Month: October 2023

Categories
Medical Updates Medicine & Health

World Stroke Day 2023: Date, history, significance, theme and everything you need to know about this day

world stroke day

World Stroke Day is an annual global observance that serves as a critical reminder of the prevalence and impact of strokes on individuals and communities worldwide. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about strokes, their prevention, treatment, and the importance of timely intervention. Strokes, often referred to as brain attacks, are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. It is a day for healthcare professionals, organizations, and communities to come together and educate the public about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with strokes, with the ultimate goal of reducing the incidence and burden of this life-altering medical condition. Read on to know more about this day.

World Stroke Day 2023 theme

The theme for World Stroke Day 2023, as designated by WSO, is ‘Together we are #Greater Than Stroke.’

History of World Stroke Day

The European Stroke Initiative came up with the concept of organizing a day of awareness in the 1990s. But due to budgetary constraints, the endeavour could only be conducted in Europe. On May 10, the European Stroke Organization commemorates its awareness day, having carried out the initiative. The World Stroke Congress in Vancouver, Canada, in 2004 established World Stroke Day, which falls on October 29. Rd. Vladimir Hachinski led the formation of a working group, which in October 2006 became a World Stroke Proclamation. The World Stroke Organization, which assumed control of World Stroke Day, was formed at about the same time that the International Stroke Society and the World Stroke Federation combined.

In order to develop a more persistent strategy for raising public awareness of important issues in stroke recognition, prevention, and treatment, WSO leadership switched from concentrating on a single awareness day to a year-round campaign in 2009. With biennial themes that aim to raise awareness of important topics in stroke prevention and treatment, World Stroke Day continues to serve as a focal point for the campaign. Campaign “1 in 6” Archived 2010-10-28 at the Way back Machine was the first campaign that the WSO started in 2010 and would include more in the future.

World Stroke Day significance

Anyone at any age can have a stroke. In fact, worldwide, about one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime. However, the majority of adults in the United States are unaware of the F.A.S.T. warning signs, which indicate that stroke is mostly preventable, treatable and curable. By raising awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs among the general public, healthcare professionals and communities, this finding will help reduce the number of stroke-related deaths and disabilities worldwide. It underscores the ongoing work to improve stroke prevention and treatment on a global scale by highlighting the need for improved access to stroke care, research and support networks.

visit – https://shorturl.at/aoYZ3

 

Categories
Medical Updates

Vision for all: The essential role of eye care in primary healthcare

Vision for all: The essential role of eye care in primary healthcare
eye care

Dr Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director-India, Orbis stresses that primary healthcare, often a person’s first point of contact with the healthcare system, should ideally provide preventive eye care services as well. Preventive eye care revolves around a range of interventions aimed at identifying and addressing vision-related issues before they escalate into more severe conditions

One of the most important senses, vision allows us to completely participate in daily activities, learn, work, and navigate the world around us. Yet, for millions across the globe, access to adequate eye care remains elusive. This calls for integration of comprehensive eye care services into primary healthcare systems.

Primary healthcare, often a person’s first point of contact with the healthcare system, should ideally provide preventive eye care services as well. Preventive eye care revolves around a range of interventions aimed at identifying and addressing vision-related issues before they escalate into more severe conditions. Such interventions include regular eye examinations, health education and the provision of affordable eyeglasses. By incorporating these measures into primary healthcare, we can detect and treat visual impairments in their early stages, preventing avoidable blindness and reducing the burden on tertiary care facilities.

Early detection is indispensable

Many eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, progress asymptomatically in their initial stages. By the time symptoms become noticeable, irreversible damage may have already occurred. Integrating eye screenings into routine primary healthcare visits ensures that potential issues are identified promptly. Early detection allows for timely intervention, preserving vision and thus enhancing the quality of life.

Awareness: The catalyst for effective preventive measures

To work on preventive eye care, one needs to be educated about it. Communities often lack knowledge about the importance of regular eye examinations and protecting their eyes from environmental hazards. The need of the hour is to integrate eye care into primary healthcare systems. This way healthcare professionals can serve as a valuable channel for disseminating information on eye health thereby emphasising the significance of adequate eye protection. A balanced diet and refraining from habits like smoking can act as a preventive measure against eye ailments. Therefore, awareness is important because an informed person is better equipped to take proactive steps in maintaining their eye health.

