How Does Your Health Compare to Australia’s 2018 Health Report?
Yes, as Australian’s we are living longer, but our quality of life as we age is becoming poorer. At least half of us have a chronic health condition which impacts...read more...Monthly Research Review June 2018
Due to the sheer volume of research over the last few months, this research review focuses on some selected issues in ASD. Do go to the autism page of the...read more...Insufficient Iron and Vitamin B12 Linked to Aggression in Boys
Significant iron deficiency and low blood levels of vitamin B12 in boys around age 8 are associated with behaviour problems, according to new research. These problems exhibit as both internalizing...read more...Antipsychotic and Other Drugs Used in Children Can Affect Gut Bacteria
A new study has found that more than 200 human-targeted, non-antibiotic drugs inhibit the growth of bacterial species that make up part of the human microbiome. A number of drugs...read more...It All Made Sense When We Found Out We Were Autistic
Five times as many males as females are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Autism is under-diagnosed in women as they tend to fly under the autism radar and tend to...read more...Monthly Research Review April 2018
This month I have included research into ADHD, vitamin D, as well as the usual ASD research review. ADHD Comorbid psychiatric disorders in a clinical sample of adults with ADHD,...read more...Biobalance Conference Review 2018
Bio-Balance held their annual conference in Melbourne recently with some great speakers from the US and Australia. The wealth of knowledge these speakers passed onto the attending delegates was invaluable....read more...Low Lead Levels Linked to Premature Death in Adults
A new study has found that adult deaths from very low levels of lead exposure, is higher, perhaps ten times higher than previously expected! In line with some other recommendations...read more...Food Additives as a Cause of Gut Permeability and Autoimmune Diseases
A recent study has put forward the idea that the rise in autoimmune disease may be the result of food additives damaging the gastrointestinal mucosa and increasing intestinal permeability or...read more...Sleep in Autism – Huge Impact, Low Priority
Poor sleep in autism is finally becoming recognised as a major issue and a central feature of autism. Up till now other issues like speech, behaviour or epilepsy have been...read more...Vitamin D for ADHD
Recent studies have suggested a relationship between low vitamin D levels, autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A recent review of the literature adds some interesting information on this connection...read more...Monthly Research Review March 2018
Due to the sheer volume of research over the last few months, this research review focuses mostly on nutritional intervention and gut related issues in ASD. Do go to the...read more...What Happens When a Naturopath is Referred to a Cardiologist for Chest Pain?
The outcome is not what either the cardiologist or naturopath expected. If you or anyone in your family has high cholesterol – read on. In January 2017, I went to...read more...Lab Grown Meat Coming to a Supermarket Near You
It may sound like science fiction, but you may be eating lab grown “meat” very soon, if it lives up to the hype. Recently I heard a radio interview with...read more...The Critical First 1000 Days of a Child’s Development
A new paper, by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, has highlighted the critical period of child development from conception to the end of two years of age. This being the...read more...Monthly Research Review October 2017
This month I have included research into ADHD, gluten, melatonin, as well as the usual ASD research review. ADHD Gut microbiome in ADHD and its relation to neural reward anticipation....read more...Dietary Influences On Behavioural Problems In Children
The following article is available in full on the Great Plains Laboratory website. It was written by James Greenblatt, Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Services at Walden...read more...Copper and Lead Contamination of Australian Household Drinking Water
A new study indicates that some Australian families could be getting exposed to dangerous levels of lead contamination from their kitchen tap water. In 2014, researchers enlisted volunteer help from...read more...Eighty Percent of Australians Not Eating Enough Fruit and Vegetables
The Fruit, Vegetable and Diet Score Report, produced by the CSIRO and commissioned by Horticulture Innovation Australia, compiled the dietary habits of adults across Australia over an 18-month period. With...read more...Can Healthy Foods Be Cheaper Than Junk Foods?
There is a perception that buying healthy foods is more expensive than buying junk foods. A new Australian study debunks this perception. Australian Dietary Guidelines, are often referred to when...read more...Australians Don’t Have Time To Look After Their Health
An Australian study has found that 1 in 5 Australians, aged 25 to 54 do not have time exercise or to eat healthy. The study, Your money or your time?...read more...Could Broccoli Have A Role In Treating Type 2 Diabetes?
