Macular Degeneration Diet

The macular degeneration diet has been shown effective in slowing even advanced cases, but it is important to note that this is not a cure. If ever you see a supplement for low vision promising to cure your condition, stay away from it — there is no such thing as a cure for low vision or macular degeneration.

Why the Macular Degeneration Diet?

While you cannot cure this disorder, doing everything you can to slow the progression of the disease could ensure you have enough vision for the rest of your life — and avoid permanent blindness. There are two lifestyle changes you can make to slow the progression of this disease: proper diet and exercise, and not smoking.

Antioxidants Are Key

Antioxidants are the key to the macular degeneration diet. These have been shown effective at slowing age-related macular degeneration. Diets rich in zinc, vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene, Omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin are important.

Where Do All Of The Nutrients Come From

Foods Rich in Zinc

Lean beef
Wheat germ
Oysters
Mussels
Crab
Skinless chicken (more in the dark meat)
Skinless turkey (more in the dark meat)
Soybeans
Clams
Beans (navy, pinto, kidney, black, garbanzo)
Pecans
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower butter
Pork tenderloin
Cashews
Lima beans
Peanuts & peanut butter
Pine nuts
Black-eyed peas
Lentils

Foods Rich in Vitamin C

Grapefruit
Papaya
Guava
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Kidney beans
Bell peppers
Lemons
Oranges
Pineapple
Tomatoes
Strawberries
Snow peas
Kale
Kiwi
Brussels sprouts
White potatoes
Blackberries
Tangerines
Mustard greens
Mangoes
Summer squash

Foods Rich in Beta-Carotene

Turnip greens
Sweet potatoes
Spinach
Cantaloupe
Carrots
Butternut squash
Grapefruit
Kale
Mustard greens
Tomatoes
Mangoes
Cherries
Red bell pepper
Lettuce (dark)

Foods Rich in Vitamin E

Wheat germ
Swiss chard
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower butter
Almonds
Almond butter
Flaxseed oil
Avocados
Hazelnuts
Dandelion greens
Spinach
Olive oil
Mango
Beet greens
Canola oil
Peanuts
Peanut butter

Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Wild salmon
Sardines
Ground flaxseed
Herring
Rainbow trout
Anchovies
Canola oil
Soybeans
Mackerel
Chia seeds
Pacific oysters
Walnuts
Seaweed
Butternuts (white walnuts)

Foods Rich in Lutein & Zeaxanthin

Spinach
Kale
Summer squash
Lettuce (dark)
Swiss chard
Asparagus
Collard greens
Green bell pepper
Turnip greens
Winter squash
Mustard greens
Radicchio
Beet greens
Dandelion greens
Corn
Okra
Green beans
Artichokes
Brussels sprouts
Pumpkin

Foods Rich in Vitamin B6 for Your Macular Degeneration Diet

Skinless chicken
Wild salmon
Skinless turkey
Trout
Starchy beans
Pork tenderloin
Tuna
Bananas
Potatoes (sweet & white)
Avocados
Lentils
Pistachio nuts
Bell peppers
Winter squash
Spinach
Cod
Haddock
Halibut

Foods Rich in Vitamin B12

Wild salmon
Oysters
Crab
Clams
Lean beef
Soy milk
Cottage cheese
Trout
Eggs
Cheese
Milk
Yogurt
Tuna

Foods Rich in Folate

Artichokes
Beets
Soybeans
Lentils
Broccoli
Green peas
Turnip greens
Black-eyed peas
Starchy beans
Berries
Wheat germ
Mustard greens
Whole grain bread
Cauliflower
Whole grain pasta
Oranges
Seaweed
Parsnips
Chinese cabbage
Papaya
Brussels sprouts

To follow the proper macular degeneration diet, you must incorporate items from each category daily. Also, you should reduce your intake of high fat, unnecessary calories, alcohol, caffeine, white flour and processed foods.

If you have difficulty reading food labels, download the Audio Labels app. This app uses your smartphone camera to scan a barcode or QR code. It can then read the label to you so you know what you’re eating. You can get this premium Apple Store app through Low Vision Technologies today.

It’s important that you eat the above foods whether you have low vision or not, but it’s a critical macular degeneration diet if you’ve been diagnosed or know it’s in your family.

You should also work to reduce the terrible modern date staples, such as soda, white flour, processed foods with additives such as MSG or high fructose corn syrup, etc.

Finally, as you extend beyond your diet and are attempting to cope with low vision, I want you to know (as someone who has dealt with low vision for over 25 years) that this isn’t the end of a rich and rewarding life.

There’s an immense amount of technological devices available to us that make our everyday tasks easier and allow us to live independently. If you’d like advanced information about this high tech gear, fill out the form below.