Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people, both children and adults. The key characteristics are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Because of many obstacles, researchers have been searching for other therapies—inclining to include diet intervention to control the symptoms of ADHD more effectively. One interesting area of research is that for chili peppers! Yes, you read it correctly, scientists are studying the effects of chilli peppers in order to help ease symptoms of ADHD through their action on gut microbiota and the gut-brain axis.

The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a two-way communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract with the central nervous system. It has significant roles in brain function, emotional control, and cognitive processes. The most recent research indicates that gut microbiota- bacteria living in the digestive system can potentially affect ADHD by impacting the production of neurotransmitters and brain structure.

People with ADHD tend to have reduced levels of healthy gut bacteria, including Lactobacillus, and a less diverse gut microbiota. This imbalance can contribute to greater neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are involved in ADHD pathology.

Gut microbiota also control the production of dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters critical for attention, impulse control, and emotional stability.

Can Chili Peppers Be A Natural Treatment For ADHD?

Chili peppers have bioactive molecules, such as capsaicin, vitamin C, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), that could affect symptoms of ADHD through modulation of the gut microbiota and neurotransmitter concentration.

Capsaicin, the phytochemical in chili peppers, has been found to modulate neurotransmitter levels. Experiments with animals reveal that capsaicin boosts the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which has the potential to enhance attention and impulse control.

Additionally, capsaicin has been shown to inhibit neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are associated with ADHD pathology. Through the reduction of these variables, capsaicin could help to decrease some ADHD symptoms. While animal models offer promising information, human studies are needed to ascertain if capsaicin supplementation can produce a concrete effect on ADHD symptoms.

Role of Vitamin C and Gut Microbiobe

Chili peppers are a rich source of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that enhances immune function, neurotransmitter production, and iron absorption. New evidence indicates that vitamin C can also increase the prevalence of helpful microbes such as Lachnospiraceae in the gut microbiota. Gut microbial balance has been implicated in neurodevelopmental diseases such as ADHD, and vitamin C's activity in regulating gut microbes could potentially be used as a therapy.

Moreover, vitamin C also decreases brain inflammation, which tends to be higher in patients with ADHD.

Chili peppers are also rich in PUFAs, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Studies have established that patients with ADHD tend to have lower levels of omega-3 PUFAs, which are important for brain function, synaptic plasticity, and regulation of neurotransmitters. Omega-3 supplementation has been shown to enhance memory function and boost short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing gut bacteria, which promote brain and gut health.

Given that PUFAs have anti-inflammatory properties and maintain cognitive function, their occurrence in chili peppers contributes to the accumulating data indicating dietary intervention may be effective in modulating ADHD symptoms.

Although chili peppers have bioactive substances that could affect the gut-brain axis and help alleviate ADHD symptoms, their impact is speculative until stricter human trials are carried out. Being a readily available food item, peppers can be used as a possible adjunct therapy, which can be added to conventional ADHD treatments. Peppers, however, cannot be used as a substitute for established medical therapies, including behavioral therapy and prescription drugs.

The developing connection between nutrition, gut microbiome, and ADHD has paved the way for exploring non-medication interventions. Chili peppers, rich in capsaicin, vitamin C, and PUFAs, represent a novel yet unproven method for modulating ADHD symptoms. While early research points towards a possible intervention by chili peppers in modulating neurotransmitter content and minimizing neuroinflammation, human studies are essential to validate the observations.

Cheese And Dementia Risk: One of the world’s most loved foods may offer an unexpected benefit for brain health. A long-term study has shown that regularly eating high-fat cheese is linked to a lower chance of developing dementia.

The findings come from research published December 17 in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Scientists in Sweden examined dietary information from roughly 27,600 participants in the Malmö Diet and Cancer study, who were followed for an average of 25 years, and discovered a surprising connection between cheese consumption and dementia risk.

Cheese And Dementia Risk: Eating Cheese Linked To Lower Dementia Risk

High-fat cheeses and cream may help reduce the risk of dementia, according to a new study. Published in Neurology, the research found that individuals who included two servings of high-fat cheese in their daily diet were less likely to develop dementia. Participants who ate 50 grams or more of high-fat cheese per day had a 13% lower risk compared to those who consumed less than 15 grams, the study reported. Similarly, people who included more high-fat cream in their diet had a 16% lower risk than those who had none, as per USA Today.