Timely intervention in the form of eyeglasses can save eyesight

Affordable eyeglasses are another vital aspect of preventive eye care. It is an effective tool to correct refractive errors. However, affordable eyeglasses are not accessible to all. By integrating optometry services into primary healthcare, those in need of eyeglasses can receive them. This can address refractive errors and reduce the negative outcomes of poor vision such as productivity loss.

Incorporating eye care into primary healthcare also fosters equity and inclusivity. Vision impairment disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and those with low socioeconomic status. By making eye care services available at the primary healthcare level, we can remove barriers to access and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can receive the care they need.

Integrating comprehensive eye care services into primary healthcare is not merely an option; it is a necessity. Preventive eye care plays a crucial role in preserving vision, enhancing well-being and promoting equity. By bridging the visual gap through primary healthcare, we can prevent avoidable suffering, reduce healthcare costs and empower people to lead fuller and more productive lives.

visit – https://shorturl.at/bfAH0

Categories
Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Skin problems that may be happening due to poor gut health

Skin problems that may be happening due to poor gut health

When we experience any problems with our skin health, such as sudden appearance of acne, we may start applying creams or wash our face repeatedly during the day. However, not every skin issue may be caused due to unclean skin or polluted environment. Sometimes, the cause may be deeper than you think — coming from your gut. Our gut health is connected with our skin health, and so, poor gut health can show through various problems with your skin. Here are some of the skin problems caused by bad gut:

Skin problems that may be happening due to poor gut health

Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, itchy and bumpy. Symptoms of eczema can show up anywhere on your skin. Your intestinal flora influences the microbes that live on the skin. An imbalanced microbiome may play a role in the inflammation and immune response that causes eczema. This also means that healthy dietary changes can help alleviate your eczema symptoms.

 

Poor  gut health can promote growth of acne on your skin. Leaky gut occurs when the intestinal walls and microbiome aren’t able to keep up with the build-up of toxins in the body. If toxins aren’t well processed in your gut, you may start to see them exiting your skin via acne. Make sure you’re eating healthy foods to get probiotics, polyphenols, and minerals that heal your skin from the inside out.

Psoriasis is a skin disease in which skin cells build up and form itchy and dry, scaly patches. The cause of psoriasis isn’t fully understood. As per research, one possible connection is that between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. Since the skin is made up of tissue that absorbs things more easily, it is sensitive and reacts to the inflammation signals that travel throughout the body.

Rosacea can lead to larger pores on the face as well as dry skin. The development of this condition is related to inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Treating rosacea with antibiotics or microbiome modulation has been shown to help with disease management. For healthy, refreshed and disease-free skin, here are some tips to improve gut health. Stress can mess with your gut, so manage stress with yoga and meditation. Regularly consume probiotics and fermented foods to lower inflammation of the gut. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water. Avoid excess consumption of sugar and eat fibre-rich vegetables and fruits, sprouts, whole grains, and legumes. Cut down on smoking, alcohol, junk, and processed food.

visit – http://surl.li/mpjdm

 

Categories
Medicine & Health

Anti-pollution diet: Top foods to include in your diet for fighting air pollution

Top foods to include in your diet for fighting air pollution
  • What are you doing today to safeguard your heart and lungs from ill effects of pollution? Eat these foods to protect yourself from toxic air and stay healthy .
  • Air pollution is on rise in Delhi NCR and surrounding regions as the air quality deteriorates with each passing day. While one can avoid exposure by limiting outdoor time during peak pollution hours, it is not always possible to avoid ill effects of air pollution all the time. The toxic air can wreak havoc on your lungs, brain, heart and overall health and it’s important to adopt measures that can combat harmful effects of pollutants and particulate matter than can damage health. Air pollution has been identified by WHO as one of the largest environmental health risks, responsible for millions of deaths from lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections. With the right dietary choices and balanced diet with antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, it’s possible to reverse pollution-induced damage to some extent.
  • “Oxidative stress is known to contribute to the development of age-related diseases. Increasing evidence indicates that a poor diet, including clinical malnutrition, may increase the risk of oxidative stress and chronic diseases. Oxidative stress occurs due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants, which can lead to tissue damage, inflammation, worsened disease severity, and abnormal immune responses,” says Dr Charu  Dua, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad in an interview with HT Digital.

