Medication is an obvious choice for treatment. But how do certain foods affect those with glaucoma?
Some research shows that what you eat may have an effect on glaucoma itself. The question is: Just which foods should you consider eliminating?
Following is a list of five choices you may want to think twice about.
1. Sugary Sweets and Beverages
Sugar and glaucoma don’t always mix. That’s because sugar spikes insulin levels in the body. As a result, eye pressure could increase.
Studies show that there may be a direct link between insulin resistance and intraocular pressure (IOP). This means eating sweets and sugary foods in moderation to avoid becoming insulin resistant.
In other words, opt for one cookie instead of three.
Choose foods that rank low on the glycemic index (GI). The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says, “the glycemic index…measures how a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood glucose.”
So foods that rank high on the GI raise blood glucose more than foods that rank low on the index. But why is this important?
“When you eat a high-glycemic food, it turns to sugar and enters the bloodstream very rapidly, resulting in a rise in blood sugar,” says Kristin Lund, a certified health coach specializing in diabetic nutrition. “Over time, eating a lot of high-glycemic foods causes the body to become insulin resistant. This means the insulin doesn’t work anymore, and blood sugar stays high.”
However, low-glycemic foods have the opposite effect. Consequently, they don’t spike blood sugar as much. So to keep from becoming insulin resistant, choose foods that are low glycemic.
Foods to avoid in this respect would be sugary soda, pastries and white bread. These all rank high on the GI. Replace these foods with fresh fruits and vegetables as well as low-fat meats.
2. Trans Fatty Acids
Fat intake tends to be associated most with weight loss. But what about how fats affect glaucoma? In particular, how do trans fatty acids play a role in this condition?
According to the American Heart Association, two types of trans fats can be found in foods. The first occur naturally. These are produced by animals and found in foods that come from animals (like milk).
The second has been the subject of much controversy in recent years. These are trans fatty acids. Trans fatty acids are manmade, artificial fat.
Medline Plus says “trans fatty acids are manufactured fats created during a process called hydrogenation, which is aimed at stabilizing polyunsaturated oils to prevent them from becoming rancid and to keep them solid at room temperature.”
These fats are often called partially hydrogenated oils, and they're found in many processed foods. That’s because these additives have a long shelf life. In addition, they’re relatively inexpensive.
Trans fatty acids can be found in foods like stick margarine, fast foods, commercial baked goods (donuts, cookies, crackers), processed foods and fried foods, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The problem is that trans fats are known to raise LDL cholesterol levels. That’s the type of cholesterol that doctors call “bad cholesterol.” In addition, they reduce HDL, or “good cholesterol” levels.
Studies show that cholesterol is often higher in those with open-angle glaucoma (POAG). So it's a good idea to avoid foods that actually raise these levels.
Instead, opt for non-processed foods made from scratch. This way, you control the ingredients and portions.
3. Excess Amounts of Caffeine
We all love a little caffeinated pick me up. But how does caffeine affect glaucoma?
The jury’s still out on this one. That said, this is something to take into consideration.
Studies show that one cup of caffeinated coffee may increase intraocular pressure (IOP). This means that eye pressure could increase after indulging in caffeinated beverages.
They key words here are “one cup.” Most things are fine in moderation. But until enough studies give synonymous, conclusive evidence, be smart.
Smart means limiting caffeine consumption. Have that one to two cups of coffee or other caffeinated treats, but don’t go overboard. Better safe than sorry, right?
4. Food Allergens
While the relationship between food allergens and glaucoma is not known, some experts advise those with glaucoma to steer clear of foods that could cause allergic reactions.
So just why is this?
Those who advocate natural nutrition as a method of treating glaucoma say that chronic glaucoma could potentially be treated by eliminating foods known to cause reactions.
“In one study, of the 113 patients exposed to a food or environmental allergen demonstrated an immediate rise in IOP of up to 20 mm, in addition to other typical allergic symptoms,” says Dr. Michael Murray, an author and expert specializing in natural medicine.
Potentially allergenic foods include dairy foods (milk, cheese, and eggs), wheat (gluten), soy, corn, preservatives, and food additives.
If a food allergy is suspected, ask the doctor to prescribe tests to determine the source. This information may be limited. However, it’s noteworthy, nonetheless.
5. Fried Foods
Fried foods can contribute to high blood pressure, and experts say that high blood pressure can harm the blood vessels located in the retina.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 29 percent of Americans have high blood pressure. That’s one in three people. And only half of these people have high blood pressure under control.
So just what causes high blood pressure?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. The heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels) which carry the blood throughout the body. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means the pressure in your arteries is above the normal range. In most cases, no one knows what causes high blood pressure. What you eat can affect your blood pressure.”
To stay out of harm’s way, steer clear of fried foods as these are known to raise blood pressure. Instead, stick with fresh, low-sodium foods.
Lund says to remember one statement when in doubt. “The closer it is to how God made it, the better it is for you.”