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Ancestral Dietary Strategy to Prevent and Treat Macular Degeneration: Large Print Black & White Paperback Edition
In 2016, ophthalmologist and Associate Clinical Professor Emeritus, Chris Knobbe, MD, proffered a revolutionary hypothesis for both the cause and the treatment of age-related macular degeneration; since then, his supportive research, writings, and presentations have received tremendous accolades from colleagues and fellow nutrition researchers, alike. Knobbe has presented his hypothesis and supportive research on numerous stages all across the United States and for a number of organizations, including the Christian Ophthalmology Society, the Ancestral Health Symposium, the Weston A. Price Foundation, and the Macular Degeneration Association. Knobbe is the world's only ophthalmologist to have proffered such a hypothesis, but which has also been buttressed by supportive research, published in the highly esteemed journal, Medical Hypotheses, in November, 2017.
Ophthalmologist and retina specialist of the United Kingdom, Andrew J. Luff, MA, FRCS, FRCS(Ophtha), FRCOphth, writes, "As the prevalence of AMD escalates, the devastating consequences of visual loss take their relentless toll on individuals, families, and health economies. This epidemic continues to grow, oblivious to a plethora of research. A massive financial investment (both University-based and pharmaceutical) has made no impact on the incidence of a disease that has resisted minor nutritional tinkering and seen no significant gain from our exponentially increased knowledge of genetics. In researching our frustrating lack of success in the quest for a unifying cause of AMD, Dr. Knobbe concludes that we have been looking in the wrong place. "From a meticulous examination of ophthalmic history, comparative epidemiology and dietary change across the globe, he constructs a cogent and compelling argument for defects in basic nutrition as the fundamental driver of AMD. The data are stark and the potential consequences of dietary deficiency sobering. Dr. Knobbe's rational conclusion that a shift from traditional foods can wreak havoc on macular function will come as no surprise to those who have postulated similar cause for the multitude of chronic diseases now endemic in so-called developed nations. "His hypothesis is unlikely to be welcomed by those committed to pharmacological intervention. Furthermore, a radical change to the diet of billions will not happen quickly. However, for newly diagnosed patients seeking hope and clinicians struggling for an answer, Dr. Knobbe's remarkable book offers the first tangible lifeline. To impact on the visual health of a nation we need a paradigm shift in the attitude of government and a radical rethink of the artificially constructed boundaries between nutrition and medicine. The visual health of many millions of people worldwide over the coming decades may depend on whether Knobbe's message is heard by those with both the political power and the financial commitment to take action." -- Andrew J. Luff, MA, FRCS, FRCS(Ophtha, FRCOphth, Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon, United Kingdom, Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
Dr. Knobbe's revolutionary hypothesis, extraordinary research, and scientific rigor, is second to none. After having read the book or seen Knobbe's presentations, many have remarked, "How can his conclusions be refuted?" Come see how and why you can save your vision, by following a delicious, healthy, satisfying, diet, with virtually any food you desire, as long as it is made with "ancestral" ingredients. Shocking, but true!
All proceeds from sales support the mission of Cure AMD Foundation. Dr. Knobbe receives no royalties from book sales.
Ophthalmologist and retina specialist of the United Kingdom, Andrew J. Luff, MA, FRCS, FRCS(Ophtha), FRCOphth, writes, "As the prevalence of AMD escalates, the devastating consequences of visual loss take their relentless toll on individuals, families, and health economies. This epidemic continues to grow, oblivious to a plethora of research. A massive financial investment (both University-based and pharmaceutical) has made no impact on the incidence of a disease that has resisted minor nutritional tinkering and seen no significant gain from our exponentially increased knowledge of genetics. In researching our frustrating lack of success in the quest for a unifying cause of AMD, Dr. Knobbe concludes that we have been looking in the wrong place. "From a meticulous examination of ophthalmic history, comparative epidemiology and dietary change across the globe, he constructs a cogent and compelling argument for defects in basic nutrition as the fundamental driver of AMD. The data are stark and the potential consequences of dietary deficiency sobering. Dr. Knobbe's rational conclusion that a shift from traditional foods can wreak havoc on macular function will come as no surprise to those who have postulated similar cause for the multitude of chronic diseases now endemic in so-called developed nations. "His hypothesis is unlikely to be welcomed by those committed to pharmacological intervention. Furthermore, a radical change to the diet of billions will not happen quickly. However, for newly diagnosed patients seeking hope and clinicians struggling for an answer, Dr. Knobbe's remarkable book offers the first tangible lifeline. To impact on the visual health of a nation we need a paradigm shift in the attitude of government and a radical rethink of the artificially constructed boundaries between nutrition and medicine. The visual health of many millions of people worldwide over the coming decades may depend on whether Knobbe's message is heard by those with both the political power and the financial commitment to take action." -- Andrew J. Luff, MA, FRCS, FRCS(Ophtha, FRCOphth, Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon, United Kingdom, Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
Dr. Knobbe's revolutionary hypothesis, extraordinary research, and scientific rigor, is second to none. After having read the book or seen Knobbe's presentations, many have remarked, "How can his conclusions be refuted?" Come see how and why you can save your vision, by following a delicious, healthy, satisfying, diet, with virtually any food you desire, as long as it is made with "ancestral" ingredients. Shocking, but true!
All proceeds from sales support the mission of Cure AMD Foundation. Dr. Knobbe receives no royalties from book sales.
- GenresHealth
346 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 16, 2026
Encouraging and Helpful
I was searching for help to reverse dry macular and stumbled on Dr Knobbe’s video then found this book. Super encouraged after reading it!
I was searching for help to reverse dry macular and stumbled on Dr Knobbe’s video then found this book. Super encouraged after reading it!
May 31, 2023
-Though this extremely comprehensive book would be expected to focus on macular degeneration, the author, an Opthamologist, has created a book that is, necessarily, also very largely devoted to the source of a range of modern illnesses. In comparing the illnesses of the 20th and 21st Centuries with how few of those illnesses affected the populations of the 19th century and earlier, the author brings to light that it’s the foods that are part of the “western diet” that have caused such havoc with our bodies. Once he reviews our general health, the author brings to light an explanation of what macular degeneration actually is, the current treatments, and a way to possibly reverse or stop progression of the disease, and if a person is not yet afflicted with macular degeneration, how to possibly prevent it from ever happening.
-We must go back to how few reports there were prior to the beginning of the 20th century of not only macular degeneration, but also diseases of the heart. Animal fats, which have been vilified by our modern health authorities, were plentifully eaten, and yet atherosclerosis, macular degeneration, and many other diseases which are more and more commonplace now were rare. How did our understanding of foods change and more importantly, did it change for the good or the bad?
-There are many health authorities of our current day who push for us to eat organic foods, to avoid processed grain products, and eat plenty of fresh fish. But it’s the answer to why this is so that is so well explained here. The author goes into great detail to review how our body works and what it needs in terms of nutrition. He explains how the food industry changed, and what we thought to be advances, turned out to be just the opposite, as we deceived ourselves to believe that synthetic vitamins were equal or even better than the natural version.
-As this is a book, which ultimately, is about the health of the eyes, he also goes into great detail explaining the parts of the eyes and exactly what happens when macular degeneration (MD) occurs. We learn a great deal - even information that many eye specialists may not even be aware of. For example, there are two types of MD, dry and wet. A treatment that’s given for the wet version, which consists of shots into the eye itself of a material that inhibits the action of a substance referred to as VEGF, slowing the progression of the MD, actually has the reverse effect on dry MD. “However, as great as the anti-VEGF drugs are, they do nothing to prevent the progression of dry AMD and, in fact, they may make dry AMD progress more rapidly. Very briefly, let’s look at why.” He goes on to explain why this is so, in great detail, which some readers may find hard to follow, but it’s in areas like this that make this book stand out above others.
-MD, we learn, is just one of many of our modern day diseases. A full chapter is devoted to the connection between how we eat and the results which lead to macular degeneration, obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc. A comparison of cultures that have not yet adopted our western diet, and who are shown to be far healthier, is provided. If individuals from those groups adopt our way of eating, their bodies, too, succumb to the same multitude of diseases which affect us.
-Highly enlightening are the 4 changes to our diets which began in the early part of the 20th century and which have negatively affected our health:
1. Refined flour production (a new technique using rollers to crush the wheat and remove the healthiest parts and leave the very fine white flour was created about 1880)
2. Vegetable oils production began which are now known to be very unhealthy, but because they’re cheap, they’re used extensively in all processed foods that are mass marketed. (Canola oil, sunflower and safflower oils, grapeseed and cottonseed oils, etc.)
3. The creation of solid vegetable oil - Crisco - which then became a substitute for animal fats for cooking (1911)
4. Sugar which was consumed in ever increasing amounts since 1822
-He goes on to explain that proper eating is a system, and studies that focus on a particular vitamin are meaningless as vitamins and minerals are beneficial to us when taken as a group. For example, he explains the synergy between vitamin A, D, K2 and calcium. “Consuming calcium with or without vitamin D, when there is a lack of K2, drives that calcium right into the vessel walls, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke, while osteoporosis runs rampant. And as you can now see, deficiencies of the fat soluble vitamins all tend to run together. So the same people deficient in vitamins A and D are likely to be deficient in K2. Perhaps now the epidemic of heart disease, stoke, and other vascular diseases, along with osteoporosis - weak and fragile bones - is beginning to make sense?”
-Most important is what the author recommends as to changes in what we eat. Though a specific program is not given, a list of foods to stay away from and foods which must be primary in our diet is given, and, after going through the explanations as to why, which are presented throughout the book, it’s apparent as to why his recommendations must be followed.