  • FOODS TO FIGHT POLLUTION

    Dr Dua shares food groups that must be included to combat harmful effects of air pollution:

    1. Vitamin A: Milk, eggs, carrots, pumpkins

    To counteract pollution’s effects, it is recommended to include dietary sources of retinol (vitamin A), primarily found in animal sources like milk, liver, eggs, and fortified foods, as well as orange and yellow fruits such as carrots, mangoes, and pumpkins to introduce carotenoids into your diet.

  • Top foods to include in your diet for fighting air pollution
  • 2 Vitamins C and E: Oranges, guavas, soybean, nuts Observational and preclinical studies have shown that low Vitamin C and Vitamin E intake is associated with a higher prevalence of asthma. Therefore, it’s important to include foods rich in these vitamins in your diet. Citrus fruits like oranges and guavas are excellent sources of vitamin C, while oils, such as soybean and mustard oils, along with green leafy vegetables and nuts, provide vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids.

  • 3. Vitamin D: Sunlight, eggs, fatty fish

    Vitamin D plays a key role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and maintaining normal vitamin D levels is correlated with improved asthma control in adults with asthma. However, many people have low indoor vitamin D levels nowadays, so supplementation is necessary to keep vitamin D levels within the normal range to control asthma effectively.

  • 4. Turmeric

    Curcumin, a phytochemical found in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Including curcumin in your diet may help protect against pulmonary fibrosis and cancer. However, it’s important not to overdose; a teaspoon of turmeric is sufficient.

    5. Black pepper

    Also, ensure you consume it with black pepper to enhance its bioavailability, as curcumin is not effectively absorbed by the body without black pepper.

    6. Omega-3 fatty acids

    Incorporating omega-3 rich oils into your diet is not only heart-protective but also helps protect your body against pollution. Finally, it’s worth noting that the Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest diets. It emphasizes whole grains, a variety of fruits and vegetables, balanced meals, and limits processed and instant foods.

  • Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in managing asthma and reducing your susceptibility to pollution-related health issues.
  • visit on -http://surl.li/moinr
Categories
Medical Updates Medicine & Health

World Polio Day highlights global efforts to end poliomyelitis worldwide

World Polio Day highlights global efforts to end poliomyelitis worldwide

Polio, a life-threatening disease, is caused by the poliovirus, which the World Health Assembly committed to eradicate in 1988.

The poliovirus spreads from person to person and can infect a person’s spinal cord, causing paralysis.

The World Polio Day highlights the global efforts to end poliomyelitis (polio) worldwide.

The day is observed to raise awareness of the importance of polio vaccination to protect every child from this devastating disease and to honor those people whose efforts led to eradication of polio in many parts of the world.

World Polio Day highlights global efforts to end poliomyelitis worldwide

To ensure a polio-free world, efforts must continue to maintain high immunization coverage, implement high-quality surveillance to detect any presence of the virus, and prepare to respond in the event of an outbreak.

In 1988, poliovirus was present in 125 countries, paralyzing an estimated 1,000 children per day. That year, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was launched with a goal to eradicate polio worldwide.

In last 35 years, due to GPEI cases of wild poliovirus have fallen by more than 99% – from 350,000 cases per year to fewer than 10 annual cases of wild polio.

Polio remains consistently present in just two countries – Afghanistan and Pakistan. As long as wild poliovirus continues to circulate in these 2 nations, all other countries are at risk of wild poliovirus being imported.

Polio vaccine is one of the most important vaccines to be administered to all children.

Polio, being a highly infectious viral disease mostly affects kids under the age of five.

According to the World Health Organization, the virus gets transmitted by person-to-person spread. It majorly happens through the faecal-oral route or contaminated water or food and then the virus multiplies in the intestine. From there, it can reach the nervous system and lead to paralysis.

  • visit on-http://surl.li/mnrji

 

Categories
Government Guidelines Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Heart damage: Another reason to cut down on children’s screen time

Heart damage: Another reason to cut down on children’s screen time

Evidence indicates that excessive screen time is harmful both to neurological development and socialisation.

The effects of prolonged screen use during childhood have been extensively studied in recent years. Evidence indicates that excessive screen time is harmful both to neurological development and socialisation. This is because, among other things, they cause us to disconnect from our surroundings, leading to very real addictions that often require intervention from a mental health professional.

