Good morning. In today’s edition:

• Alcohol Caused 2.6 Million Deaths in 2019, WHO Report Says

• An International Team of Researchers Has Identified Specific Bacteria in the Gut That Are Associated With Both Mice and Humans Developing an Addiction to Food That Can Lead to Obesity. They Have Also Identified Bacteria That Play a Beneficial Role in Preventing Food Addiction

• Study Finds ADHD is Associated With an Increased Risk of Lewy Body Disease (LBD), According to Results From a Recent Prospective Observational Cohort Study

• Almost Half of Antidepressant Users Could Quit With GP Support, Study Finds | UK Researchers Say Study Shows Stopping Long-term Use of the Drugs is Possible at Scale Without Costly Therapy

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Alcohol Caused 2.6 Million Deaths in 2019, WHO Report Says

In 2019, alcohol was linked to 2.6 million deaths worldwide. This is according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). Although this number is slightly lower than in previous years, it is still very high.

Europe has the highest number of alcohol-related deaths, with a rate of 52.9 per 100,000 people, just a bit more than Africa, which has 52.2 per 100,000. Europeans also drink more casually, with an average of 9.2 liters per person each year, compared to the global average of 5.5 liters.

Dr. Vladimir Poznyak from WHO explains that no amount of alcohol is completely safe. Different factors like biology, society, and environment can affect how alcohol impacts a person.

Fewer people worldwide are getting sick from drinking too much alcohol. But, the problem is getting worse in some places, like Africa and Southeast Asia. Drinking too much can lead to serious health problems such as heart and liver diseases, cancer, and more.

WHO wants to cut down on dangerous drinking by 20% by the year 2030. The organization points out that not enough people get the help they need for problems with alcohol. This help varies greatly across different countries.

Most of the deaths from alcohol happen among men and people who don’t have a lot of money. The report also says that we need to do better in offering help and breaking down the stigma around getting treatment.

Source: euronews.com

WEIGHT LOSS

An International Team of Researchers Has Identified Specific Bacteria in the Gut That Are Associated With Both Mice and Humans Developing an Addiction to Food That Can Lead to Obesity. They Have Also Identified Bacteria That Play a Beneficial Role in Preventing Food Addiction

Researchers from around the world made a big discovery. It's about the gut bacteria that cause food addiction and obesity in mice and humans. They presented their findings at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Forum 2024. They also published them in the journal Gut.

Professor Elena Martín-García and her team have found specific bacteria. The bacteria are linked to compulsive eating. The study shows that food addiction often brings more Proteobacteria. It also brings less Actinobacteria and Blautia. These gut bacteria imbalances are linked to food addiction. They are also linked to potential obesity.

The team used the Yale Food Addiction Scale to assess food addiction in both species. They did the research in mice and humans. It showed that some bacteria could defend against food addiction. They do this by increasing Blautia levels in the gut.

Possible treatments could include using prebiotics or probiotics. They would balance gut bacteria well. For example, adding lactulose, a non-digestible carbohydrate, promotes the growth of good bacteria. This approach showed promising results in mice.

These findings show the complex link between our brain and gut bacteria. They reveal how our body's inner environment affects our eating and brain. This research opens new paths for treating food addiction and related eating disorders. It provides hope for better approaches in the future.

Source: eurekalert.org

HEALTH

Study Finds ADHD is Associated With an Increased Risk of Lewy Body Disease (LBD), According to Results From a Recent Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Recent research shows that adults with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at higher risk for Lewy Body Disease (LBD), a form of dementia. This conclusion comes from a 15-year observational study. It involved adults diagnosed with ADHD and healthy people for comparison.

The study followed 270 participants. It found that those with ADHD were much more likely to develop dementia, including LBD, than those without ADHD. By the end of the study, many in the ADHD group had developed dementia with Lewy bodies. It's the most common type of dementia in these people.

ADHD is known for its symptoms in children. But, many adults also struggle with it. They often have problems like poor memory, distractibility, and trouble learning. This study underscores the long-term impacts of adult ADHD on cognitive health. It suggests that ADHD may not just affect focus and behavior. It could also raise the risk of neurological diseases later in life.

The findings suggest the need to monitor cognitive health in adults with ADHD. We also need to investigate more to understand the link between ADHD and brain decline. Researchers call for more studies. The studies would find ways to protect thinking in adults with ADHD as they age. This research highlights the critical need for awareness. Adults need to proactively manage ADHD to reduce future health risks.

Source: ajgponline.org

Almost Half of Antidepressant Users Could Quit With GP Support, Study Finds | UK Researchers Say Study Shows Stopping Long-term Use of the Drugs is Possible at Scale Without Costly Therapy

A recent UK study shows that almost 50% of long-term antidepressant users could stop their medication. They did this with the help of their general practitioners (GPs) and internet or phone helplines. The experts from the universities of Southampton, Liverpool, and Hull York Medical School led the research. It was published in the journal Jama Network Open. The research shows a cheap way to reduce antidepressant use. It does not need intensive therapy.

The study tracked 330 adults, all of whom had been on antidepressants for significant periods due to depression. Results showed that over 40% of these people were not at risk of relapse. They were able to stop using the drugs with help from their doctors and extra online and phone support. These patients reported less depression. They also had fewer withdrawal symptoms and better mental health.

Professor Tony Kendrick led the research. He is from Southampton University. He stressed the importance of these findings. He noted that this approach reduces the risk of serious side effects. These effects are linked to long-term antidepressant use. It also lightens the burden on primary healthcare systems.

The research is part of a seven-year investigation named Reduce. It examines the effects of long-term withdrawal from antidepressants. Evidence is growing. It supports cutting unnecessary antidepressant use. UK experts want a national helpline for those who want to stop their medication. The helpline will help patients and make healthcare more efficient.

Source: theguardian.com

✢ 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.