Blinded by bagels The other day I told you about some new research on a potential cure for blindness. I also told you about the nutrient-based approach you can take in the meantime that may be just as effective, not to mention a whole lot less controversial. But there's something else you can do to protect your sight even before you begin the nutritional macular degeneration treatment Dr. Wright developed: Cut back on carbs. Typically when you hear this advice, it's in regards to weight loss or blood sugar and diabetes control. But a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that eating too many carbs significantly increases the risk of macular degeneration. In fact, according to the article I read "the researchers calculated that 20 percent of [macular degeneration] cases could have been prevented if subjects had consumed diets with" fewer simple carbohydrates. These types of carbs break down into sugar too rapidly in the body, spiking blood sugar to potentially dangerous levels. While Dr. Wright is the first to admit that no one diet is best for every person, he has asserted numerous times over the years that refined carbohydrates aren't doing anyone any health-related favors. But he also doesn't follow along with any of the headline- grabbing diet plans out there. The basis of Dr. Wright's overall dietary recommendations is that the average American diet has strayed too far from the roots of our ancestors to promote good health (in your eyes and throughout your body). It just so happens that that average American diet does include eating too many carbs. For detailed information on Dr. Wright's advice for adopting a lower-carb diet, visit www.wrightnewsletter.com and download the June 2004 and January 2003 issues of Nutritition & Healing. (This service is free for Nutrition & Healing subscribers. Just log on with the username and password listed on page 8 of your most recent issue. And if you're not already receiving Nutrition & Healing, the website also offers details on how to subscribe.) Source:
"Dietary carbs linked to vision loss," Reuters Health news, 7/30/07
"Association between dietary glycemic index and age-related macular degeneration in nondiabetic participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2007; 86(1): 180-188 | 
