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Best Natural Glaucoma Dietary Supplements

This is my primary supplement program. But don't be tempted to rely solely on supplements instead of superfruits and superfoods.

  David's Recommended Product Description Dose
Acai 400mg 60 caps by Paradise Herbs Acai berries are full of antioxidants and have been used for thousands of years to increase energy, stamina and vitality. Acai has come to be known for having some of the highest ORAC scores of any food. ORAC scores reveal how helpful a food may be for preventing oxidative stress which is of interest in conditions like glaucoma. One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Amla Organic 100:1 extract 250 mg 60 caps by Paradise Herbs The eye contains the highest concentrations of vitamin C found in the body. In "Whole" Dr. Campbell gives interesting facts about natural vs sythetic vitamin C. Like that example, amla does a lot more inside our bodies than all the known nutrients it contains ingested in nutraceutical form. Recently researchers have spoken of glaucoma as diabetes of the brain. A study showed amla to be more effective at controlling blood glucose levels than the leading prescription drug. And that's just a start--amla is one of the most famous and powerful rejuvenators in Ayurveda. One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Artichoke 250 mg 60 caps by Paradise Herbs Artichoke contains luteolin. The data suggest that luteolin could be a promising candidate to develop immuno-modulatory and neuroprotective therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as glaucoma. Studies show artichoke can help maintain normal cholesterol levels. It is also used for supporting normal liver function and aiding digestion. It is perhaps one of the most valued herbs for over indulgence of food and drink. One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Ashwagandha Organic 250 mg 60 caps by Paradise Herbs According to Ayurveda, ashwagandha is famous as a rejuvenative tonic and adaptogen helping to calm the mind, ease stress/worry and support overall vitality & well-being. I take this powerful adaptogen to counter the mitochondrial dysfunction known to underlie glaucoma. Ashwagandha’s literal translation means to give strength like a horse and it does indeed seem to do this for me. One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Astragalus 250 mg 60 caps by Paradise Herbs Astragalus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Astragalus is an adaptogen and liver tonic. It provides immune system support and other benefits backed by modern research. Astragalus showed the ability to significantly lower eye pressure (IOP) in a study in Life Science Journal. This study claimed, "The extremely beneficial antioxidant effect of Astragalus in this glaucoma model may be equal to brimonidine, a standard glaucoma medication." Four capsules once daily with juice or water in morning or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Holy Basil with Lotus & Bacopa 500 mg 60 Veggie Caps by Paradise Herbs
 Holy Basil with Lotus & Bacopa 500 mg 60 Veggie Caps by Paradise Herbs Holy Basil and Lotus are the most sacred plants in Ayurveda. This formula is designed to help balance and strengthen the whole body system while increasing tranquility and mental clarity. This formula is specifically designed for those who are stressed and/or burned out and live a fast paced lifestyle. One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Black Cumin Seed Oil with Bio-Curcumin 60 softgels by Life Extension
 Black Cumin Seed Oil with Bio-Curcumin 60 softgels by Life Extension Black cumin seed oil is said to help calm the nervous system; some studies have shown that compounds from the seeds help fight diseases by boosting the production of bone marrow, natural interferon, and immune cells. Its compounds provide powerful and wide-ranging immune support and promote a healthy inflammatory response -- two critical factors involved in glaucoma. "Black Cumin is the Most Important Oil You can Put in Your System" - Gary Null, Nutritionist, Author
 One capsule once daily with food or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Blackcurrant Extract 200 mg 60 caps by Jarrow Formulas
 I think every glaucoma patient should consume blackcurrants and I think this is the best supplement. This formula contains New Zealand Blackcurrants which are among the most antioxidant-rich berries, high in anthocyanosides. Blackcurrants are particularly noted for their protective effects on eye health, eye discomfort, and visual fatigue. A team of Japanese researchers found that oral administration of blackcurrant extract may induce a beneficial decrease in IOP levels in healthy subjects as well as in patients with glaucoma. In one study, NTG glaucoma subjects showed significantly increased blood flows at key sites in the eye and none of the subjects showed progression of their visual field defects. In another study of open angle glaucoma subjects, the placebo group had significant visual field deterioration while the group taking blackcurrant anthocyanins showed no adverse changes in visual field results. And there is much more--see:
http://www.nzblackcurrants.com/eye-heath/
Two-year randomized, placebo-controlled study of black currant anthocyanins on visual field in glaucoma.
Effects of black currant anthocyanins on intraocular pressure in healthy volunteers and patients with glaucoma.

