Cataracts are a common vision problem in the elderly. Cataracts can come sooner or later, depending on many factors, one of which is lifestyle. Well, there are several foods that can cause cataracts.
In fact, this does not mean that these foods directly cause cataracts, but rather increase the risk.
What foods can increase the risk of cataracts? Check out the following review.
Types of food that can cause cataracts
Cataract is a condition where the eye lens becomes cloudy due to the formation of protein. This condition causes a person to experience problems with vision becoming blurry, blurry, or less colorful.
Age is one of the main causes of someone experiencing cataracts. However, some foods can also cause cataracts to occur more quickly or increase the risk.
Some foods and drinks that can cause an increased risk of cataracts, among others:
For this reason, try to reduce and also avoid foods that cause cataracts, including:
1. Foods high in sugar
Sweet foods or drinks may taste delicious, but be careful because they can increase blood sugar levels and risk causing diabetes.
Diabetes itself is known to be one of the risk factors for cataracts. In diabetes patients, the body cannot respond to or produce insulin.
As a result, too much glucose levels can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves, including the eyes.
Increased blood sugar levels from food or drink can also make cataracts develop more quickly, due to the buildup of protein in the lens of the eye.
2. Foods with high cholesterol
Foods that contain bad cholesterol are also believed to cause cataracts.
The retina of the eye consists of a large network of nerves and blood vessels.
When bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the body increase, cholesterol can move to other parts of the body, including blood vessels in the retina area. Research in journals Nutrients said, high cholesterol can damage the tissue in the lens of the eye.
In addition, patients who take the cholesterol-lowering drug ezetimibe long term also have an increased risk of cataracts.
3. Fried foods
Who can’t resist fried or fried foods? Even though it is difficult, try to avoid eating too much, because it can be a factor causing cataracts.
The reason is because fried foods contain bad fats and cause inflammation.
This may still need further research. However, in fact, in a 2015 study, cataract patients tended to eat foods high in saturated fat.
4. Processed foods
There are also those who say that processed foods, such as sausages, bacon, canned foods, or ready-to-eat foods can cause and accelerate the risk of cataracts.
This is because processed foods generally contain up to 75% salt. In the long term, it can trigger hypertension. The combined results of 14 studiesshows that hypertensive patients are at higher risk of developing cataracts of any type.
Health NotesQ
Foods that contain vitamins, antioxidants and minerals can help maintain vision and eye health.
In fact, launch American Optometric Associationintake of lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc reduces the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Consult a doctor about what foods cause and increase the risk of cataracts coming on more quickly. The doctor will explain the prevention and treatment of cataracts.
Although cataracts are a natural process of aging, you can slow down the process.
Such as using sunglasses when the sun is hot, quitting smoking, protecting your eyes when doing extreme sports and eating foods that are healthy for your eyes. Don’t forget to have regular eye examinations, okay?
