Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “My daughter was diagnosed with uveitis two years age. Do you have any recommendations for nutrition ideas to help lower the inflammation in her eyes?” — Amy W., New Brunswick, Canada

A. Dear Amy, Uveitis is a condition associated with swelling and irritation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which is responsible for providing most of the blood supply to the retina. This condition can be caused by autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, infection, or exposure to toxins. However, in many cases the cause is unknown.

While I do have some recommendations, I recommend that your daughter consult with her healthcare practitioner, who can help her determine which supplements are best for her unique situation.

My favorite nutrients for eyesight are a group of plant compounds called carotenoids. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated their ability to preserve healthy eye function. I recommend a formula that contains a natural astaxanthin complex with at least 2% astaxanthin, along with other carotenoids like lutein, canthaxanthin and beta carotene, as well as a black currant extract standardized to more than 25% anthocyanins. A powerful natural antioxidant, black currant helps to protect the eyes from the
damaging effects of free radicals. I suggest taking 2 capsules of this formula twice daily.

Your daughter would also benefit greatly by adding a strong, bioavailable curcumin to her daily regimen. Curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric, is a potent antioxidant and powerful anti-inflammatory that works via multiple pathways. I recommend taking 750 mg of bioavailable curcumin twice daily. Keep in mind that standard curcumin is very poorly absorbed, so make sure the product your daughter chooses features a curcumin with excellent absorption that has been proven in published human studies. The best form I have ever found uses micronized curcumin blended with turmeric essential oils in a patented process. This curcumin has been shown in published human studies to be up to 10 times better absorbed than standard curcumin.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally