Weber Family Chiropractic - Weekly Health Tip

October 5, 2026

Dear patient and friend,

In the journals I read I often come across new developments in the science of chiropractic. However, people like you never become aware of these important ideas since the media reports so little of it.

Therefore I’ve taken yet upon myself to keep you informed of crucial breakthroughs because I know how important they can be to you, your family and friends. As your doctor, I believe it’s part of my sacred trust. So for your information and consideration, here are these unique and revolutionary developments.

Help Preserve Your Eyesight With B Vitamins

A study published in the July 2013 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition adds to the evidence suggesting certain B vitamins may be important in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 55 years of age in the U.S. and Canada. Previous studies have shown that taking certain antioxidant vitamins and minerals as supplements (vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, selenium and zinc), at specific dosages, can slow the progression of AMD.

What the Latest Study Says

In the latest study, known as the Blue Mountain Eye Study, serum folate (B-vitamin folic acid), vitamin B₁₂ and homocysteine status were determined from blood samples drawn in 1997-1999 from cohort members ages 55 and older. AMD was assessed in 1,760 survivors from retinal photographs taken in 2002-2004 and 2007-2009. Total intakes of folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ were assessed using a food-frequency questionnaire.

Results showed that higher blood levels of homocysteine were associated with a significant increased risk of developing AMD, whereas higher levels of vitamin B₁₂ were strongly associated with decreased risk of developing AMD. Homocysteine is a toxic end-product of metabolism known to damage blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies continue to show that high blood levels of homocysteine also contribute to damage seen in AMD.

People with folate or vitamin B₁₂ deficiency at the beginning of the study (baseline) were approximately twice as likely to develop AMD during the 10-year study period.

What is important is that homocysteine levels are reduced via supplementation with, and dietary intake of, vitamin B₁₂ and folic acid. These B vitamins recycle homocysteine back to the nontoxic and highly useful amino acid known as methionine. This explains why high levels of serum homocysteine, and low levels of vitamin B₁₂ and folic acid, are so strongly linked to the development of AMD, as confirmed in the Blue Mountain Eye Study.

How You Can Prevent AMD

It is thought that AMD is a highly preventable disease, thus requiring attention to various lifestyle behaviors. Extrapolating from what we know from experimental, observational and clinical studies, the following practices appear to be the best proactive strategies to prevent the development of AMD:

• Don't smoke
• Protect your eyes from UV light
• Prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes by maintaining your ideal weight, performing endurance and strength-training exercises regularly, and keeping your blood sugar levels within an ideal range (talk to your doctor to for more info)
• Eat a diet rich in brightly colored vegetables and fruit (dark green, yellow, orange, blue, purple, red).
• Keep your cholesterol level low by also consuming foods low in total cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fats.
• Take a high-potency multivitamin/mineral each day that contains the following dosages of antioxidants and B vitamins:

Vitamin C: 1,000 mg

Vitamin E: 400 IU

Selenium: 200 mcg

Zinc: 15 mg

Beta-carotene: 15,000 IU

Lutein powder: 6 mg

B-50 complex, including 400 mcg folic acid, 50 mcg vitamin B₁₂ and 50 mg vitamin B₆ (which also lowers homocysteine)

Talk to your doctor for additional information and before taking any vitamin or supplement for the first time, particularly if you are taking medication, other supplements and/or have a pre-exiting health condition.

Dr. Scott Weber

Weber Family Chiropractic

217.243.5438

P.S. Have you tried Bio-Freeze yet??? If not, ask us for a FREE sample on your next visit.

P.S.S. Have you visited our web site lately. Check it out at jvillechiro.com. Please forward this message to anyone you know who might be interested in health or chiropractic.

I first sought chiropractic care for both neck and back problems. I had these problems for years and they were at the high end of the severity scale. It was hard to turn my neck without pain. I previously had tried Tylenol but was not getting the results I wanted. A friend recommended chiropractic care to me and I had a very good first impression of Dr. Weber and his staff. My results have been very beneficial to my overall health.

Geraldine C.

Jacksonville

I first came to see Dr. Weber because of neck and back pain that was moderate to heavy in nature that occurred daily. I had been to a chiropractor in the past with some results. Finding the right chiropractor was extremely important to me. Dr. Weber explained what was wrong and was very thorough in his examination and report. I have had good results since seeing Dr. Weber. Other members of my family are also receiving the benefits of chiropractic care for their neck and back pain. I would recommend anyone suffering to get help and not put it off. I just love the results I have been getting chiropractic care.

Alec L.

Greenfield

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