"We Are What We Eat"
Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a complex disease representing one of the most major causes of blindness around the globe, affecting between 30-50 million individuals. IT affects a core aspect of being a human being: independence.
Although the precise causes of AMD remain unknown, it has been established that inflammation plays a role in the development and progression of AMD.
Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of developing macular degeneration. New attention has been paid attention to how diet affects the microbiome of your gut, the tiny bacteria the live in your intestinal tract that help with digestion and nutrient absorption.
What foods are microbiome?
The "gut microbiome" are all the tiny bacteria and other microorganisms that live in your intestinal tract. They are involved in core functions of digestion including nutrient absorption and processes affecting your metabolism! Below we listed foods to enjoy and foods to avoid.
| Protective Foods | Damaging Foods |
| Green-Leafy Vegetables |
Red Meat |
| Legumes/Beans |
Processed Meats
|
| Tomatoes | High Sugar Deserts |
| Low-Fat Dairy | High-Fat Dairy (whole milk, heavy cream) |
| Fish/Seafood | French Fries |
| Whole Grains | Refined Grains (White bread, white rice) |
Citations:
- Rinninella E, Mele MC, Merendino N, Cintoni M, Anselmi G, Caporossi A, Gasbarrini A, Minnella AM. The Role of Diet, Micronutrients and the Gut Microbiota in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: New Perspectives from the Gut⁻Retina Axis. Nutrients. 2018 Nov 5;10(11):1677. doi: 10.3390/nu10111677. PMID: 30400586; PMCID: PMC6267253.