-This is a highly recommended book, and its pages are filled with enlightening information. Even if some readers may skip over the detailed explanations of how foods interact with the body, there is more than enough here to make any reader appreciate and understand the need to eat proper foods while the author guides us on what foods can restore our health to what it could be.
-We must go back to how few reports there were prior to the beginning of the 20th century of not only macular degeneration, but also diseases of the heart. Animal fats, which have been vilified by our modern health authorities, were plentifully eaten, and yet atherosclerosis, macular degeneration, and many other diseases which are more and more commonplace now were rare. How did our understanding of foods change and more importantly, did it change for the good or the bad?
-There are many health authorities of our current day who push for us to eat organic foods, to avoid processed grain products, and eat plenty of fresh fish. But it’s the answer to why this is so that is so well explained here. The author goes into great detail to review how our body works and what it needs in terms of nutrition. He explains how the food industry changed, and what we thought to be advances, turned out to be just the opposite, as we deceived ourselves to believe that synthetic vitamins were equal or even better than the natural version.
-As this is a book, which ultimately, is about the health of the eyes, he also goes into great detail explaining the parts of the eyes and exactly what happens when macular degeneration (MD) occurs. We learn a great deal - even information that many eye specialists may not even be aware of. For example, there are two types of MD, dry and wet. A treatment that’s given for the wet version, which consists of shots into the eye itself of a material that inhibits the action of a substance referred to as VEGF, slowing the progression of the MD, actually has the reverse effect on dry MD. “However, as great as the anti-VEGF drugs are, they do nothing to prevent the progression of dry AMD and, in fact, they may make dry AMD progress more rapidly. Very briefly, let’s look at why.” He goes on to explain why this is so, in great detail, which some readers may find hard to follow, but it’s in areas like this that make this book stand out above others.
-MD, we learn, is just one of many of our modern day diseases. A full chapter is devoted to the connection between how we eat and the results which lead to macular degeneration, obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc. A comparison of cultures that have not yet adopted our western diet, and who are shown to be far healthier, is provided. If individuals from those groups adopt our way of eating, their bodies, too, succumb to the same multitude of diseases which affect us.
-Highly enlightening are the 4 changes to our diets which began in the early part of the 20th century and which have negatively affected our health:
1. Refined flour production (a new technique using rollers to crush the wheat and remove the healthiest parts and leave the very fine white flour was created about 1880)
2. Vegetable oils production began which are now known to be very unhealthy, but because they’re cheap, they’re used extensively in all processed foods that are mass marketed. (Canola oil, sunflower and safflower oils, grapeseed and cottonseed oils, etc.)
3. The creation of solid vegetable oil - Crisco - which then became a substitute for animal fats for cooking (1911)
4. Sugar which was consumed in ever increasing amounts since 1822
-He goes on to explain that proper eating is a system, and studies that focus on a particular vitamin are meaningless as vitamins and minerals are beneficial to us when taken as a group. For example, he explains the synergy between vitamin A, D, K2 and calcium. “Consuming calcium with or without vitamin D, when there is a lack of K2, drives that calcium right into the vessel walls, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke, while osteoporosis runs rampant. And as you can now see, deficiencies of the fat soluble vitamins all tend to run together. So the same people deficient in vitamins A and D are likely to be deficient in K2. Perhaps now the epidemic of heart disease, stoke, and other vascular diseases, along with osteoporosis - weak and fragile bones - is beginning to make sense?”
-Most important is what the author recommends as to changes in what we eat. Though a specific program is not given, a list of foods to stay away from and foods which must be primary in our diet is given, and, after going through the explanations as to why, which are presented throughout the book, it’s apparent as to why his recommendations must be followed.
-This is a highly recommended book, and its pages are filled with enlightening information. Even if some readers may skip over the detailed explanations of how foods interact with the body, there is more than enough here to make any reader appreciate and understand the need to eat proper foods while the author guides us on what foods can restore our health to what it could be.
September 3, 2023
Excellent information for those suffering with AMD
This book has a wealth of information on AMD. Wish I had known about it before I develop it. I will be changing my diet drastically To prevent further Progression of AMD.
This book has a wealth of information on AMD. Wish I had known about it before I develop it. I will be changing my diet drastically To prevent further Progression of AMD.
January 14, 2025
great take on cause and prevention of ARMD
I am in total agreement with Dr. Knobbe’s theory of dietary cause of AMD along with all other modern day diseases. Our Modern American diet is a disaster and needs to be rectified to bring natural health back. Good job!
I am in total agreement with Dr. Knobbe’s theory of dietary cause of AMD along with all other modern day diseases. Our Modern American diet is a disaster and needs to be rectified to bring natural health back. Good job!
January 4, 2021
Everyone should read this awesome book. Or at least view one of his pod casts like I did before I bought the book. What more can I say?
March 17, 2026
Highly suggest for anyone wet Macular Degeneration.I received shots in my left eye for about two years.I am following the diet recommendations and has helped stop further loss!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews