Pollution threatens us all in a variety of ways. Study after study indicates that increased pollution whether in air, food, or water increases the risks of various diseases. In this study in the Journal of Investigative Medicine, researchers looked at the rates of age-related macular degeneration. They found correlations between nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide levels in urban environments with the rate of this blinding eye condition.
Age-related macular degeneration affects adults mainly in the later years, leaving some blind if the disease progresses. The study correlated the rates of these two polluting gases from car exhaust with almost a doubly increased rate of this eye disease. This does not guarantee a cause and effect relationship exists, but it does raise some red flags.
Further research is needed since other risk factors for the eye disease were not considered. Until then, in functional medicine we urge our patients to do their best to limit toxic exposures. Fresh air, organic foods, and clean water go a long way in helping patients live healthier more abundant lives.
Original Article
Kuang-Hsi Chang, Po-Yuan Hsu, Chun-Ju Lin, Cheng-Li Lin, Suh-Hang Hank Juo, Chung-Ling Liang. Traffic-related air pollutants increase the risk for age-related macular degeneration. Journal of Investigative Medicine, 2019; jim-2019-001007 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2019-001007
Thanks to Science Daily
BMJ. “Vehicle exhaust pollutants linked to near doubling in risk of common eye condition: Long term exposure to highest levels linked to greatest risk of age related macular degeneration (AMD) among over 50s.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 August 2019. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190820200458.htm>.
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.