Additionally, screen use can cause neurocognitive learning disorders at the early stages of personality formation in childhood.

But above all, excessive time spent in front of televisions, video games, mobile phones and tablets during childhood and adolescence leads to a sedentary lifestyle.

In fact, there is already a proven link between overuse of screens and the increase in sedentary lifestyles among children.

Now, a new dimension can be added to all these reasons for limiting the time children spend in front of televisions, video games and mobile phones.

According to a new study, led by Andrew Agbaje at the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2023, sedentary children are at increased risk of heart damage in early adulthood.

Heart damage: Another reason to cut down on children’s screen time

In other words, inactivity during infancy may well set the stage for heart attacks and strokes later in life, even if weight and blood pressure are within the normal ranges.

Excessive screen time increases heart weight

The research analysed the cumulative effects of sedentary time on the heart, drawing data from Children of the 90s, a landmark multigenerational study that is unique in its breadth and depth of scope.

It tracked the health and lifestyles of 14,500 babies born in 1990 and 1991 into their adult lives.

Of the children included in the study, 766 –55 per cent of them girls and 45 per cent boys– were asked at age 11 to wear a smart watch that monitored their activity for seven days.

At age 15 they were asked to repeat this, and then again at 24. In parallel, an echocardiographical analysis was taken of each subject’s left ventricle at ages 17 and 24, which was then adjusted for height, sex, blood pressure, body fat, tobacco use, physical activity and socioeconomic status.

The results indicated that at age 11 the subjects were sedentary for an average of 362 minutes per day.

In adolescence (age 15) this increased to 474 minutes per day, and then went up to 531 minutes per day in adulthood (age 24).

Sedentary time increased by an average of 2.8 hours per day over the 13 years of the study.

A large amount of this sedentary time was spent in front of screens. `Most seriously, the echocardiography registered an increase in heart weight among young people that correlated directly to time spent being sedentary.

Once they entered adulthood, this increased the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

This direct relation between accumulated inactive time and heart damage was independent of body weight and blood pressure.

Tell me how much you moved as a child…

By now it is common knowledge that sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of metabolic conditions (such as obesity and type 2 diabetes), neurodegenerative disease and cardiovascular disease in adults.

The new study shows that sedentary behaviour at a very early age –especially unrestricted screen time– may lead to an earlier onset of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

For this reason, it is of the utmost importance that parents encourage children and adolescents to move around more, and limit the time they spend watching television, or using social media and videogames.

As we have already suggested with regard to premature birth, the list of known, conventional cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, diabetes, hypertension, etc.) should be revised and updated as a result of the study to include the cumulative time spent engaging in sedentary behaviour in childhood.

We should all, from an early age, heed the words of Martin Luther King when he said “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving.”

Read more at- https://shorturl.at/rvxO3

Categories
COVID-19 Medical Equipments Medical Updates

Covid-19 antibodies making dengue more severe, says study; what experts say

Covid-19 antibodies making dengue more severe, says study; what experts say

As per a new study, Covid-19 antibodies can cross-react with DENV-2 and can worsen dengue infection. Here’re possible reasons why this may be happening.

While the rise in number of dengue cases in India is being attributed to heavy rains and waterlogging in many areas, Covid-19 antibodies may have been adding to the vector-borne disease’s severity, according to a new study. The analysis titled ‘SARS-CoV-2 antibodies cross-react and enhance dengue infection’ has been done at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) under the central government’s department of biotechnology; the yet-to-be peer-reviewed study has been published in bioRxiv, the preprint server for medical sciences.

“This study is the first to demonstrate that anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies can cross-react with DENV-2 (dengue virus 2) and can enhance its infection through antibody- dependent enhancement (the ability of antibodies from a previous infection to help a virus infect greater numbers of cells than it would have on its own),” it said.

Dr Harish Chafle, Extensive experience in Pulmonology and Critical Care, Global Hospitals Parel Mumbai offers insights into the potential link between Covid-19 antibodies and worsening dengue cases.