While the study shows an association between high-fat cheese and cream and reduced dementia risk, it does not prove that eating these foods directly prevents the condition. “This does not prove that cheese prevents dementia, but it does challenge the idea that all high-fat dairy is harmful for the brain,” said study co-author Emily Sonestedt, a nutrition researcher at Lund University in Sweden, where the Malmö Diet and Cancer study is based, in an interview with USA TODAY. “For most people, it means that enjoying cheese in reasonable amounts, as part of a balanced diet, does not appear harmful and may even have some benefit.”

Cheese And Dementia Risk: Which High-Fat Cheeses Were Linked To Lower Dementia Risk In The Study?

The Swedish research specifically linked daily intake of high-fat cheeses—Brie, Gouda, and Cheddar—to a lower risk of developing dementia. Participants who consumed at least 50 grams of these cheeses each day experienced a 13% drop in dementia risk compared to those who ate smaller amounts.

The study also noted reduced risks of Alzheimer’s disease in certain genetic groups, though the researchers caution this does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. Rather, it challenges the assumption that all high-fat dairy negatively affects brain health. Experts highlight that including these cheeses in moderation, as part of a balanced diet, could be beneficial.

Importantly, how cheese fits into a person’s overall diet may influence dementia risk. Sonestedt pointed out that U.S. dietary habits differ from Sweden’s, where cheese is often eaten uncooked, while in the U.S., it’s frequently heated or paired with meat. “A person’s overall dietary context matters,” she said. “Cheese eaten on a hamburger or with processed meat is very different from cheese eaten with healthier foods. We are not suggesting people switch to high-fat cheese as a strategy.”

Cheese could still be a healthier alternative in some cases. “Choosing cheese instead of a hotdog may be a step in the right direction,” said Yeh, “but the broader body of evidence suggests there are even better options for supporting cognitive health.”

The findings arrive as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again commission pushes to reintroduce whole milk in schools, despite ongoing questions about the health impact of saturated fats in milk.

Energy drink is linked with stroke risk was found out when a fit 54-year-old man suffered stroke. Previously Health and Me also reported about the man, a non-smoker and non-drinker, who suffered stroke, thanks to his habit of consuming energy drinks. The doctors found his blood pressure to be sky rocketing. His left side of the body was weak, he lost balance, had trouble walking and speaking.

Another similar case comes from Canada, where a 10-year-old also suffered a seizure, consuming just two energy drinks in the week.

Experts are now weighing in if it is at all safe for anyone to consume energy drink.

Read: How Energy Drinks Nearly Killed a Healthy 54-Year-Old Runner

Energy Drink: Are They Safe To Consume?

As per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), energy drinks are "pure and highly concentrated caffeine products can have serious health consequences, including death."

A BMJ study from 2025, Energy drinks, hypertension and stroke, found high morbidity and mortality rates associated with stroke and cardiovascular disease linked to high-sugar drink consumption.

Energy Drink: What Do experts Think Of Its Safety?

Speaking to wmur.com, Dr Raj Dasgupta, a board-certified physical who specializes in internal medicine, pulmonology critical care, and sleep medicine said, "Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it increases activity in your brain and nervous system."

Caffeine keeps us awake by blocking adenosine, the brain chemical responsible for making us feel drowsy. Energy drinks boost alertness and focus partly by increasing adrenaline levels, though how strong the effects feel and how long they last can vary based on the person and the amount of caffeine consumed.

What Makes Energy Drinks Different From Coffee?

The short answer is that it depends. The energy drink market is huge, and there is no one-size-fits-all comparison. That said, many energy drinks do contain more caffeine per serving than a regular cup of coffee.

An average 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has about 95 to 100 mg of caffeine. Energy drinks, on the other hand, can range widely, often providing anywhere between 70 and 200 mg per serving. The actual impact depends on how much you drink and how your body responds to caffeine.

Where The Caffeine In The Energy Drink Comes From Matters

Not all caffeine is created equal. The source can influence the drink’s overall nutritional value.