Sulforaphane, a natural compound found in broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables, has been identified as a possible treatment for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a serious health...read more...Why Is My Child Urinating Every Thirty Minutes?
Parents often have concerns that their child is going frequently to the toilet or wetting themselves during the day. A paediatrician reflects on why this may happen in some children....read more...Monthly Research Review September 2017
This month I have included research into ADHD , as well as the usual ASD research review. ADHD The effects of magnesium physiological supplementation on hyperactivity in children with attention...read more...Optimising Immunity During the Cold and Flu Season
This year seems to be yet another bad season for colds and flu. More people seem to be reporting that they have been hit with a viral infection and are...read more...Monthly Research Review July 2017
This month I have included some research into melatonin, intestinal permeability and vitamin D, as well as the usual ASD research review. Melatonin Melatonin Supplementation, a Strategy to Prevent Neurological...read more...My Son Sam. An Australian Story.
The documented journey of a Sydney father who defied convention and took his autistic teenage son backpacking across Africa. The results could revolutionise the study of autism. This documentary was...read more...Hallucinations Occur More Frequently in ASD Adults
Do you ever see shapes, lights, or colours, even though there is nothing really there? These were the type of questions asked of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A...read more...Gut Microbes Play A Role In How The Infant Brain Develops
Animal studies have provided strong evidence that gut bacteria play a role in neurodevelopment. More specifically, altering intestinal microbiota has been found to impact cognitive, communicative, and exploratory behaviors. Very...read more...Monthly Research Review June 2017
This month I have included some research into melatonin, intestinal permeability and vitamin D, as well as the usual ASD research review. Melatonin Dietary Sources and Bioactivities of Melatonin. Full...read more...Suramin A New Wonder Drug For Autism?
Recently a new drug hit the news and created a huge amount of excitement in the autism community. Will it bring the hope that parents are looking for? I have...read more...Can Yeast Infection Affect Mental Illness?
Psychiatric disorders may arise from genetic, environmental factors. Increasingly, immune-related theories are proposed, with increasing research into infections as possible causative agents. It is believed that exposure to infectious organisms...read more...More Severe Autism Features With Less Sleep
You would think that by now, you do not need another study to tell us that the fewer hours of sleep children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) get, the...read more...Why Is A Mineral Like Iron Still So Neglected In Growing Children?
Iron deficiency in Australian children you would expect to be a rare occurrence. So why am I seeing so many children in practice that are obviously anaemic or have sub-optimal...read more...Monthly Research Review April 2017
This month I have included some research into ADHD, vitamin D, melatonin and mental health, as well as the usual ASD research review. ADHD Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, cognition, and...read more...Does The Immune System Control Social Behaviour?
The study of human social behaviour may need to include another discipline, immunology. Until relatively recently, the brain and immune system were considered to work independently of each other. Groundbreaking...read more...Baby Food – Is Homemade Healthier?
Babies who get homemade food may learn to like a wider variety of food types and be leaner than infants who eat store-bought products. In this current study, published in...read more...Autism’s Drug Problem
This article was originally published in Spectrum News. It has been modified in length. Readers are encouraged to read the complete article. Many people on the spectrum take multiple medications —...read more...Herbal Medicine for Attention and Concentration. Worth Considering?
Parents that have a child diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), often look for alternatives to medication. Although food sensitivities, sleep, lead exposure, low iron,...read more...Is Heartburn Medication Causing More Harm Than Good
The use of heartburn medications like Nexium is widespread. These medications suppress the symptoms of acid reflux and give symptomatic relief – but doesn’t fix the problem! Recent research should...read more...Monthly Research Review March 2017
This month I have included some research into ADHD, vitamin D and mental health, as well as the usual ASD research review. ADHD Cardiovascular Effects of Stimulant and Non-Stimulant Medication...read more...Some Cancer Patients Do Worse on Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy for cancer has been touted as the next big breakthrough in cancer treatment. However, before we get too excited about a “cure” for cancer, it is emerging that immunotherapy...read more...Why Do Some People Have Wheat Sensitivity?
