Donate Deakin

Results from our world-first faecal microbial transplant (FMT) study

Food & Mood researchers have published a new study investigating how FMT may be used in the real world for people experiencing depression. Prior research has shown that people experiencing major depressive disorder have a different gut microbiota compared to people without depression. Some studies have also shown that...

Biting off more than you can chew: Do we eat more when consuming low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets?

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...

Should I test my gut microbes to improve my health?

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...

Alcohol and mental health: have less, to feel a lot better

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...

Is there a role for the gut microbiome in the complexity of anorexia nervosa?

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,...

Less is not more: how excluding major food groups may impact your health

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....

Eating alone? Join the club!

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...

Recap of Gut Revolution: A Catalyst special – Part 2: Obesity (Garry’s story)

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...

Recap of Gut Revolution: A Catalyst special – Part 1: IBS (Melissa’s story)

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...