How the Eye and Brain Handles Removal of Natural Waste

Eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy usually do not have a single cause. Instead, they arise from a mix of influences, including genetics, environment, age, diet and nutrition, and oxidative stress. Among these, oxidative stress is especially important because it directly affects a vital cellular process called autophagy.

Autophagy is the body’s built-in “cellular housekeeping” or recycling system. It allows cells in the eyes and brain to break down and reuse worn-out components, including damaged mitochondria and large, clumped proteins.¹ When autophagy is working properly, it helps maintain healthy cell function. But when this process is disturbed, cellular waste can build up, organelles are not renewed as they should be, and the normal physiology of the eye can begin to break down.

The buildup of misfolded or abnormal proteins is a key feature in the progression of many neurodegenerative conditions, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.² Because the retina is an extension of the brain, supporting healthy autophagy may be an important strategy for protecting both vision and cognitive function as we age.

Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

When inflammation becomes chronic, the body produces higher levels of oxidative molecules,³ signaling proteins (chemokines and cytokines), and immune-related substances such as bradykinin, serotonin, and histamine. Over time, this inflammatory “overdrive” can contribute to insulin resistance in the brain (and potentially the eyes), setting off a chain reaction that harms otherwise healthy neurons.

Chronic inflammation^{4 5} also increases the permeability of blood vessel walls and can cause them to widen. Together, these changes weaken the blood-brain barrier, allowing unwanted substances to leak through and promoting swelling in the brain (cerebral edema). These processes can ultimately compromise both brain and visual health.⁶

Exaggerated oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease,⁷ leads to overproduction of amyloid beta protein-associated free radical production and cell death,⁸ causing yet more oxidative stress,⁹ a dangerous cycle.

Inflammation is now widely recognized as an important risk factor for degenerative brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.¹⁰ The pathophysiology of CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome) includes effects that are relevant to all three types of Alzheimer’s disease.

Neuroinflammation has been closely linked to both the progression and severity of Alzheimer’s disease. In this condition, misfolded and clumped proteins activate the brain’s immune system, setting off an inflammatory response that contributes to nerve cell death and ongoing cognitive decline.^{11 12}

Misfolded proteins are strongly associated with a number of eye conditions because they place cells under stress and can eventually lead to cell death. In cataracts, for example, crystallin proteins in the lens begin to clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. In retinitis pigmentosa, inherited genetic mutations often cause rhodopsin in the retina to misfold, gradually damaging the light-sensitive cells. Misfolded proteins are also implicated in glaucoma, where certain mutations disturb normal protein balance in the trabecular meshwork and retinal ganglion cells, contributing to rising eye pressure and progressive loss of vision.

Astrocyte destruction is associated with blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption.¹³ Astrocytes induce and maintain the BBB, and in particular form the glia limitans.¹⁴ This abundant type of glial cell sits in close contact with neuronal synapses. It helps regulate the transmission of electrical signals in the brain while also supplying neurons with metabolic support and essential nutrients.

When proteins inside the eye misfold, the body responds in several ways to correct this issue:

Heat Shock Proteins

Special protective molecules made by cells in response to stress. They act like tiny “chaperones,” helping damaged or misfolded proteins refold back into their proper shape so they can function normally again.

Breakdown

If the heat shock response does not occur, then the faulty proteins are broken down into amino acids, which are then recycled.

Autophagy

If protein build-up has already occurred, autophagy (meaning removal) will recycle damaged or unwanted cellular components. This process is essential for maintaining brain health and function throughout life. In the brain, that waste removal includes amyloid-beta and tau proteins found in Alzheimer’s disease. This process uses lysosomal enzymes to break down the enclosed waste material and recycle it into basic building blocks such as amino acids, fatty acids, and nucleotides. These are then returned to the cytoplasm to be reused as building blocks and energy sources for the synthesis of new cell components, promoting cellular renewal.

The buildup of misfolded proteins is a key hallmark in the progression of many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.¹⁵

What Can Negatively Impact Autophagy

Stressors

Various stressors – such as infections, ionizing radiation, low oxygen (hypoxia), and even certain chemotherapy drugs – can alter how autophagy functions in the body.¹⁶

Autophagy activity can be induced by a variety of stressors, such as starvation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, hypoxia, pathogen infection, and exercise.^{17 18}

Age

Almost all organisms exhibit decreased autophagy with age.¹⁹ Loss of autophagy could therefore lead to neurodegenerative disorders, infectious disease, or possibly genomic instability resulting in cancer. Autophagy has also been shown to play a role in other diseases, including liver, muscle, and heart disease.²⁰

Neurodegenerative Diseases

During neurodegeneration, autophagy appears to play an important protective role. In several neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease, abnormal or mutant proteins accumulate and form aggregates within cells. These protein clumps disrupt normal intracellular transport and interfere with the usual functions of cytoplasmic proteins, contributing to ongoing nerve cell damage. Studies suggest that autophagy plays a role in neuroprotective function.^{21 22}

Cancer

In cancer, autophagy appears to have dual roles, dependent on factors such as disease stage, cell type, and cell stimulus. Autophagy can promote cell death in response to some anticancer therapies. Autophagy’s role in cancer has been extensively reviewed in numerous recent scientific publications.^{23 24}

Nutrients and Foods That Promote Autophagy

Certain nutrients, including spermidine, resveratrol, and specific polyphenols (such as curcumin and quercetin), have been shown to support autophagy. So do vitamin D and some types of fatty acids. These compounds, which occur naturally in foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, turmeric, and green tea, seem to “switch on” autophagy by influencing key cellular signaling pathways. In contrast, factors such as elevated blood sugar can drive autophagy through other routes, including endoplasmic reticulum stress and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Apigenin

Apigenin is a plant secondary phytoestrogen and metabolite found in celery, olives, hot peppers, parsley, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.²⁵ In animal studies, apigenin revealed a greater than five-fold decrease in autophagy upon treatment with apigenin compared to untreated controls.²⁶ Later studies on amentoflavone found the compound also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties.

Resveratrol

Found in grapes, wine, and berries, this antioxidant has been shown to stimulate autophagy and may help address age-related cellular dysfunction.

Spermidine

A compound found in beans, nuts, vegetables, and fruits that is linked to anti-aging effects by promoting autophagy.

Polyphenols and Flavonoids

These include compounds like curcumin (in turmeric), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (in green tea), and quercetin (in fruits and vegetables).

Vitamin D

Found in fortified foods, egg yolks, and fatty fish, vitamin D can induce autophagy and may help reduce the risk of age-related conditions.

Other Compounds

Sulforaphane (in broccoli and kale), piperine (in black pepper), and allicin (in garlic) are phytochemicals that have been shown to stimulate autophagy.

Fatty Acids

Research suggests that fatty acids, whether saturated or unsaturated, can encourage autophagy, though each type seems to work through its own mechanism.

Suggested Supplements

Dr. Grossman’s Complete Eye Formula 2oz (oral spray) – comprehensive oral formula for maximum absorption containing a wide range of targeted nutrients for optimal eye health.

Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps

Dr. Grossman’s Advanced Eye and Dr. G’s Whole Food Superfood Multi1 20 Vcap Combo – 2 months supply

Dr. Grossman’s Bilberry/Ginkgo Combination 2oz (60ml)

Mushroom Emperors 120 vegtabs (M08003)

Ginseng, American, 2 oz

Nitric Oxide Supplement – helps promote increased oxygen through the body and eyes.

NMN Wonderfeel Capsul 60 vegcaps

Dr. Grossman’s Premium Turmeric Vcaps (Organic)

Brain and Memory Power Boost 120 caps

UBQH 100mg 60 softgels

Packages

Brain and Memory Support Package 1

AMD Package 1 (3-month supply)

Recommended Books

Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing 

Natural Brain Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Other Related Diseases Naturally

Natural Parkinson’s Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Managing Parkinson’s