Latest news with #HyperactivityDisorder
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Global Review Finds Mediterranean Diet May Play Key Role In Managing ADHD
It's the superhero of the nutrition world, and now a scientific review has shown the potential power of the Mediterranean diet to help manage the symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The recently published review by the University of the Sunshine Coast is one of the first to directly research the benefits of the Mediterranean diet – with its high intake of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and extra-virgin olive oil – versus unhealthy diets typically high in sugar, additives and saturated fats, to lessen ADHD symptoms. UniSC Psychology researcher Naomi Lewis said the novel review examined all available global evidence on the key nutrients and dietary patterns implicated in ADHD, and linked the findings to underlying biological mechanisms such as gut imbalance and inflammation. 'We found strong evidence that diet and nutrition may be more important than we think when it comes to managing ADHD symptoms and providing protective benefits,' she said. The study builds on earlier findings by the researchers on the role of diet in brain-gut inflammation pathways in ADHD, that an imbalance of good versus bad gut microorganisms may impact the severity of symptoms. 'What we eat plays a big role in the health of our gut microbiome, which are the trillions of bacteria and other microbes in our digestive system that help support brain and overall health,' Ms Lewis said. 'When these microbes become imbalanced, it can affect our physical and mental wellbeing, including possibly making symptoms of ADHD worse. This is because an imbalanced gut can lead to harmful states such as inflammation that can affect how the brain functions. 'A diet high in fibre, healthy fats such as omega-3s, and antioxidants helps good bacteria in our guts to thrive, whereas too much sugar, saturated fat, and other components of a highly processed diet could promote harmful bacteria and inflammation.' UniSC Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics Dr Anthony Villani said the Mediterranean diet was under-researched in ADHD, with a lack of robust trials investigating dietary strategies in its management. 'Most research to date has focused on elimination diets, with very limited exploration of the Mediterranean diet,' Dr Villani said. 'We know from other studies that children and adolescents with ADHD – a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity – tend to have poorer diets, compared to those without. 'These diets are often highly processed and at risk of being deficient in certain nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamin D and B vitamins, known to support optimal brain functioning. 'Following a Mediterranean-based diet has great potential to help improve ADHD symptoms by improving gut health and lowering inflammation as it is rich in anti-inflammatory foods and fibre such as olive oil, fruits, vegetables and fish." While medications are the most common treatment for managing symptoms of ADHD, they are associated with side effects and many people do not respond effectively. 'While it's not a cure for ADHD, a Mediterranean-based diet, as well as targeted supplements, may help some people better regulate ADHD behaviours more effectively. It's a low-risk, affordable option worth considering,' Dr Villani said. The researchers recommend clinical trials to determine the clinical utility and effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet in ADHD management.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Gut Microbiome Link To ADHD Reinforced In Scientific Review
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. More >>
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.
North Wales Live
28-04-2025
- North Wales Live
Caernarfon woman hit ex-partner over the head with a saucepan while he slept
A woman hit her former partner on the head with a saucepan as he slept. Kelly Cavanagh whacked Dennis Williams while he was sitting on a sofa during an incident of domestic abuse. Cavanagh, 35, of Llys Talar, Pendalar, Caernarfon, admitted a wounding charge. A judge at Caernarfon Crown Court heard she has mental health problems and gave her a 16-month jail term suspended for 18 months. The court heard Cavanagh and Mr Williams had been in a relationship for six years and had four children. Both adults would drink and become violent, the court heard. You can sign up for all the latest court stories here In February 2024 Mr Williams went to Cavanagh's home to take the children to school. But he sat on a sofa and fell asleep. It was then that Cavanagh hit him on the head with a saucepan. He got up and noticed a saucepan on the floor. He went into the kitchen to confront Cavanagh. He found her holding a knife and took it off her. He tried to leave but she dragged him back and bit his leg before he fled. Outside, he found his van's windscreen had been damaged and there was a hole in a headlight both caused by Cavanagh. The court heard Cavanagh had also gone through Mr Williams' mobile phone and found messages from Mr Williams' mother and sister despite Cavanagh forbidding him from having such contact with them. Soon afterwards Mr Williams' sister received a text message from Cavanagh. Cavanagh said she would come to her home, adding: "I'll smash your house." Police were called and officers found Cavanagh had also hit a previous partner with a saucepan in 2022. Jemma Gordon, defending, said the defendant has an emotionally unstable personality and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). She does not have contact with her children and is "missing them greatly". The judge Her Honour Nicola Jones said Cavanagh had hit Mr Williams but he had not required hospital treatment. She noted there is no allegation regarding the knife. The victim's sister had been terrified that Cavanagh's threat would be carried out. The judge said she caused really serious harm but has mental health difficulties. Giving her the suspended sentence the judge said it would cause emotional harm to her children if Cavanagh was sent straight to jail. She has shown she is capable of rehabilitation so must do 25 days of rehabilitation activity. There were no separate penalties for causing criminal damage and making a threat to cause criminal damage, from the same incident, as the sentence was frontloaded on the wounding offence.
CBS News
29-03-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Does your child have ADHD or vision problems? Optometrist says both share similar symptoms
Does your child have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or a functional vision problem? Neuro-optometrist Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a Maryland-based doctor board certified in vision therapy and graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry, says an ADHD diagnosis isn't complete without ruling out a functional vision problem. "Symptoms of ADD or ADHD and functional vision problems are so, so similar," he said. "If our eyes can't coordinate together as a team. If the inside muscles of the eyes are having a hard time focusing and making something clear and keeping it clear, from difficulty tracking our eyes, it's so much harder to sustain visual attention than it should be, and our mind's ability to stay focused is deeply embedded in our eye's ability to stay focused." So, how can this impact a child's behavior? "A child who is squirmy with desk work, loses their place with reading or prefers to rely on their ears rather than their eyes in the classroom setting or reading at home with mom or dad, those are clear signs of a functional vision problem impacting their ability to use their eyes together," Dr. Appelbaum said. For parents and teachers, Dr. Appelbaum says they can start assessing the child by looking at their performance. "A smart child whose performance drops throughout the day, or a child who is avoiding reading, preferring to be read to, or a child whose even having a hard time maintaining eye contact. Those are clear signs that vision is not guiding, leading and isn't developed like it's intended to." Dr. Appelbaum says research shows one in 10 kids has a vision problem significant enough to impact learning. More than 80 percent of what a child learns in the classroom comes through the visual processing of information. For more about functional vision problems, follow Dr. Appelbaum on Instagram . Additional information can be found online at MyVisionFirst and ScreenFit .