 One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Black Currant Oil 1000 mg 100 softgels by NOW Foods Black currant oil is a source of both the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and the omega-6 fatty acid gammalinolenic acid (GLA). GLA is a “good” essential fatty acids used to enhance cell membrane fluidity and function. GLA supports a balanced inflammatory response and has been shown to be important for lung, joint, and eye health. According to experts such as Dr. Weil, the combination of essential fatty acids found in black currant seeds may influence the production of prostaglandins and reduce PMS symptoms as well as support women during menopause. One capsule once daily with food or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Bilberry 50:1 extract 100 mg plus Goji & Chrysanthemum 60 caps by Paradise Herbs
 Bilberry 50:1 extract 100 mg plus Goji & Chrysanthemum 60 caps by Paradise Herbs This formula with Bilberry, GoJi, & Chrysanthemum support the body’s natural ability to maintain optimum eye and capillary health. One study has shown that bilberry anthocyanins improve visual function in patients with normal tension glaucoma. Bilberry extracts have antioxidative properties that not only are neuroprotective, but they also help suppress photooxidative processes and have been shown to improve microcapillary circulation. The anthocyanins content of bilberry may be especially beneficial for nighttime visual acuity.

A retrospective analysis study was carried out on patients with certain forms of eye disorders who had taken bilberry anywhere from 6-53 months. The results showed that every person’s visual acuity had improved, as had their Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) scores.
 One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Camu Camu 400 mg 60 caps by Paradise Herbs The Camu Camu fruit contains more food nutrient natural vitamin C than any other known source, and an impressive  30 times more vitamin C than oranges. It is also known to contain niacin, riboflavin, beta-carotene, potassium, leucine, serine, valine and many other nutrients. The eye contains the highest concentrations of vitamin C found in the human body. Camu camu does a lot more inside our bodies than all the known nutrients it contains ingested in nutraceutical form. Two capsules twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Blue Ice Unheated Cod Liver Oil, Cinnamon Tingle 8 oz. by Green Pasture
 Blue Ice Unheated Cod Liver Oil, Cinnamon Tingle 8 oz. by Green Pasture In a scientific review article published in the International Journal of Ophthalmology, Dr. Huang and his team concluded that cod liver oil should be beneficial for the treatment of glaucoma. See link. Dr. David Levi, ND, says that this fermented cod liver oil is different from all the other fish oils because it is raw and has never been exposed to heat. Cod liver oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Among its numerous benefits it can even help diabetics regulate blood sugar. Fermented cod liver oil is the best bioavailable source of vitamin D. One syringe once daily with food or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Food Carotene 10,000 IU 200 softgels by Solaray - FItEyes This is a very unique formula containing 100% natural carotenoids found in food. I can't find another product like it. It includes beta carotene, alpha carotene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein and hundreds of other valuable carotenoids. Carotenoids are a class of more than 600 naturally occurring pigments synthesized by plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in high concentrations in your eyes and may be important for protecting your eyes against oxidative stress. My personal opinion is that consuming any isolated carotenoids is not safe. Therefore, this is the only beta carotene supplement I would take or recommend. One capsule once daily with food or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Coleus Forskolii Extract 60 caps 250 mg by Paradise Herbs Coleus forskolii is a well known Ayurvedic herb that can help support overall vitality and well-being. This ancient medicinal plant has been used to treat diseases including hypothyroidism, heart disease and respiratory disorders. Forskolin is an active compound found in Coleus forskohlii which has been used in over 5000 research studies since 1981. There are numerous studies showing topical application lowers IOP. Oral efficacy for IOP reduction is still an open question, but a few FitEyes members have reported promising results; Forskolin increases cyclic AMP concentrations to enhance cardiac contractility and cause vascular dilation in vitro and in vivo. Increasing cyclic AMP is, in fact, Forskolin's basic mechanism of action. Cyclic AMP is perhaps the most important cell-regulating compound. Once formed it activates many other enzymes involved in diverse cellular functions. Two capsules twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Red Marine Algae 375mg 100caps by Solaray Red Marine Algae gives me a very noticeable boost in resistance to flu and other viruses. Red marine algae is among the best sources of supplemental sulfated polysaccharides, substances known to inhibit certain viruses. Researchers have witnessed how these algae promote an effective cell-mediated immune response. The effects are most noticeable against certain influenza and herpes viruses. Two capsules twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Rainforest Ginger 250 mg 60 caps by Paradise Herbs Ginger can boost the bioavailability of other herbs such as turmeric. Recent studies show a combination of ginger and turmeric can have a synergistic benefit against inflammation in arthritis (RA), atherosclerosis, and kidney function. Furthermore, ginger inhibits TGF-β which we know is one of the bad guys in glaucoma. Ginger is excellent for improving poor peripheral circulation in Raynaud's disease (which may be related to NTG), and acts as a warming circulatory stimulant. One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Ginkgo Biloba 60 mg 60 caps by Paradise Herbs Ginkgo contains powerful antioxidant flavonoids and supports normal concentration, memory and circulation. New research suggests it may even be useful in easing anxiety. It is recommended to patients by top glaucoma specialists. Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest trees known and has been used to support health for nearly 2,800 years. Ginkgo has been found to support healthy circulation, help maintain the normal function and tone of blood vessels, support healthy oxygen and glucose metabolism in the brain, stabilize capillaries and make them less fragile, support normal coagulation of blood, and support healthy aging in the brain. One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Ginseng Panax Red 8:1 concentrate 60 caps by Paradise Herbs Ginseng has been used for centuries to increase vital energy (Qi) and support optimum well-being. Two ginseng components (see FitEyes.com) attenuate or inhibit responses that lead to nerve cell death, including glutamate-induced neurotoxicity as seen in glaucoma, and lipid peroxidation. Ginseng compounds suppress TNF-alpha and therefore may have potential therapeutic efficacy against glaucoma (see FitEyes.com) One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Go Ji 100% Pure 400 mg 60 Veggie Caps by Paradise Herbs GoJi is one of a handful of natural products recommended by top glaucoma specialists. GoJi grows wild in the majestic Himalaya Mountains. It has immune supporting polysaccharides, beta-sitosterol and powerful antioxidant that defend against premature aging and help stimulate the release of HGH. It is traditionally known as an anti-aging, liver and kidney tonic that supports the eyes, skin and entire body systems. Studies have shown that GoJi can prevent vision loss in experimental models of glaucoma. The retinal cells of rats receiving GoJi almost completely escaped retinal damage. One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
ActiVin Grape Seed Extract 30 caps by Paradise Herbs
 Activin® Grape Seed Extract supports against environmental and stress-related free radicals that can cause premature aging and cellular damage. Grape seed extract may protect against oxidative stress-induced cell death in retinal ganglion cells. It has also protected against cataract formation and has shown many other benefits in studies.  Studies show it to be a far greater antioxidant than vitamins E, C or beta carotene. This unique formula contains amla. One capsule once daily with food or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Lion’s Mane 250mg 60 caps by Paradise Herbs Lion's Mane is a rare medicinal mushroom that has long been cultivated in Asia. Mycologist Paul Stamets says, "Lion's Mane is nature's nutrient for your neurons." Lion's Mane may be a useful treatment for many conditions of the nervous system such as glaucoma where either neurodegenerative or dementia are involved.
  • A potent catalyst for brain tissue regeneration.
  • Helps improve memory and cognitive functions.
  • Stimulates the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor in the brain and central nervous system.
  • May benefit many neurodegenerative or dementia-related diseases such as glaucoma, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis.
  • Contains high amounts of antioxidants.
 One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Pomegranate Organic 250 mg 60 caps by Paradise Herbs Few nutritional sources have gained as much scientific validation as pomegranate. Paradise Herbs organic pomegranate extract contains all important polyphenols such as ellagic acid, punicalagins, and urolithin A & B. It is this native profile of whole pomegranate polyphenol antioxidants that creates a powerful synergy not found in any one isolated compound. Supports cardiovascular health by significantly reducing arterial plaque, lowering blood pressure, and improving blood lipid profiles. Pomegranate-derived compounds help reduce the adverse effects caused by metabolic syndrome, which is relevant to glaucoma. One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Peruvian Gold Maca 250 mg 60 Veggie Caps by Paradise Herbs Maca is a root vegetable from the mustard family that has been used as food and medicine for thousands of years in Peru. Maca’s nutritional components include alkaloids, essential amino acids, fatty acids,vitamins, minerals and trace minerals. It is said to promote endurance, energy, vitality and stamina and to improve sexual function and virility. I take this powerful adaptogen to counter the mitochondrial dysfunction known to underlie glaucoma. One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Yellow Mountain Green Tea 375 mg 60 caps by Paradise Herbs Scientists have confirmed that the healthful substances found in green tea -- renowned for their powerful antioxidant and disease-fighting properties -- do penetrate into tissues of the eye. The lens, retina, and other eye tissues absorb these substances. Scientists believe green tea may protect against glaucoma and other common eye diseases. Studies demonstrate conclusively that orally administered EGCG attenuates injury to the retina caused by ischemia/reperfusion (which relates to lack of circulation). One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Maqui Berry 400 mg 60 Veggie Caps by Paradise Herbs Maqui is the king of the hill among superfruits now with the highest ORAC score. But fresh maqui berries are hard to find. Therefore, I'm taking this full-spectrum, very natural supplement. The maqui berry was tested and found to have ORAC scores four to 30 times higher than acai (the former top scorer).
 		One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Milk Thistle 250 mg 60 Veggie Caps by Paradise Herbs In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the liver health strongly influences vision and eye health. Studies show Milk Thistle seed extracts support healthy liver function and detoxification. One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
MedVita ResveraGrape 500 mg 60 Veggie Caps by Paradise Herbs Top glaucoma specialists recommend resveratrol to their patients. However, even greater benefits may be obtained from a full spectrum grape extract like this product which contains 50 times the resveratrol of wine. Resveratrol prevents the expression of glaucoma markers induced by chronic oxidative stress in trabecular meshwork cells. Resveratrol also has additional neuroprotective effects that may be beneficial to glaucoma beyond the benefits to the trabecular meshwork.