Covid-19 antibodies making dengue more severe, says study; what experts say

“As we delve into the complex interactions of viral infections, we must consider the possibility of cross-reactivity between Covid-19 antibodies and dengue. The human immune system is a highly intricate network, and sometimes, antibodies produced in response to one virus can influence the body’s response to another. In the case of Covid-19 antibodies and dengue, it’s crucial to investigate if the presence of Covid-19 antibodies may inadvertently enhance the severity of dengue infection. This phenomenon is not entirely unexpected, as such interactions have been observed in other viral co-infections. The key lies in understanding the specific mechanisms at play, and whether these interactions can be harnessed for therapeutic strategies or if precautions should be taken for individuals at risk for both infections. More research is needed to shed light on this intricate relationship and its implications for public health,” says Dr Chafle.

Dr. Aditya S Chowti, Senior consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Cunningham, Bengaluru says there are several plausible explanations for how Covid-19 antibodies might exacerbate dengue infection:

1. Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) is a possibility where Covid-19 antibodies attach to dengue viruses without neutralizing them, potentially aiding the viruses in entering cells more effectively.

2. Another scenario involves Covid-19 antibodies triggering an exaggerated immune response, causing inflammation and tissue damage, which can intensify dengue symptoms.

3. Covid-19 infection might weaken the immune system, rendering individuals more susceptible to dengue and increasing the likelihood of severe disease.

“Further research is essential to comprehensively comprehend these mechanisms. It is crucial to acknowledge this potential risk, particularly for those who have had Covid-19 in dengue-endemic regions. In the interim, individuals should take steps to safeguard themselves against both Covid-19 and dengue, such as receiving the Covid-19 vaccine and practicing mosquito bite prevention, like using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing when outdoors,” adds Dr Chowti.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/dfxC0

Categories
Medical Equipments Medical Updates Medicine & Health

5 nutrients that can help reduce anxiety

5 nutrients that can help reduce anxiety
  • A good mental health not just requires rest, rejuvenation and de-stressing, but also nutrition. If you are suffering from anxiety, here are nutrients to add.

Your diet can be a secret weapon for mental well-being. Nutrients play a pivotal role in promoting good mental health and reducing anxiety,” says Nutritionist Lovneet Batra in her recent Instagram post.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D has immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and neurotrophic properties and may affect the brain tissues involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety.

NAC: The anti-inflammatory activity of NAC is protective against chronic inflammation, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of many psychiatric disorders. NAC can influence the balance of a neurotransmitter called glutamate in the brain. Imbalances in glutamate are associated with anxiety disorders, and NAC may help restore this balance.

5 nutrients that can help reduce anxiety

Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in regulating neurotransmitters and the function of the central nervous system. It helps balance the excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain, potentially reducing anxiety symptoms. Magnesium may stimulate the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the brain.

Probiotics: Probiotics have the ability to restore normal microbial balance, and therefore have a potential role in the treatment and prevention of anxiety. They can play a key role in mood regulation by helping to reduce inflammation in your body, produce feel-good neurotransmitters, and affect your stress response.

Probiotics: Probiotics have the ability to restore normal microbial balance, and therefore have a potential role in the treatment and prevention of anxiety. They can play a key role in mood regulation by helping to reduce inflammation in your body, produce feel-good neurotransmitters, and affect your stress response.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/acEI9

Categories
Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Trying to lose weight? These mini meals can help in portion control

Trying to lose weight? These mini meals can help in portion control

When trying to lose weight, many people tend to skip meal(s) thinking that will help them in their journey. However, this is not what helps in weight loss. As per Anjali Mukerjee, a nutritionist, eating frequent and small meals throughout the day help achieve the goal.

While people follow different diets and hacks like intermittent fasting and calorie counting, experts believe that portion control is one of the most popular and effective ways to keep your weight in check.Trying to lose weight? These mini meals can help in portion control

Defined as “the process of making sure that the amount of food you eat for each meal is not too large, especially when you are trying to lose weight,” portion control can help you with your weight loss journey.

As per Anjali, studies have shown that eating frequent mini-meals spread throughout the day prevents the metabolism from slowing down, reduces hunger pangs, optimally fuels your body, and has a positive impact on cholesterol and insulin levels.

Stressing the importance of portion control, Anjali wrote, “In the world of nutrition, it is a known fact that you should burn more calories than you consume to lose weight and fat. And how can one achieve this? By portion control and optimal meal frequency.”

