If you’ve been on social media recently, you’ve probably seen competing support for low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diets versus plant-based diets. Supporters argue that the benefits of “their” diet include helping to maintain your weight while the other leads to increased hunger, overconsumption of calories, and ultimately, excess body weight. But...
People are paying hundreds of dollars to have their gut microbes analysed, hoping the insights will allow them to adjust their diet and improve their health. But these testing services are based on science that’s still in its infancy, as we explain in our research paper. So while there...
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health disorder that can occur after experiencing a traumatic event. Most people are aware of the debilitating symptoms such as nightmares, hypervigilance, flashbacks, intense fear and distress. These symptoms arrive soon, but continue long after, a traumatic event. PTSD disrupts...
Ever reached for a glass of wine to help unwind at the end of a busy day? While you’re not alone, the temporary feel-good effects of a drink may be doing you more harm than good. Prolonged and excessive alcohol intake may have lasting impacts on your gut and...
During World War II, the famous Minnesota Starvation Experiment in healthy young men showed that semi-starvation (loss of >25% of body weight) caused both physical symptoms, such as fatigue, dizziness and hair loss, and psychological symptoms, such as depression, and anxiety. Interestingly, long-term starvation also led to disordered eating behaviour,...
If you look at the menu at your local café, you’ll likely notice a range of options for your meal; gluten-free, low-carb, Paleo friendly. Australians are choosing to avoid certain foods more than ever, and approximately one in three Australians are eliminating gluten, dairy or meat from their diets....
Stress – it’s that all too common feeling that has somehow become synonymous with modern day life. But aside from the tension and worrying thoughts, how else does stress hijack your body? If you’re someone that reaches for the chocolate in the shadows of a looming deadline to find...
Social interaction and support from family, friends, and colleagues has long been associated with positive health outcomes. Having meaningful relationships helps us to manage stress and anxiety, improve physical and mental health, and increase overall quality of life. Conversely, social isolation, loneliness and living alone have been shown to...
Airing on ABC’s catalyst series last month, Gut Revolution was a two-part feature seeking to sort the facts from the faeces. Hosted by Dr Joanna McMillan, we followed the path of two people with debilitating gut issues, on their quests for better health. Food and Mood Centre director, Professor...