Diet Treatment for Glaucoma

The orthodox medical treatment for glaucoma is through surgery, which relieves the internal pressure in the eye due to excess fluid.



This, however, does not remove the cause of the presence of the excess fluid. Consequently, even after the operation, there is no guarantee whatsoever that the trouble will not recur, or that it will not effect the other eye. The natural treatment for glaucoma is the same as that for any other condition associated with high toxicity and is directed towards preserving whatever sight remains, If treated in the early stages, the results are encouraging. Though cases of ad¬vanced glaucoma may be beyond cure, even so, certain nutritional and other biological approaches can prove effective in controlling the condition and preserving the re¬maining sight.

Patients suffering from glaucoma should scrupulously avoid certain foodstuffs. Coffee in particular, should be completely avoided because of its high caffeine content. Caffeine causes stimulation of vasoconstrictors; elevating blood pressure and increasing blood flow to the eye. Beer and tobacco.



Which can cause constriction of blood vessels, should also be avoided. Tea should be taken only in moderation. The patient should not take excessive fluids, whether it is juice, milk or water at any time. He may drink small amounts, several times a day with a minimum of one hour intervals.

Diet for Glaucoma:

The diet of the patient suffering from glaucoma should be based on three basic food groups, namely seeds, nuts and grains, vegetables and fruits, with em¬phasis on raw vitamin C-rich foods, fresh fruits and vegetables. Valuable sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grape-fruits and limes; green leafy vegetables like cabbages, beets and turnips; indian gooseberry, sprouted Bengal and green grams. The same diet as that prescribed for cataract (Chapter 12) should be taken by those suffering from glaucoma. The various methods for relaxing and strengthening the eyes outlined in that chapter will also be beneficial in the treatment of glaucoma.

Certain nutrients have been found helpful in the treatment of glaucoma. It has been found that the glaucoma patients are usually deficient in vitamins A, B, C, protein, calcium and other minerals. Nutrients such as calcium and B-complex have proved beneficial in relieving the introculars condition. Many practitioners believe that introcular pressure in glaucoma can be lowered by vitamin C therapy. Dr. Michele Virno and his colleagues demonstrated recently in Rome, Italy that the average person weighing 150 pounds given 7000 mg. Of ascorbic acid, five times daily, acquired acceptable introcular pressure within 45 days. Symptoms such as mild stomach discomfort and diarrhoea, resulting from the in¬take of large doses of vitamin C, were temporary and soon disappeared. It has been suggested that some calcium should always be taken with each dose of ascor¬bic acid to minimise any side effects of the large dose.

The patient should avoid emotional stress and cultivate a tranquil and restful life style as glaucoma is considered to be a 'stress disease'. He should also avoid excessive watching of television and movies as also ex¬cessive reading as such habits can lead to prolonged straining of the eyes.

TREATMENT CHART FOR GLAUCOMA

A- DIET

I. An all fruit diet for 5 days. In this regimen, take there to meals a day of fresh juicy fruits such as orange, apple, pineapple, pear, peach, grapes and papaya at five• hourly intervals

II. Thereafter, adopt a well-balanced diet, based on seeds, nuts and whole grains, vegetables and fruits, on the following lines:-

1. Upon arising:

25 black raisins soaked overnight in water along with the water in which they are soaked and water kept overnight in a copper vessel.

2. Breakfast:

Fresh fruit, a glass of milk, sweetened with honey, and some seeds or nuts.

3. Lunch:

Freshly-prepared steamed vegetables, whole-wheat wheat tortilla and a glass of buttermilk.

4. Mid-afternoon:

A fresh fruit.

5. Dinner:

Raw vegetable salad and sprouts such as alfalfa and green gram beans, with lime juice dressing an cottage cheese or buttermilk.

6. Bedtime Snack:

A glass of fresh milk with few dates.

Note:

The menu for lunch and dinner are interchangeable.

AVOID:

Coffee, strong tea, soft drinks, alcohol and tobacco, excessive fluids, sugar, white flour and products made from refined foods, flesh foods, condiments and pickles.
Especially Beneficial: Raw vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, Indian gooseberry (indian gooseberry), sprouted Bengal and green grams, vitamin B-complex, and calcium.

B - OTHER MEASURES

1. Various methods of relaxing and strengthening the eyes.
2. Proper sleep and adequate rest.
3. Fresh air and outdoor exercises, especially brisk walks.