Portion size is a key driver of energy intake and also impacts the weight of a person. Therefore, measuring and controlling the portion size has become very crucial to control (and not gain) weight,” Dr Garima Goyal, a nutritionist, told indianexpress.com previously.

visit on – https://shorturl.at/fhjZ5

Categories
Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Sugar-sweetened beverages pose a potential risk of ADHD

Sugar-sweetened beverages pose a potential risk of ADHD

ADHD, a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder, can significantly impact their academic performance, work performance, and daily life. The condition may continue in adulthood or develop as a late-onset type among young adults despite not meeting ADHD diagnostic criteria in childhood.

Studies have reported that medical students, particularly those consuming SSBs in high amounts, are more prone to ADHD than those with low SSB intake.

However, there is limited research concerning ADHD among adult populations, including medical students, the dose-response association between SSBs and ADHD symptoms, and practical limits to ensure healthy consumption.

In the present cross-sectional study, researchers determined the association between added sugar intake from commonly consumed beverages and ADHD symptoms among medical students.

A web-based survey was conducted between May 2022 and April 2023 for medical students of Chiang Mai University recruited by snowball and convenience sampling. The target survey population included undergraduate students attending their first to sixth academic year in 2022. ADHD symptom presence was determined based on the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) scores ≥3.0.

The team excluded individuals with active medical disorders, those with a prior history of mood disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorders, ADHD, and anxiety, and those who failed to complete the ASRS questionnaire.Sugar-sweetened beverages pose a potential risk of ADHD

Added sugar intake from frequently consumed beverages in Thailand was measured using the Thai Adolescence SSB Intake (THASSI) questionnaire, focusing on sweetened forms of water/drinks, carbonated beverages, coffee, energy drinks, green tea, yogurt drinks, fruit and vegetable juice, milk, soy milk, and herbal fluids.

Individuals documented the packaging type (can or bottle), beverage size, amount consumed on different occasions, and weekly consumption for all items. The total daily intake was categorized based on the American Heart Association-recommended limit of added sugar intake.

Multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs), adjusting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), family history of ADHD, monthly payment, household income, paternal educational attainment, screen time, and sleeping duration.

Of 1,472 medical students invited to participate in the survey, 534 (36%) responded, of which 441 eligible individuals were included. The mean participant age was 21 years, and 50% were male. Nearly 60% of the participants were from pre-clinical academic years. Among the participants, 30% (n=132) experienced ADHD symptoms.

The most common ADHD symptoms were difficulty finishing final details (49%), difficulty remembering appointments (37%), and difficulty getting things in order (34%).

SSB intake exceeding 25 grams daily elevated ADHD risk (aOR, 1.8). Similar results were obtained using the gender-specific cut-offs (aOR, 1.7).

Students experiencing ADHD reported significantly higher intake of sweetened green tea (third tertile versus first tertile aOR 1.7) and water/drinks (third tertile versus first tertile aOR 1.8) than those without ADHD symptoms. Soy milk consumption yielded similar results (above median versus below median aOR 1.8).

Individuals who developed ADHD symptoms were significantly older, academically more senior, with higher BMI, and higher screen time than those with no ADHD symptoms.

Being overweight (aOR 1.9) and having more than seven hours of screen time each day (aOR 2.0) significantly elevated ADHD symptoms risk, adjusting for SSB intake.

A probable mechanism by which sweetened beverages could enhance ADHD symptom risk is by altering bi-directional communications between the gut and brain and disrupting the gut microbial balance.

Dysbiosis increases intestinal permeability, inflammation, and the transport of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxins across cells. LPS could bind with toll-like receptors (TLRs) on the membranes of microglial cells in the brain and increase inflammatory cytokine release through nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) stimulation. Central nervous system (CNS) inflammation could give rise to ADHD symptomatology.

Overall, the study findings showed that SSB intake of more than 25 grams per day may elevate ADHD symptom risk among medical students in Thailand. In particular, sweetened water/drinks, soy milk, and green tea could increase ADHD symptom risk.

The study findings support the implementation of health policies that promote healthy consumption behaviors among medical students to reduce ADHD symptoms and promote the learning and well-being of medical students.

However, further research must validate the findings, including prospective studies with larger sample sizes and diverse populations.

visit at -https://shorturl.at/pyAX6