Some natural sources, like green tea, come with added benefits such as antioxidants and trace minerals. Ingredients like guarana and yerba mate also contain natural compounds that may support mood and energy levels. In contrast, highly processed or artificial caffeine sources usually do not offer these extra benefits.

The Sugar Problem Of Energy Drinks

One of the biggest differences between coffee and energy drinks is sugar. Coffee can be customized, so you control how much sugar goes in. Many energy drinks, however, are loaded with added sugar.

For example, a single 16-ounce can of some popular energy drinks can contain over 60 grams of sugar, well above the recommended daily limit. Some brands use artificial sweeteners instead, which research has linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke over time.

How Safe Are Energy Drinks?

Health experts agree that moderation is key, regardless of your caffeine source. Most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day.

Too much caffeine can cause shakiness, poor sleep, a racing heartbeat, headaches, or stomach issues. Over time, excessive intake can also lead to dependence, meaning you need more caffeine to feel the same effect.

Who Should Be Extra Careful Before Consuming Energy Drinks?

Certain people should be more cautious with energy drinks. Caffeine can worsen anxiety and interfere with sleep, especially for those already struggling with these issues. People with heart conditions may also need to limit or avoid caffeine since it can raise heart rate and blood pressure.

While labels may highlight antioxidants or added supplements, the high sugar, caffeine, and preservatives often cancel out these benefits. The same nutrients can be found more reliably in whole foods like fruits and vegetables.

As the use of anti-obesity medicines like Ozempic continues to grow, more people are trying to understand what daily life looks like on these injections. Beyond weight loss results, concerns often centre on side effects, especially those linked to digestion. Many users of GLP-1 agonist medicines report gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and heartburn. In recent months, another pattern has caught attention. Several people say they feel sick after eating greasy or oily food.

To understand why this happens, we spoke to Dr Pratayksha Bhardwaj, World Record Holder Dietician and Weight Management Specialist, who explains that this reaction is more common than people realise.

What Ozempic Does Inside the Body

Ozempic, medically known as semaglutide, was originally developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes. It is now widely prescribed for weight management because of how it influences appetite and digestion.

According to Dr Bhardwaj, Ozempic works by slowing down gastric emptying and acting on appetite-regulating centres in the brain. “Food stays in the stomach longer, and the feeling of fullness comes earlier than usual,” he explains. This change helps people eat less but also alters how the body handles certain foods.

Why Greasy Food Can Trigger Nausea On Ozempic

Fatty and oily foods naturally take longer to digest. When this process is further slowed by Ozempic, the stomach can struggle to cope with heavy meals.

Dr Bhardwaj says that eating large portions, especially foods high in fat, can overwhelm the digestive system. “When fatty foods sit in the stomach for too long, they can trigger nausea, vomiting, or even diarrhoea,” he notes. This is why some people feel unwell shortly after eating fried snacks, fast food, or rich gravied dishes.

Is This an Allergy or Something Else?

Many patients worry that vomiting after eating greasy food might be a sign of an allergic reaction. Dr Bhardwaj clarifies that this is not the case. “This response is physiological, not allergic,” he says. It reflects how the body adapts to the medication rather than an intolerance to the drug itself.

Clinically, doctors observe that tolerance for oily foods drops sharply after starting Ozempic. Vomiting is more commonly reported during the early stages of treatment or when the dose is being gradually increased.

Can This Side Effect Be Beneficial?

Interestingly, this reaction can support healthier eating habits. Dr Bhardwaj points out that the discomfort acts as a natural reminder to change food choices. Patients are often advised to eat smaller portions, reduce fat intake, and include more fibre-rich vegetables in their meals.

Lower-fat foods are easier to digest and less likely to cause nausea. Over time, many people find that their preferences shift away from heavy, greasy meals.

When to Seek Medical Advice?

While occasional nausea can be expected, persistent vomiting should not be ignored. Dr Bhardwaj advises consulting a doctor if symptoms continue. In some cases, a dose adjustment or personalised nutrition plan may be needed to reduce discomfort while continuing treatment safely.

Ozempic can be effective, but understanding how it interacts with food is key to managing side effects and maintaining long-term health.