazine holding it upside down. To make the exercise more difficult, hold it upside down in front of a mirror and read from the mirror image. •For 5-10 minutes a day use your nondominant hand to write something. •Read a magazine or newspaper that you do not usually read. •Difficult Exercises (doing two/ three demanding things at once). E.g.: Listen to music while surfing the internet AND using a grip exerciser on the other hand. Play table tennis while listening to music AND arguing the side opposite to your own opinion. Use your non-dominant to write a paragraph while blindfolded (and chatting about something else). Examples of social and spiritual stimulation •Do not accept easy answers or expla nations; always look for the real rea son behind each event or situation. •Strengthen your social bonds, friend ships and family ties. •Explore other religions. •Explore aspects of your own religion which you have not considered in the past. Long in the Tooth By Brian Halvorsen, BDS Is type-III diabetes the trigger for Alzheimer’s disease? The most common disease in the world is gum disease (periodontitis) and is the principle cause of tooth loss in the 40 years and above age group. Historically, Stone Age humans were only afflicted with dental disease when they started cooking their food. So as we have become more ‘civilised’, especially in a dietary sense, our dental health has deteriorated. Without preventative measures such as visiting the dentist/ hygienist, tooth brushing etc, and dietary/ supplemental modifications the majority of us will suffer from age related gum disease. The good news is that gum disease and subsequent tooth loss is entirely preventable. As we, on average, are expected to live longer, dental health is “Without preventative measures...the majority of us will suffer from age related gum disease” increasing becoming an important factor in our general health and wellbeing. Periodontal (gum) disease has been linked to circulatory and heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, autoimmune diseases and liver disorders. Holistically, it’s a ‘chicken and egg’ situation. Is the gum disease an indication of a body dysfunction, or are the bacteria, inflammatory products and toxins produced by the gum disease the source of the body disorders? Poor nutrition, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are predisposing factors to accelerate the progress of gum disease. Periodontists (experts in the treatment of gum disease) will often refuse to treat patients who continue to smoke because the treatment outcomes are seriously compromised. People who smoke are at least 10 times more likely to develop mouth cancer and if they smoke and consume news Type-I diabetes is a condition whereby diabetics have to inject insulin; type-II diabetes is a condition whereby the patient uses an insulin stimulant such as a metformin pill. large amounts of alcohol, are 30 times at risk! Until the advanced stages, gum disease is rarely painful. Any bleeding of the gums indicates gingivitis. Red and swollen gums are more serious and the attentions of a dentist are urgently required. As a dentist I am often asked if there is a genetic link to gum disease, as my patients’ parents had lost their teeth to gum infections, often at a young age. Although genetics is a factor, anyone should be able to keep their teeth for life! So what is the solution? 1. Find a preventative dentist, prefer ably with a hygienist/ dental health educator and attend regularly. 2. Home care– Use the advice from above. We all have differing oral hygiene requirements. 3. Boost your resistance to disease by reducing your life stresses. Improve your nutrition, emotional, environ mental and physical aspects of your lifestyle. 4. Both vitamin C and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been shown to have specific health benefits for maintain ing healthy gums. Remember, there is no secret to having healthy teeth and gums, or for that matter a healthy mouth and a healthy body. Now scientists say they have found a new form of diabetes. They have discovered that insulin is produced not only by the pancreas, but also by the brain. This new form has been dubbed type iii. Although it is not thought to affect blood sugar, type-III does affect brain insulin levels and appears to be linked with Alzheimer’s disease. It has been known for some time that people with diabetes have a 65% increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and that diabetics have protein deposits in their pancreas that are similar to the protein deposits found in the brain tissue of people with Alzheimer’s disease. In fact poorly controlled diabetes is correlated with poorly functioning memory and reduced brain activity and now studies are highlighting that insulin and its related growth factors are vital for the survival of brain cells. For if these factors are not produced at normal levels, the cells die and in the case of Alzheimer’s, the cells that die are located in the part of the brain involved with memory- the hippocampus. In a future issue of the BLS newsletter we shall also be reporting on the role of excitotoxins and how they may also be a trigger for Alzheimer’s. Excitotoxins and diabetes are both related through nutrition and thus, other than toxins (particularly the accumulation of mercury), Alzheimer’s may be caused by long-term poor diet! BLS Newsletter 1 : Page 5 calendar books Here are some books we think will be of interest to our members Title: The Melatonin Miracle Author: Walter Pierpaoli, M.D. Cost: £4.50 This remarkable introduction to melatonin was on the NY Times best sellers list for many years. Whilst it is now about 10-years old, it still offers a fascinating glimpse into the discovery of melatonin and its antiageing properties. Those prepared to wait a few months may like to know that Dr. Pierpaoli’s update; the key of life- should be available before the end of 2007. Title: Hormone Solution Author: Thierry Hertoghe, M.D. Cost: £12.95 This book is a step-by-step guide to what many hormones are responsible for. Each one is evaluated for the signs to look for in a patient, i.e. if a hormone is too high or too low, and the author also explains the kinds of therapies that can be adopted. Plus there are questionnaires to help you discover what you may be lacking in the endocrine department! Title: Life Extension Author: Durk Pearson & Sandy Shaw Cost: £6.00 Although this book was written in the mid 1980s (and its price reflects its second hand price on Amazon), it still represents a great insight into the whys and wherefores of what is trying to be achieved in antiageing medicine. Many people feel that Pearson and Shaw were pioneers of the industry and much of what is in their book, in terms of protocols etc. are still valid today. Title: Smart Drugs II (the next generation) Author: Ward Dean, M.D. Cost: £7.50 Following on from the author’s best seller Smart Drugs and Nutrients, this book exposes more of the so-called off-label uses of agents that can enhance memory and help to slow and retard dementias. Antiageing medicine is made up of many novel substances and puts existing substances to alternative uses, hence the smart drug series is useful in understand why this type of approach is necessary for preventative needs. Title: The Cataract Cure Author: Marios Kyriazis, M.D. Cost: £5.95 This book highlights the latest Russian eye-drop breakthrough for the treatment and prevention of senile cataract. It is the story of N-acetylcarnosine and it details how it can be used to achieve the best results in order to avoid cataract surgery. Other eye disorders including glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry-eye syndrome are also discussed with a view to the types of nutrition that are beneficial. BLS Newsletter 1 : Page 6 The BLS will endeavour to list conferences that are relevant to antiageing and preventative medicine. What is more, the BLS will shortly be organising meetings composing of a short lecture with an open discussion panel. We hope to be able to hold such meetings every 3 months in London. All members with e-mail addresses will be told about these; we shall also place details on the BLS website and in the BLS newsletter. DECEMBER 2007 Date: December 12-15, 2007 Name: 15th Annual World Congress on Antiaging Medicine Place: Las Vegas, Nevada Contact: www.worldhealth.net NOVEMBER 2007 Date: November 8-11, 2007 Name: Age Management Medicine Place: Las Vegas, Nevada Contact: www.agemed.org Date: November 1-4, 2007 Name: The 3rd Istanbul Anti-Aging Medical Aesthetics Congress Place: Istanbul, Turkey Contact: www.antiagingturkey.org OCTOBER 2007 Date: October 12-14, 2007 Name: European masters in Antiaging and Aesthetic medicine Place: Paris, France Contact: www.euromedicom.com SEPTEMBER 2007 Date: September 14-16, 2007 Name: 4th London Antiageing Conference Place: London, England Contact: www.antiageingconference.com The British Longevity Society is a non-profit organisation operated by volunteers. Its medical advisor is Marios Kyriazis M.D., MSc, MIBiol, CBiol. Dr. Kyriazis is an antiageing physician in private medical practice and was trained in gerontology (the science of ageing) at the King’s College, University of London. He is also a Chartered Biologist for work in the biology of ageing. Who is the BLS for? The British Longevity Society is for individuals who want to live a longer, healthier life. It is a forum for discussion, exchange of ideas and dissemination of information on how to avoid premature ageing and how to keep an active, healthy body and brain well into a very old age. What are the BLS intentions? The BLS intends to inform the lay-person about the advances in this science that are being published in the clinical journals every day. The BLS seeks to inform in a way that everyone can understand how these remarkable new approaches are going to change medicine and our understanding about health forever. What advantages are there to a BLS membership? As a member of the BLS you will receive 4 quality newsletters each year (either by electronic or physical form) that will be full of interesting information regarding antiageing/ preventative medicine, all of which having been written by leading professionals in the field. Furthermore, the BLS intends to organise quarterly meetings in the UK, beginning in London. BLS members will be given priority to attend these limited seating meetings. Each one will have a speaker on a chosen topic and afterward there will be an open forum on healthy ageing. It is your opportunity to meet with like minded people and discuss your needs and opinions. In addition, the BLS will be negotiating deals for its members with other companies and organisations. This will mean special offers and discounts on a wide variety of health related goods and services including nutrition, spa and clinical treatments, conferences, books and magazines etc. How much does BLS membership cost? From as little as £14.95 a year for electronic newsletters sent to your email address in PDF format. If you would prefer a “traditional” paper newsletter in full colour and your delivery address is in the United Kingdom (including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), then annual membership is just £19.95 If you are outside the United Kingdom and you want a physical newsletter then the cost rises to just £24.95 How can I pay? The easiest way to pay us is with a Visa or MasterCard through our Pay Pal system (if you have a Pay Pal account you may also make payment to our email address). Alternatively we will accept cheques from the United Kingdom in Pounds Sterling, but if you are located outside of the UK and don’t want to pay with a credit card, then please organize a Post Office or bank draft that is drawn in Pounds Sterling made payable to the BRITISH LONGEVITY SOCIETY and cashable at a British bank. Please complete our subscription form today and either fax, email or mail it to us at the details shown. (Please note that all correspondence will be in English and that we don’t enter into telephone conversation at this time). We look forward to welcoming you to the BLS. Dr. Kyriazis has presented his work at many scientific conferences worldwide and he is an accomplished medical writer in the field of healthy ageing and antiageing medicine, both for scientists and the public. He is using a combination of conventional, complementary and alternative treatments. The British media considers Dr Kyriazis to be one of the top experts on longevity, and an internationally acknowledged pioneer in the field. contact British Longevity Society PO Box 4202 Dunstable Bedfordshire LU5 5WU England fax: 0709 235 0063 e-mail: offi[email protected] www.thebls.org Disclaimer: The views expressed may not be official policy of BLS and are expressed ‘without Prejudice’. All information is for educational purposes and individuals should always seek the advice of their health professional. Appearance of Advertisers content does not imply endorsement by the BLS. The sender does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents and/or any accompanying attachments BLS Newsletter 1 : Page 8