Good morning. In today’s edition:

• New Study Found That People Following Healthy Eating Accounts on Social Media for as Little as Two Weeks Ate More Fruit and Vegetables and Less Junk Food. Overall, They Ate an Extra 1.4 Portions of Fruit and Vegetables and 0.8 Fewer High-calorie Snacks and Sugar-sweetened Drinks Per Day

• What’s the Point of Intermittent Fasting?

• Around 27% of Individuals With ADHD Develop Cannabis Use Disorder at Some Point in Their Lives, New Study Finds. Compared to Those Without This Disorder, Individuals With ADHD  Face Almost Three Times the Risk of Developing Cannabis Use Disorder

• New Research Found That With Dietary Adjustments, More Than 7 Out of 10 Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Patients Had Significantly Reduced Symptoms, Compared With Medications

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

New Study Found That People Following Healthy Eating Accounts on Social Media for as Little as Two Weeks Ate More Fruit and Vegetables and Less Junk Food. Overall, They Ate an Extra 1.4 Portions of Fruit and Vegetables and 0.8 Fewer High-calorie Snacks and Sugar-sweetened Drinks Per Day

Recent research from Aston University has found that social media can help young adults eat better. The study reveals that following healthy eating accounts on platforms like Instagram for just two weeks can lead to eating more fruits and vegetables. It also leads to eating less junk food.

Dr. Lily Hawkins led the study, finding that people who followed these accounts ate 1.4 more servings of fruits and veggies each day. They also ate fewer high-calorie snacks and sugary drinks, cutting down by 0.8 servings daily. This improvement was especially strong among those who felt connected to other users on Instagram.

Dr. Jason Thomas helped supervise the study. He explained that showing many people eating healthy can encourage others. It can make them to eat better too. He mentioned that using social media for this purpose is effective. It's popular, especially with younger people.

This early study suggests that small changes to what we see on social media could greatly change our diets. The changes cost nothing. The researchers want to find out if these good eating habits continue over time. They also want to see if they can be seen in larger groups.

Dr. Hawkins, now at the University of Exeter, is excited about the results. She believes that social media can be a powerful tool for improving how we eat in the real world. This research opens new ways to promote better eating habits through digital platforms.

Source: aston.ac.uk

WEIGHT LOSS

What’s the Point of Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting has become popular. It's a flexible approach to dieting. It appeals to many who find traditional diets too rigid. This method involves eating only during specific time windows each day, allowing the body to fast for longer periods.

Many adopters of intermittent fasting appreciate its simplicity. Instead of counting calories or adhering to strict meal plans, you simply limit your eating to a certain number of hours. Common schedules include fasting for 16 hours with an 8-hour eating window, or fasting for 12 hours with a 12-hour window. The flexibility to choose a schedule that fits one's lifestyle makes it a viable option for many.

Supporters of intermittent fasting report various benefits. Some claim significant weight loss, like one person who lost 30 pounds. Others notice less bloating and a better fit in their clothes. The diet can also lead to increased awareness of what and when you eat, potentially leading to healthier choices.

However, intermittent fasting isn't for everyone. Some people experience hunger or find it challenging to fit into their daily routine. It’s crucial to listen to your body. Consult with a healthcare provider to see if it’s right for you.

Intermittent fasting isn't just about weight loss. It's about finding a rhythm that boosts health without feeling deprived. It allows for a balance that can be adjusted as your body and lifestyle evolve, making it a sustainable choice for many.

Source: TODAY

HEALTH

Around 27% of Individuals With ADHD Develop Cannabis Use Disorder at Some Point in Their Lives, New Study Finds. Compared to Those Without This Disorder, Individuals With ADHD  Face Almost Three Times the Risk of Developing Cannabis Use Disorder

A new study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research shows that about 27% of people with ADHD could develop a problem with using cannabis. This means they are nearly three times more likely to have issues compared to people without ADHD.

ADHD makes it hard for people to pay attention and control their actions, which can make daily tasks challenging. The study highlights that those with ADHD face bigger risks when it comes to using cannabis, also known as marijuana. Marijuana has a chemical called THC that makes people feel high. But using it a lot can cause problems like trouble thinking, mental health issues, and work or school problems.

The research team, led by Anna M. Froude, looked at over 1,200 studies but only 14 had the right kind of information. They found that the rate of cannabis problems among people with ADHD varied a lot, from 12% to 49%. On average, 27% have had these issues at some point, and 19% are currently facing them.

Most of the studies came from North America, so the findings might not be the same everywhere. This study helps us understand more about ADHD and cannabis use. It shows that people with ADHD need more help and attention. This need is especially pressing as marijuana becomes easier to get.

This research teaches us about ADHD and the risks of using marijuana. It shows the need for more studies to understand this issue.

Source: psypost.org

New Research Found That With Dietary Adjustments, More Than 7 Out of 10 Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Patients Had Significantly Reduced Symptoms, Compared With Medications

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have found that changing your diet can manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) better than drugs. In their study, over 70% of people changed their eating habits. They saw big improvements in their symptoms.

IBS is a common condition that causes stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Typically, doctors advise eating smaller, more frequent meals. They also advise avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, like coffee, alcohol, and soda. Some patients may also receive medications. These drugs help with specific issues, like stomach pain or diarrhea.

The research involved three groups. The first group ate a diet low in hard-to-digest foods, such as onions and wheat, known as FODMAPs. The second group consumed a diet low in carbohydrates but high in proteins and fats. The third group received the best available medication for their symptoms. Results showed that 76% of the first group and 71% of the second group saw big drops in their symptoms. This is compared to 58% in the medication group.

These findings suggest that changing your diet may help more than using medications for IBS. Even six months after the study, many participants kept their improved condition. This highlights the long-term benefits of dietary changes.

This study emphasizes the importance of personalized dietary strategies in treating IBS effectively.

Source: gu.se

✢ A Note From Hem Hero

The information in this health newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. The publishers are not responsible for any actions taken by the reader based on the information provided.