The simple blood test that could save your vision
As I’ve mentioned before, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in U.S. adults. This condition slowly but surely destroys the macula, the central section of the retina that generates sharp vision. And unfortunately, there are often no warning signs or symptoms of this disease until it’s too late.
But one simple blood test could change all that.
As Dr. Fred Pescatore explains in his Ageless Vision Protocol, getting your homocysteine levels checked regularly could make all the difference when it comes to persevering your vision.
He explains, “Homocysteine is an amino acid that is toxic at high levels. If you’ve heard of homocysteine at all before now, it was probably in reference to heart health.
And it’s true that homocysteine is an indicator of heart attack and stroke risk. But high homocysteine levels tell us so much more than that.”
In fact, scientists have found that high homocysteine levels—particularly above 12 μmol/L—significantly increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration. (Dr. Pescatore believes the ideal homocysteine level is 8.)
Getting your homocysteine levels checked is simple, inexpensive and non-invasive—and is offered by every major lab. Just ask your doctor to order it for you.
And if, for some reason, your doctor refuses, take your health into your own hands and order it yourself. There’s a company called Direct Labs that allows you to be tested without your doctor’s orders.
If your test results reveal that your levels are high, homocysteine is incredibly easy (and cheap) to get under control. And you don’t need a long list of medications to manage it.
Dr. Pescatore recommends the supplementation of these three homocysteine-controlling nutrients in the following daily dosages:
- B6: 100 mg per day
- B12: 2,000 mcg per day
- Folic acid: 20 mg per day (yes, that is a very big dose, but necessary)
- Fish oil (EPA/DHA): 1,500 mg, twice per day
There’s one important thing to keep in mind when you’re dealing with B vitamins, though. Some people have a genetic mutation called MHTFR. And if you do, it means you won’t be able to metabolize regular B vitamins properly.
But there’s no need to panic. Dr. Pescatore says, “You simply need to take the methylated forms of these vitamins, such as methylcobalamin (methylated B12). Fortunately, these are higher quality supplements and they’re readily available.”
And one more thing: Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can also lower homocysteine. This is conclusion of a paper that appeared recently in the journal Nutrition Research. The researchers also found that combining omega-3s with B-vitamins—including those I just recommended—can amplify the homocysteine-lowering effect.
So, go get your homocysteine levels tested—it may just save your eyesight.
You can find more natural vision-preserving strategies like these in Dr. Pescatore’s Ageless Vision Protocol. Click here now to access this protocol and to keep your eyesight sharp for life.