The Natural Reader

Gloria Gilbere, DHom, ND, PhD

I really wonder some times why my creator keeps using me as the example, guess it’s just so I can continue to teach and honestly say, “been there, done that!”. Yes, I’ve had more than my share of eye disorders, particularly after my much written about odyssey from healer to victim as recounted in my best-selling book I was Poisoned by my body.

What has become pointedly evident is that conventional (orthodox) eye physicians have little, if any, training in nutrition. Physicians who subscribe to integrative medical methodologies concur that malnutrition and biological deficiencies, and enviromental toxins play a huge role in the puzzle of health disorders.

Integrative physicians validate that the following is absolutely necessary to sustain vibrant eye health:

• A healthy balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates
• Approximately 13 nutrients to support biological functions
• Approximately 45 minerals
• Over 10 amino acids and fatty acids
• More than 4 digestive enzymes from plant sources
• Oxygen
• Pure water
• Probiotics (our intestinal warriors)

Keeping the above list in mind, they all need to work interactively as co-factors to each other otherwise an imbalance (malfunction) occurs. For instance, there are over 80 enzymes working at all times in your body; they need zinc as a co-factor to perform their task properly.

Free and Radical

Free radicals are partly caused by the action of sunlight upon our eyes; cellular combustion created by energy and oxidation from oxygen activities in our body. Our eyes require two specific antioxidants, Lutein (lu-teen) and Zeaxanthin (zee-a-zan-than). They help to counter free radical activity. Additionally, a substance called ATP; created by our cell to provide energy for life and cellular cleansing and regeneration is a major help. These nutrients are essential in healthy amounts for good eye health.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are found in abundance in dark leafy green vegetables. The following are severa; reasons why you may be deficient in nutrients necessary for eye health:

• You don’t consume sufficient dark leafy greens on a daily basis.
• The natural aging processes prevent us from fully absorbing nutrients from our food. In many people this is caused by a age-related reduction of HCL in the stomach. However, many with digestive disorders or autoimmune diseases cannot tolerate HCL and, therefore, do better by supplementing with plant-derived digestive enzymes. Sometimes a small glass (approx. 2 ox.) of organic apple cider vinegar taken just before each meal will solve the problem, it did for me.
• Food intolerance to wheat, dairy, soy and, often, corn products. Intolerances block the normal uptake of nutrients in the digestive tract. If you suffer from digestive problems such as heartburn, acid reflux, irritable bowel, colitis, etc. eating food that is not tolerated will accelerate other symptoms, including eye disorders.
• Consumption of too many grains, cereals and dairy products can literally block proper nutrient absorption. We now know scientifically that wheat, grains, and dairy are not appropriate nutrition for humans. The human intolerance to these foods is made worse by industrial processing.
• The blood system can develop clogging as a result of inappropriate diet such as too many dairy products, wheat, etc. Smokers, and those exposed to heavy second-hand smoke, are more likely to develop eye diseases because it causes tiny veins in the eye to block; starving the eye from essential nutrients and causing inflammation.
• ATP deficiency. This is a nutrient produced in your own cells to supply all your energy needs. Your body requires the equivalent of your own body weight of ATP, every day, to supply its needs. Production of ATP is dependant upon your cells and fatty acids absorbing oxygen and glucose in a ratio of 80% to 20% for the huge amount of ATP needed. In addition, ATP is needed for physical energy, cell cleansing, and cell regeneration. Unfortunately, this process causes damaging, combustive, free radical activity (oxidation). The free radicals damage the healthy cells and can only be stopped by consuming hefty amount of fruit and vegetables containing large amounts of antioxidants.
• Premature aging and degeneration is believed my many researchers to be caused in part by an ultimate deficiency of ATP as well as free radical damage. too much glucose (starchy foods, sugar, potatoes) and foods that easily convert to glucose, and deficiency of oxygen from poor breathing, or insufficient aerobic exercise can upset this delicate 80% oxygen; 20% glucose balance – causing ATP deficiency. When this happens, the cell reduces its output of ATP and produces a toxic substance called Lactic Acid.

The following list is a sampling of Lutein per serving in various foods:

There is hope. Studies show that by greatly reducing calories (esp. grains, cereal, potatoes, and sugars), age-related eye disorders are avoided or significantly reduced. Get in the habit of eating hefty amounts of dark leafy greens daily, take deep abdominal breaths, drink plenty of water (your eyes are mostly water), significantly reduce starchy foods, and leave the table hungary….it’s a lifestyle that provides the best vision for eye health, naturally.

Your Partner in Health,

Dr. Gloria Gilbere (aka Dr. G), ND, DAHom, PhD, EcoErgonomist, Wholistic Rejuvenist

Creator of certificated courses for health professionals to become Wholistic Rejuvenists (CWR). Visit our website at www.gloriagilbere.com. My weekly Health Blog is at www.yourhealthdetective.com