Latest news with #NaomiLewis
Scoop
05-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Gut Microbiome Link To ADHD Reinforced In Scientific Review
Press Release – University of the Sunshine Coast The link between a gut imbalance and symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder has been further supported by a University of the Sunshine Coast scientific review. The paper, published in Neuroscience, reviewed more than 280 studies and found mounting evidence that the immune system, neuroinflammation and a disturbed balance of bacteria in the gut played a role in ADHD symptoms. Lead author Naomi Lewis said two types of bacteria were particularly implicated: the Bacteroides species and Faecalibacterium. 'What we found was that there are compositional differences in the types of bacteria in the gut that may contribute to inflammation, brain functioning differences, and symptoms, in ADHD,' Ms Lewis said. In particular, certain Bacteriodes species that may improve the integrity of the intestinal barrier were found in less abundance in people with ADHD. 'Similarly, low levels of Faecalibacterium in the gut, also implicated in ADHD, has been linked with inflammatory conditions. 'Systemic inflammation cuts through the blood-brain barrier and can cause neuroinflammation, potentially from a very young age.' Ms Lewis said although ADHD was highly heritable, there were still environmental links to the severity of symptoms. 'It's important to remember there is a lot of complexity here, so no one thing is causing ADHD,' she said. 'Genetics still play a major role, but this research suggests you may want to look at the best support for minimising inflammation, particularly going into pregnancy.' 'The research in this space is still quite limited, but what we do know is that gut health plays an enormous role in mental health and neurological conditions,' Ms Lewis said. 'Gut bacteria can affect neurological processes in the brain, impacting behaviour and emotional regulation.' Co-author, UniSC Nutrition and Dietetics senior lecturer Dr Anthony Villani, said the review added to the global understanding on the impact of the gut microbiome on mental health. 'Most studies have found children with ADHD have poorer diets, with more added sugars and more processed foods compared to those without. 'But whether that is cause or affect we don't know, but there is certainly a need for more research,' Dr Villani said. Across the hundreds of papers reviewed, the evidence supports adopting lifestyle choices that nurture the gut microbiome. This includes minimising antibiotics, stress, and alcohol, saturated fats and refined sugar, eating more fibrous foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts – or adopting a Mediterranean-type diet as much as possible.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Gut Microbiome Link To ADHD Reinforced In Scientific Review
The paper, published in Neuroscience, reviewed more than 280 studies and found mounting evidence that the immune system, neuroinflammation and a disturbed balance of bacteria in the gut played a role in ADHD symptoms. Lead author Naomi Lewis said two types of bacteria were particularly implicated: the Bacteroides species and Faecalibacterium. 'What we found was that there are compositional differences in the types of bacteria in the gut that may contribute to inflammation, brain functioning differences, and symptoms, in ADHD,' Ms Lewis said. In particular, certain Bacteriodes species that may improve the integrity of the intestinal barrier were found in less abundance in people with ADHD. 'Similarly, low levels of Faecalibacterium in the gut, also implicated in ADHD, has been linked with inflammatory conditions. 'Systemic inflammation cuts through the blood-brain barrier and can cause neuroinflammation, potentially from a very young age.' Ms Lewis said although ADHD was highly heritable, there were still environmental links to the severity of symptoms. 'It's important to remember there is a lot of complexity here, so no one thing is causing ADHD,' she said. 'Genetics still play a major role, but this research suggests you may want to look at the best support for minimising inflammation, particularly going into pregnancy.' 'The research in this space is still quite limited, but what we do know is that gut health plays an enormous role in mental health and neurological conditions,' Ms Lewis said. 'Gut bacteria can affect neurological processes in the brain, impacting behaviour and emotional regulation.' Co-author, UniSC Nutrition and Dietetics senior lecturer Dr Anthony Villani, said the review added to the global understanding on the impact of the gut microbiome on mental health. 'Most studies have found children with ADHD have poorer diets, with more added sugars and more processed foods compared to those without. 'But whether that is cause or affect we don't know, but there is certainly a need for more research,' Dr Villani said. Across the hundreds of papers reviewed, the evidence supports adopting lifestyle choices that nurture the gut microbiome. This includes minimising antibiotics, stress, and alcohol, saturated fats and refined sugar, eating more fibrous foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts – or adopting a Mediterranean-type diet as much as possible. The paper is called
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Campers warned about native Aussie plant with sting 'worse than a snake bite'
Campers have been warned to stay away from a seemingly harmless-looking plant in the bush after one Aussie explained the pain from its sting was "worse than a snake bite" when he brushed against it recently. The plant in question is called a Gympie Gympie, and at first glance it looks like any other with its large green leaves. However, it's one of the world's most venomous plants and, in true Australian style, it's widespread throughout thousands of kilometres of the country. "I can tell you from experience, you do not want to touch it," the avid 4WD driver said. "I only just slightly brushed against it. It was one of the most painful things that I've had in my life." He claimed the painful feeling lingered in his hand "for months" after making contact with the plant and any time he would scratch his skin, it would "blow up again". "I would choose getting bitten by an animal over getting stung by Gympie Gympie bush again," he said. Simply touching the leaves, stems or fruit of a Gympie Gympie is enough for people to get stung. The 'sting' is actually caused by tiny hairs containing toxins, and when these break off into your skin, it causes "incredible pain". Jarryd Kelly, the Curator Manager for the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, told Yahoo News he himself had experienced the pain from a Gympie Gympie sting and it was an "incredibly uncomfortable feeling to the point I wanted to cut my hand off". "It was an immediate pain which escalated to a feeling of burning or as if I'd dunked my hand into acid," he said. "I started to sweat and felt hot, like I was burning up. It kept intensifying which made me think it would never stop." 😲 Aussie stunned by 'massive' $200 plant find in Bunnings 👀 Brits lose it over 'most dangerous' Aussie import 🌱 Woman finds unexpected intruder in houseplant The pain escalates rapidly over a period of 20 minutes and "makes the toughest of people fearful as it seems as though it's never going to end". It can take hours, or even days, for the pain to subside. "I recommend admiring them from a distance," he said, explaining the plants play an important ecological role but "aren't so compatible with humans". The plant rightfully has a fearsome reputation due to the pain it inflicts, with Cairns mother-of-four Naomi Lewis saying the sting was worse than childbirth after she made contact with a Gympie Gympie last year, 7News reported. Sufferers have even reportedly contemplated taking their own lives. If stung by a Gympie Gympie, seek medical assistance immediately. It is important not to rub the area as this can break the hairs in your skin, making them difficult to remove. Gympie Gympie plants are found from the Northern Rivers region of NSW all the way up the east coast to the tip of the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
