Nutri-Spec Testing & Macular Degeneration
I have recently made some very interesting clinical findings about wet-type ARMD and dry-type ARMD. There seems to be a major difference between these two kinds of ARMD conditions. Patients with “true” dry-type ARMD typically test as having a high oxidation – dysaerobic imbalance. I suspect that these people have VERY little chance of ever getting the wet-type ARMD (retinal bleeding). On the other hand, patents diagnosed with wet-type ARMD show consistent anaerobic metabolic imbalances. Of the number of people with wet-type ARMD that I have tested, 100% have an anaerobic imbalance.
I have tested well over 100 people with degenerative vision loss, including wet-type and dry-type ARMD. My NUTRI-SPEC testing shows that at least 90% of dry-type ARMD patients have high oxidation and dysaerobic imbalances. Thirty-eight of the patients I have tested presented with wet-type ARMD, and fully 100% of those were positive for an anaerobic imbalance. Capillary-retinal bleeding is often associated with the anaerobic metabolic pattern.
Based on these findings we can now detect if a person is at risk for retinal bleeding and developing wet-type ARMD. Most MD & OD’s diagnose central vision loss as dry-type ARMD and then if there are signs of retinal bleeding they will diagnose wet-type ARMD. It appears from my NUTRI-SPEC findings that wet-type ARMD is a metabolic condition can be detected and prevented WAY before bleeding ever starts. True dry-type ARMD is usually a dysaerobic (also often glucogenic) metabolic imbalance. By correcting any shift towards anaerobic imbalances the risk of retinal bleeding can be reduced, if not eliminated.
So how can we help people? Basically, if we take a population of dry-type ARMD patients, medical research says that about 10% may develop wet-type ARMD, but how do we know which will “progress” to this condition? My use of NUTRI-SPEC testing suggests that it is the approximately 10% of dry-type ARMD with no dysaerobic imbalance who constitute the 10% who will ultimately develop wet-type ARMD. By monitoring anaerobic indicators among this population we can determine who is at risk for developing wet-type ARMD. Using supplements like Oxygenic A and Oxygenic A+ (and following the anaerobic dietary guidelines) can then reduce the potential for developing retinal bleeding, and help those who already have wet-type ARMD.
The great “hype” in the nutrition world is to use high doses of anti-oxidants and Omega fatty acids for all eye conditions. High doses of antioxidants will aggravate the anaerobic imbalance and could make the wet-ARMD situation worse (and often glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy). On the counterpart, people with high oxidation and dry-ARMD should not take supplements like “EFA’s”, fish oils, PUFA’s, etc., as it will aggravate dry ARMD by increasing the oxidation levels. As Dr. Schenker points out, these oils do more harm than good for our patients.
In a recent Nutri-Spec newsletter, Dr. Schenker discussed the oxidizing effects of cholesterol-lowering Statin drugs. Based on the research presented we now know that they deplete CoQ10 levels. Perhaps this is why vision loss is one of the leading side effects to taking Statin drugs. The depletion of CoQ10 leaves the retina more vulnerable to oxidative stress & free radical damage. The eye, and especially the retina, is extremely susceptible to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to a host of degenerative retina conditions. CoQ10 is another major supplement recommended for all patients with poor vision.
This specific research and findings are still quite new and need more time and patient trials to determine the long-term benefits for patients diagnosed with ARMD. However, it does seem that there may be hope in terms of preventing the development of wet-type ARMD and reducing oxidation in cases of dry-type ARMD. With NUTRI-SPEC we may be able to help many people with “incurable” eye diseases like ARMD maintain and even improve their sight.