A new study may explain why people who do not have celiac disease or wheat allergy, experience a variety of gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms after ingesting wheat and related cereals....read more...Use The Right Oils To Improve Reading Ability In Children
Previous studies have shown significant benefit in supplementing omega-3 and omega-6 oils to improve attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia. This latest study looked at improving children’s reading ability with...read more...ADHD Drugs May Not Help with Homework, Cause Heart Arrhythmia
Giving stimulants to kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may not help them complete homework and increases risk of abnormal heart rhythms. A recently published study has found that...read more...Monthly Research Review February 2017
Monthly Research Review February 2017 This month I have included some research into ADHD, gluten and mental health, as well as the usual ASD research review. ADHD Iron Status in...read more...Breastfed Babies Need Additional Vitamin D
Breastfed infants are at risk of vitamin D deficiency because of the low concentration of vitamin D in breast milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends supplementation of breastfed,...read more...Exercise to Promote Good Intestinal Health
Imbalances in the gut microbiota contribute to chronic gut inflammatory diseases. Interestingly, exercise can improve gut health by diversifying the gut microbiota and systemic health. There is accumulating evidence that...read more...Efficacy and Safety of Supplements Questioned Again
Recently the ABC’s Four Corners program aired an episode questioning the efficacy and safety of supplements available in Australia. This brought a barrage of criticism from many quarters of the...read more...What if Nutrients Could Treat Mental Illness?
This is the title of an article published, of all places, in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. It draws on research studies looking at the depletion of...read more...Monthly Research Review December 2016
This month I have included some research into ADHD, gluten and mental health, as well as the usual ASD research review. ADHD Academic Achievement in Adults with a History of...read more...Study Calls into Question Sunscreen in Melanoma Prevention
Sunscreen likely provides protection against skin cancer in some high-risk groups, but it is probably not broadly effective, according to a study of children that used the appearance of new...read more...Magnesium Decreases Hyperactivity in Children
Magnesium is one of the most common deficiencies in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Given that there is such widespread magnesium deficiency in ADHD, is it worth supplementing...read more...Are You Allowing Your Child Too Much Screen Time?
Are you allowing your child too much screen time? The consequences should concern you. Parents should take note of two new studies that look at the amount of time young...read more...Autism Gene Mutations Are Also Linked to Underlying Medical Conditions in ASD
A new study has looked at why individuals with neurodevelopmental and mental illnesses also have significant underlying medical disorders. What they have found should revolutionise the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders....read more...Heartburn Medications Linked to Dementia
A new study has confirmed an association between heartburn drugs (proton pump inhibitors or PPIs), that treat heartburn, peptic ulcers, and other acid-related disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract, and...read more...Low Fibre Diet Could Affect Gut Microbiota of Future Generations
New research indicates that your diet is not only important for your health and gut microbial diversity, but also of your children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. Research led by...read more...Monthly Research Review November 2016
This month I have included some research into ADHD and gluten, as well as some selected ASD research studies. ADHD The effects of risk factors on EEG and seizure in...read more...You’re Allergic to What?
As ethnic populations migrate to different countries, children of these migrants develop the same allergies as most other children. However, children are developing allergies to foods that we have not...read more...Monthly Research Review August 2016
Risk factors for ASD The relationship between mercury and autism: A comprehensive review and discussion.“This review found 91 studies that examine the potential relationship between mercury and ASD from 1999...read more...Vitamin D, Allergies and Melanoma
Vitamin D has hit the headlines again. This time low vitamin D levels are associated with allergies and melanoma. Melanoma? But we have been told to stay out of the...read more...Not Looking Forward to Spring Due to Allergies?
Spring – that time of year we should look forward to as summer is just around the corner. Unless you are an allergy sufferer. Then this is a time that...read more...ADHD Medication Linked to Brain Changes in Children
New research just published is showing that children treated with methylphenidate (Ritalin) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), show abnormal brain changes. Even when they have stopped taking the drug,...read more...The Controversy Over Autism’s Most Common Therapy
This article was originally published in Spectrum News. The content has been abridged to provide a summary of the original content. Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is the most widely used therapy...read more...Why is the Medical Care of Children with Disabilities so Poor and Parents so Misinformed?