In the eye, resveratrol suppresses selenite-induced oxidative stress and cataract formation in rats. The scientists suggested that the presence of oxidative stress in selenite cataract development and its prevention by resveratrol support the possibility that high natural consumption of resveratrol in food can help prevent cataracts. Resveratrol also induces dilation of retinal arterioles, suggesting a potential benefit for this compound in the treatment of retinal vascular disease. Sirtuin-1 activators (such as resveratrol) demonstrate neuroprotective properties.
 One capsule once daily with food or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Saffr-Tone Full Spectrum Saffron 60 caps by Paradise Herbs Saffron, one of the world’s most valuable spices, helps to protect eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage says research from both the University of Sidney and the University of Aquila in Italy. The herb also helps to slow the progression of eye diseases like macular degeneration, which leads to blindness. In other studies saffron seems to reduce eye pressure in glaucoma and provide support to overall eye health. Other benefits include appetite control and improved mood!

In one study, "all patients experienced improvements in their vision while taking saffron" for three months. "Measurements using objective eye sight tests showed patient's vision improved after taking the saffron pill. When they were tested with traditional eye charts, a number of patients could read one or two lines smaller than before, while others reported they could read newspapers and books again."
 		Two capsules twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Shilajit 60 caps by Paradise Herbs Shilajit is a powerful ancient natural rejuvenative phyto-mineral substance that exudes from the rocks in the Himalaya Mountains during the heat of summer. Studies have detailed how shilajit revitalizes and preserves CoQ10 which can protect against mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction underlies many chronic degenerative diseases including glaucoma. One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Tart Cherry Extract 615mg 60 caps by Life Extension Tart cherries contain numerous nutrients along with at least 17 antioxidants including anthocyanins ellagic acid and naturally occurring melatonin. Tart cherries contain a higher total content of two specific anthocyanins than other fruits tested and they also contain two unique anthocyanins not found in other fruits such as bilberries, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries and strawberries. One capsule once daily with juice or water in evening or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Tart Cherry 425 mg 90 vcaps by Solaray This is an alternate to the Life Extension Tart Cherry. Either product is good. FitEyes offers several other tart cherry capsules that are good quality.
 as above
Turmeric Organic Extract 250 mg 60 caps by Paradise Herbs Turmeric, a common Indian kitchen spice, is a powerful neuroprotection candidate for glaucoma. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has shown potential for reducing the risk of getting glaucoma, according to the Glaucoma Foundation. Turmeric offers a broad spectrum of health benefits. It supports the digestive and immune systems, healthy skin, comfortable joint movement and healthy blood glucose levels already in the normal range.
 		One capsule twice daily with juice or water or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Antioxidant Extreme 360 vcaps by HealthForce This is an alternate to the Paradise Herbs full spectrum turmeric extract. It contains turmeric, resveratrol, grape seed extract, green tea extract, pine bark extract, cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, peppermint, acai, mangosteen, goji, pomegranate, blueberry, blackberry and more. I prefer the separate Paradise Herbs products because they offer higher potencies and other advantages, but this product is a convenient "many-in-one" option and it is good quality.
 as above

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