Dr. Ken Berry discusses the prevention of cataracts, a common age-related condition that affects vision. He debunks the common advice to wear UV-blocking sunglasses and hats, citing a lack of scientific evidence to support this claim.
Instead, Dr. Berry identifies four main factors that contribute to cataract formation:
1. Changes in lens protein shape due to radiation, trauma, or other factors.
2. Oxidation of lens proteins.
3. Glycation of lens proteins, often caused by high blood sugar levels.
4. Genetic predisposition.
He also notes that people with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension are more likely to develop cataracts, suggesting that underlying root causes may be responsible for both these conditions and cataract formation.
To reduce the risk of cataracts, Dr. Berry provides five tips:
1. Stop smoking, as it oxidizes cells and increases the risk of cataracts.
2. Avoid corticosteroids, which can also contribute to cataract formation.
3. Eliminate added sugar from your diet, as it can lead to glycation and oxidation.
4. Replace vegetable oils with ancestral fats, which are less oxidizing and more natural.
5. Avoid alcohol, as it may contribute to cataract progression.
By following these tips, Dr. Berry suggests that individuals may be able to reduce their risk of developing cataracts by 80-90%.
1. Dr. Ken Berry is a family physician with 20 years of clinical practice.
2. The lens of the eye does not have any blood vessels feeding it.
3. The cells in the lens of the eye do not have a nucleus or mitochondria.
4. The lens of the eye is completely dependent on diffusion through the aqueous humor for nutrition and waste removal.
5. There are four basic principles that can lead to cataract formation: changes in the shape of lens proteins, oxidation of lens proteins, glycation of the lens, and a genetic component.
6. Some people with genetic chromosomal diseases, such as Down's syndrome and Alport's syndrome, are more likely to develop cataracts.
7. People with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension are more likely to develop cataracts.
8. Smoking can increase the risk of developing cataracts by up to triple.
9. Corticosteroids, including inhaled steroids, can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
10. Added sugar in the diet can increase the risk of developing cataracts by causing glycation of the lens.
11. Certain vegetable oils, such as canola, soybean, and sunflower oil, can be oxidizing and increase the risk of developing cataracts.
12. Ancestral fats, such as those eaten by humans for millions of years, may be beneficial for eye health.
13. Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption may help reduce the risk of cataract progression.
14. Research is being conducted on a drop called innocel carnosine, which may help reverse or decrease oxidation and glycation in the cells of the lens.