Over the last six months I have been talking to many parents at Autism Expo’s in metropolitan Melbourne and regionally in Victoria. What is clear is that children with disabilities,...read more...Pokemon on the Go
I never thought that I would ever be commenting on a game that my kids played as children many years ago. Despite my aversion to such games and scepticism of...read more...Medical Errors – Third leading cause of death
According to a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) recently, medical error is the third leading cause of death, after heart disease and cancer. The researchers examined four...read more...Monthly Research Review July 2016
More research into supplements, as well as nutritional and biochemical abnormalities in ASD. As well as diet, gastrointestinal issues and the quality of life of ASD individuals as they enter...read more...MedQuack Watch – AspireAssist
Since supplements are on the “quack watch” list, let’s start a medical equivalent. As to what we call it I am open for suggestions. MedQuack Watch? Let’s start the list...read more...Quack Therapies for Curing Autism
Articles appear regularly in print, media or the internet as to how parents are being taken advantage of by practitioners, that are peddling “quack therapies”, that are useless and even...read more...No Evidence Ritalin Makes a Difference Long Term for ADHD Kids
This article was originally published in The Sydney Morning Herald. It has been edited for this edition of the newsletter. Drugs such as Ritalin make no difference to the long-term...read more...Monthly Research Review June 2016
This month there is a novel treatment that is reported – helminth therapy. Helminth is a general term for “worm”. Helminths were common contaminants in the grains that we consumed...read more...Risperdal Side Effects Hidden from the FDA
This article first appeared on the Drugwatch website in September, 2015. Testimony from a Johnson & Johnson (J&J) biochemist at a trial in February 2015, revealed the company hid study results...read more...Higher Vitamin D Levels and Lower Cancer Risk
Higher levels of vitamin D are associated with a substantial reduction in the risk (more than 65%) of all invasive cancers combined, according to a new study published in April. This...read more...Why Has Autism Research Been Failing ASD Children & Parents?
I have been personally following autism research for well over 20 years. Despite the huge number of studies that have been published, the most common research findings into diet and...read more...Weight Loss – Who is the biggest loser?
Anything to do with weight loss I avoid like the plague. So I was surprised to find myself reading a report on a six-year follow-up study that was done on...read more...Antifungal Resistance Is On The Rise
Although antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are a widely recognised health problem, we are now also seeing the emergence and increased rates of serious invasive fungal infections. Just like bacteria, some fungi...read more...Monthly Research Review May 2016
In the previous April Monthly Research Review, I was surprised to find the number of studies being published on trials of supplements that have been shown to benefit ASD children. This...read more...Antibiotics Have Greater Impact On Gut and Risk of Disease Than Previously Thought
There is growing concern about microbial resistance to antibiotics. The World Health Organisation has recently labelled antibiotic resistance as one of the greatest threats to public health. Australia has one...read more...Monthly Research Review April 2016
The previous month in the Monthly Research Review highlighted studies showing the benefits of supplements that parents are commonly using to supplement their ASD children. I was surprised to find...read more...Artificial Sweeteners – Bad for your Gut
The UK have introduced a sugar tax on soft drinks in an attempt to battle the rising rates of obesity and diabetes. Australia is looking to do the same. This won’t...read more...ADHD Medication Use Tied to Reduced Bone Density in Children
The use of ADHD medications for treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children appears to be associated with bone loss, according to new research. The data was presented at a recent...read more...Nightmares on Gluten Street
Neurological abnormalities due to gluten have been well reported in coeliac disease patients. However, there are some disturbing reports emerging of severe mental disturbances and psychosis developing as a result...read more...When Doctor Should Know Best
What happens when a distinguished professor comes to a doctor as a patient? This is no ordinary patient. Although she is not a medical doctor, she does have expertise in...read more...Monthly Research Review March 2016
The previous month in the Monthly Research Review highlighted studies showing the benefits of supplements that parents are commonly using to supplement their ASD children. I was surprised to find...read more...Upcoming Events – March 2016 News
Upcoming Events – Not to be missed COMING UP VERY SOON IN APRIL!!! Melbourne Autism Expo The Melbourne Autism Expo (MAE) will have a broad range of products and services...read more...The Silent Killer in Women
Ovarian cancer in women has been referred to as the silent killer as the symptoms are ones that many women experience from time to time. They tend to be less...read more...Something is Wrong in the Asylum
Something is Wrong in the Asylum – Psychiatric drugs Psychiatric drugs are one of the most prescribed medications by the medical profession. You would think that there would be more...read more...Monthly Research Review February 2016
The previous month has seen many more studies showing the benefits of supplements that parents are commonly using to supplement their ASD children. There are other studies showing the benefit...read more...Upcoming Events – February 2016 News
NOT TO BE MISSED!!!! There are two unique opportunities coming up for parents to learn more. There is nothing more inspiring than to listen to biomedical doctors that are implementing...read more...Dishwashers Causing Allergies?
Is it possible that the use of dishwashers can increase the risk of developing allergies in children? Interesting research from Sweden is suggesting that parents are better off ditching the...read more...Lead Where We Least Expect It
It is well known that lead exposure poses serious health risks. Lead is still widely present in our environment and in the foods and drinks we consume. It may surprise you...read more...Autistic, Lonely, Unemployed & Ignored
You have received an ASD diagnosis for your child. In-between specialist appointments and therapy sessions you worry about their future. The reality is, from recent studies, that the majority of...read more...Featured Videos – January 2016
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF) has a number of videos that are a good introduction to gut bacteria and gut health. The first video is a good introduction to the...read more...Monthly Research Review – January 2016
The end of 2015 has seen a total 4,189 autism research papers published and listed on PubMed. This is a 28% increase in autism research papers published over the last...read more...Supplements – The Plot Thickens
Just as I thought that I had said all I wanted to say on the subject of supplements, a Medscape News item pops into my mailbox. This time it is...read more...Watch Out – MSG is Back
In the 1990s mono sodium glutamate (MSG) was phased out of Chinese restaurants due to “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome”. Some individuals eating at Chinese restaurants would experience various symptoms, including burning,...read more...Artificial Colours You Don’t Know About In Your Food
In May 2014, the NSW Food Authority released a document “Artificial colours in local and imported food products”. This document reports on 2 surveys on artificial colours in food products....read more...Fake, Imitation and Counterfeit Foods
Twice last year when I went out to dinner I have ordered calamari dishes. On both occasions the calamari was very tender. Other family members commented on how tender it...read more...Is Diet Affecting Your Child’s Mental Health And Wellbeing?
If you have a child that is compliant, listens to you, doing well at school, a joy to take out, has no skin or abdominal issues, sleeps well– then this...read more...Featured Webinars
December is a month we are all time poor finishing off projects and preparing for the festive season. So I have opted to feature two short videos for time poor...read more...Monthly Research Review – December 2015
The research keeps coming and it is a struggle keeping up due to the sheer volume. However my motto is as always, if you don’t look for it and read...read more...Vitamin D and Skin Cancer – More Than Just Skin Deep?
There has been an explosion of research into vitamin D for many years now. The research is telling us that vitamin D has far more wide ranging effects than we...read more...Supplements – Buyer Beware
This topic has been on my mind for some time. As the supplement industry has expanded to become a billion dollar industry, I have seen the market flooded with poor...read more...An Alternative ADD/ ADHD Diagnosis – Beyond a Behavioural Checklist
I was reading an article on ADHD, “Who Is Diagnosing All These Kids With ADHD?” The article was commenting on a recent study into ADHD diagnosis, “Diagnostic Experiences of Children...read more...The Methylation Cycle
What’s so special about methylation? Methylation is being talked about a lot in medical research, as well as in many discussion groups from chemical sensitivity to chronic fatigue and autism....read more...Webinar: Quick Start Tips
In today’s digital technology world, there is no excuse for parents not to be informed. When I was looking for treatment options to help my son, the internet was in...read more...Music Therapy and Social Skills in ASD Children
Socialisation deficits are one of the core characteristics of ASD, and a significant source of impairment regardless of cognitive or language ability for these individuals. In teaching social skills to...read more...Seasonal Allergies
Those with seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis, the beginning of spring brings with it months of sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal congestion, itchy, watery eyes and general malaise. Sometimes this may...read more...ASD Research Review
Every month there seems to be a flood of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) research being published. October was no different. Everything from dietary studies to the stress parents have caring...read more...