Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (210 page)

Lack of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Action plan

The aim is to improve the overall health of the body, particularly the liver and digestive system, making sure levels of yeast are in check.

EAT/DRINK

Carrots, goji berries, apricots, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries,
which are good sources of vitamins and bioflavanoids.

Brazil nuts, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and oily fish, which contain essential fats, zinc, and selenium. These may all help to prevent damage to the eye and its fluids.

Eye floaters are often an indication that the liver is struggling with its load. Helpful foods include artichokes, lecithin, and green vegetables.

Dandelion coffee, another liver supporter.

AVOID

Dairy products, fatty meats, yeast, margarines, processed foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Herbs that can help with liver function and clearing of congestion include milk thistle, dandelion root, burdock, ginkgo biloba, and licorice root.

Probiotics such as acidophilus are also recommended to support digestion and restore bacterial balance in the intestines. This can help to reduce candida and aid the digestion of foods generally.

MACULAR DEGENERATION

This is the main cause of blindness today. People who suffer from this have a blind spot in the center of their vision. The small blood vessels supplying the back part of the eye, known as the macula, begin to leak, swell, and cause scarring that leads to blurred vision. Typically, treatment is geared toward sealing off the leaking blood vessels, usually with the use of lasers. The problem with such treatment, however, is that a laser also destroys some of the healthy retinal cells. That’s why prevention of macular degeneration is so important.

Action plan

The aim is to help protect your eyes and prevent the development of macular degeneration.

EAT/DRINK

Plenty of green leafy vegetables. These contain carotenoids that are present in the macular and have a protective effect on the eyes.

Bilberries and blueberries are high in flavanoids that are protective for the eyes.