Buzz
This week’s health news roundup explores whether you need to rethink your bread choice, reconsider your baby’s sleep environment, and adjust your approach to mosquitoes during vacation.
Bread Battle: White vs. Whole Wheat
The Headline: Scientists Compare Sourdough and White Bread—With Unexpected Findings
The Story: A study compared the effects of two different types of bread: white bread and whole wheat sourdough. This involved two key differences: the type of grain (white vs. whole wheat) and the distinct sour flavor contributed by the yeast in sourdough starter.
Whole-wheat bread is typically expected to have a lower glycemic load than white bread, meaning it doesn’t lead to as sharp a rise in blood sugar after consumption. However, this study showed that participants’ blood glucose levels were similar on both types of bread, on average, when eaten regularly.
The researchers have one more key point: some individuals had a better blood sugar response with white bread, while others fared better with whole wheat. They believe this isn’t just statistical error, but rather a personalized reaction. Of course, they might be biased—two of the study’s authors are listed as “paid scientific consultants for DayTwo Inc,” a personalized nutrition company.
The Take-Away: Don’t rush to change your sandwiches just yet. If your gut bacteria are influencing how you digest one bread type over another, it’ll take much more research to confirm. Or as NHS Choices put it: “There are many reasons why you might choose wholemeal bread over white bread, and results from a week-long study in 20 people aren’t going to change all of those.”
Where Should You Place the Crib?
The Headline: Babies Sleep More Soundly in Their Own Rooms After Four Months
The Story: The American Academy of Pediatrics has long recommended that babies sleep in a parent’s room (but not in the parents' bed) for the first six to 12 months. This is said to lower the risk of SIDS.
A recent study asked parents to move their child to their eventual sleep space (typically in another room) at around three months. Babies who were in their own rooms by four months had more sleep at night and longer periods of uninterrupted rest.
The Take-Away: Should you relocate your baby earlier for better sleep, or keep them nearby to potentially reduce the risk of SIDS? There’s no clear answer, especially considering the risk of SIDS for older infants is extremely low. (The NPR article linked above thoughtfully explores both perspectives.)
One interesting note: despite half of the families in the study being asked to move their baby before four months, both groups ended up with the same number of babies who actually did end up sleeping in a different room. So, if your baby's sleeping arrangements didn’t go as planned, you’re not alone.
Zika Remains a Concern
The Headline: 5% of Pregnant Women in the US with Zika Gave Birth to a Baby with Birth Defects
The Story: The CDC reported on the outcomes in 2016 of pregnant women in the US who tested positive for Zika and then gave birth.
Overall, 5% of these women had babies with birth defects; however, among those who tested positive for Zika during the first trimester, that rate jumped to 15%. Previous studies in South America suggested the birth defect rate could have been even higher, so this finding offers a bit of good news, though still concerning.
The Take-Away: If you’re pregnant, or planning to be, avoid Zika. (If you’re a man with a partner who could get pregnant, it’s best for you to avoid Zika too, and use a condom as a precaution.) There’s no way to prevent birth defects if you contract the virus, and a 5% (or 15%) risk is still quite alarming. Travel advisories remain active; consult the CDC for countries with Zika risks before booking your trip. And if you must travel to or live in an area with active Zika transmission, take precautions: use effective mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves, and ensure windows are screened.
