A Link Between Diet and Myopia?

lxmeister writes: "This article from New Scientist suggests that the refined starches in western food such as white bread and cereals may be the cause of an increased level of short-sightedness. Myopia now affects 30 percent of people of European descent. So brown bread is better after all!"

Comments

Er, after all?

[Violet Null]

Brown bread has always been known to be better for you. Even considering "enriched" white bread, and I use the term loosely, brown bread contains more nutrients and more fiber than white bread, and has a lower glycemic index to boot.

Brown bread probably isn't better Myopia

[WolfWithoutAClause]

In the past I've checked the Glycemic Index (GI is a measure of how quickly glucose is absorbed from food as regards insulin requirements) for brown bread. Contrary to popular belief, brown bread has almost exactly the same Glycemic Index; ok, its very slightly better, say 98 compared to 100, but this is far too small to make much difference.

Therefore brown bread would be unlikely to improve your sight.

On the other hand brown bread is more nutritious in other regards, so it's still better for you.

Re:wheat bread still bread

[spike hay]

From the people who brought you epidemic levels of Cancer - Western Medicine!

Western medicine is one of humanity's greatest technological triumphs. It has raised average lifespans from 45 to 80 years. (in Japan, where they are not fat, the average life expectancy is 80. I used that figure because the 78 life expectancy in the US is because we are all fat)

And you think Western Medicine is to blame for high cancer rates? Well, in effect it is. Before the advent of antibiotics and modern surgical procedures, people usualy lived only to about 45, dying young because of infectious diseases. The reason cancer rates have gone up since the 1800's is because people never lived long enough before to get cancer. Cancer usualy doesn't kick in untill about 60 or 70. People rarely lived that long.

Anyway, my psychic powers have told me that you are into herbal medicine and you live in either the Bay Area or Seattle. Anyway, herbal medicine is more dangerous than conventional medicine. Most people think that natural means safe. Munch on some Water Hemlock and we'll see.

Herbal medicines were not made for our consumption. Any supposed medicinal properties that they have is just an accident of nature. Also, levels of the supposed medicinal compounds in herbal plants vary widely. Also, herbs go through no testing for their safety and effectiveness. That is dangerous. By contrast, modern medicine was actually made to better people's health. It was designed that way. It is put though rigorous safety trails.

I will outline some harmful herbs now This is from a University of Virginia site:

Chan Su: Topical aphrodisiac sold as "Stone," "LoveStone," "RockHard." It has caused death when swallowed.

Chaparral tea: From leaves and twigs of the desert creosote bush, this is promoted as an antioxidant, a pain reliever, etc. It has caused liver failure requiring liver transplantation.

Coltsfoot (for respiratory problems), comfrey (for arthritis, infections), and sassafras (a general tonic) have caused liver problems and cancer in laboratory animals.

Jin Bu Huan: An ancient Chinese sedative and analgesic containing morphine-like substances. It causes hepatitis.

Kombucha tea: Made from mushroom culture (used as a cure all), this has caused death from acidosis.

Lobelia: Used for respiratory congestion, this has caused respiratory system paralysis and death.

Ma huang or ephedra: An herbal form of the central nervous system stimulant commonly known as speed. It is sold with names like Herbal
Ecstasy, Cloud 9, and Ultimate Xphoria. It causes heart attacks, seizures, psychotic episodes and death.

Pennyroyal: This is a tea made from leaves that treats coughs and upset stomach. Its oil is highly toxic to the liver and interferes with blood clotting.

Yohimbe bark: Used as aphrodisiac this raises blood pressure and is associated with psychotic episodes.

Here are a few others:

Kava- It's used by S. Pacific islanders as an intoxicant. Causes high blood pressure as well as skin problems.

St. Johns Wort- Can cause exteme sensitivity to sunlight. Causes drug interactions.

Valerian- Sleep aid. Works like a tranquilizer. Just as dangerous as Valium.

So, as you can see, herbal drugs can cause psycotic episodes, liver failure, heart attacks, strokes, skin problems, death, etc. I'm not saying that some RX drugs don't do the same. But at least the RX drugs are more effective and they are better tested. And a knowledgable doctor prescibes them to you, which is a bonus.

Most herbal drugs have no effect other than placebo. Just go with the vitamins. It's not worth the risk to take an innefective drug with unknown dangers.