Health and Wellbeing – pulse941.com.au

Pokies, Sports Bets and Kids: How Gambling is Harming Australians

CMH Team — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:47:00 +0000

From pokies to sports betting, Australians are losing billions, and the consequences are devastating.

The Scale of Gambling Losses

Australia loses $32 billion each year to gambling, the highest per capita in the world. Tim Costello (Chief Advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform) explained: “The nation that comes second in gambling losses is 30% less than us. The world looks at us and asks, how did we allow this?”

Pokies account for $17 billion, sports betting $6 billion, with horse racing and greyhounds adding more. Even more shocking: “We have 20% of all the world’s pokies, but 75% are in pubs and clubs. Everywhere else, pokies are only in casinos.”

Unlike casinos, pokies are everywhere: in pubs, clubs, and even shopping areas. Australians often gamble unintentionally, with machines designed for predatory addiction.

The Impact on Families and Young People

The reach of gambling goes beyond adults. Tim highlighted a growing problem among youth: “Influencers are paid by the pokies industry to show how fun it is to feed cash into machines.”

Combined with 900 gambling ads a day on free-to-air TV, many children are absorbing adult gambling behaviours. “Eighty per cent of ten-year-olds now know the odds on AFL and NRL games,” Tim said. “The normalisation is devastating.”

What Can Be Done?

Advocacy is key. Tim outlined practical steps:

Pokies: Lobby state politicians. Each state has jurisdiction.
Sports betting: Contact federal representatives, especially the Communications Minister.

“Get boots on the ground. Send letters. Touch base with your politicians,” Tim urged. Western Australia sets a strong example, with no pokies in pubs or clubs and much lower gambling losses.

A Call for National Reform

Despite bipartisan support for a national gambling regulator, recommendations remain ignored. “We need to treat gambling as a health issue, not a sports issue,” Tim said. “Where there’s gambling in a family, there’s four times more domestic violence.”

Public support is overwhelming: 80% of Australians want gambling ads banned, yet action is lagging. “Politicians need to listen. The public has spoken,” Tim added.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

The Science Behind Gratitude

CMH Team — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:06:00 +0000

By: Sabrina Peters

Have you ever sat with a friend or colleague and thought, ‘How are they still standing?‘

They’ve faced loss. Trauma. Disappointment. And yet somehow, they’re not bitter. They’re resilient.

More often than not, a key ingredient behind that inner strength is gratitude.

And it’s not just anecdotal. Science backs it up, too. Studies show that gratitude doesn’t just feel good, it actually changes your brain.

When we practice gratitude, it activates key areas like the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, regions that help regulate emotion, boost empathy, and process reward.

It also increases levels of dopamine and serotonin, the “feel-good” brain chemicals that support mood, motivation, and overall wellbeing.

Dr. Robert Emmons, one of the world’s leading researchers on gratitude at UC Davis, puts it simply: “Gratitude isn’t just a positive emotion. It’s a state of mind that changes the way we see and engage with the world.”

And here’s the really fascinating part: the effects of gratitude aren’t just short-term.

Brain imaging research has shown that when people regularly practice gratitude, their brains actually change. Weeks after the practice ends, even when they’re not actively doing anything ‘gratitude-related’ certain regions of the brain remain more active, especially those involved in emotional regulation and empathy. It’s like the brain stays tuned to gratitude, long after the moment has passed.

The ripple effects are just as impressive. In one well-known study, people who kept a simple gratitude journal for just ten weeks reported noticeable shifts in their day-to-day wellbeing. On average, they felt 25% happier, exercised more consistently, had fewer physical symptoms, and experienced better quality sleep. And these weren’t major life overhauls, they were small, intentional moments of reflection.

Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard things in life. But it helps retrain the brain to notice what’s still good, still safe, still worth being here for. Over time, it becomes less of a practice and more of a perspective, one that can support emotional and physical health in lasting ways.

In trauma therapy, the brain often gets stuck in survival mode, hypervigilant, constantly scanning for threat. Gratitude doesn’t pretend life isn’t hard. Instead, it gently redirects our focus toward what’s still good, grounding, or meaningful.

Gratitude Is Not Toxic Positivity

Let’s be clear: gratitude is not about pretending everything’s fine or avoiding painful emotions. It’s not about ignoring grief or silencing anger. Gratitude helps us hold both realities: what hurts, and what helps.
It’s about being able to hold two truths at once: that something is hard, and that something else is still good.

In therapy, it often becomes a way to reframe, but not override, your lived experience. Noticing the good doesn’t mean denying the hard. It means you’re building emotional range and resilience.

Therapist-Tested Gratitude Practices (That Actually Help)

These practices are research-backed and regularly used in therapy to help clients shift attention, regulate emotion, and build emotional resilience:

1. Gratitude Journaling

Write down three things each day that you’re thankful for, aim for specific and fresh entries each time. This practice is linked to improved mood, sleep, and reduced depressive symptoms.

2. Mental Subtraction

Imagine your life without something or someone important (your pet, your job, your health).
This helps create contrast and deepen appreciation.

3. Gratitude Letter (Even If It’s Not Sent)

Try writing a letter to someone who’s made a difference in your life. You don’t even have to send it. Just the act of putting your gratitude into words can boost your mood, and research shows the effects can last for weeks.

4. 3 Wins of the Day

Instead of listing generic gratitude items, write down three small wins, personal actions you’re proud of, even if they’re tiny. This builds a sense of agency and self-efficacy, particularly in clients struggling with low self-worth.

5. Gratitude Voice Notes

Record a short voice memo expressing appreciation and send it to a friend, colleague, or loved one. This simple act increases emotional closeness and combats isolation.

Gratitude isn’t something you always feel. It’s something you practice. And like any muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it grows.

For the trauma survivor, the parent in burnout, the young adult navigating change, or the leader carrying invisible pressure, gratitude won’t erase pain. But it will expand your capacity. It will help you hold both joy and sorrow in the same breath. And that’s where healing and growth begin.

Article supplied with thanks to Sabrina Peters.

About the Author: Sabrina is a pastor and a psychologist who is dedicated to helping people experience wholeness and growth. Passionate about building healthy families, she spends her days raising kids, supporting clients, and creating resources that inspire freedom and hope.

Feature image: Canva

Pilates: What It Really Is and Why It Might Be What You Need

CMH Team — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 18:33:00 +0000

By: Bec Harris

If you’ve ever wondered “what is Pilates?” and whether it’s right for you, you’re not alone. For many people, getting fit can feel intimidating.

Movement isn’t always about chasing personal bests or pushing through intense workouts. Instead, it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in your body again – especially after injury, chronic pain, busy seasons, or long breaks from exercise.

That’s why Pilates for beginners, injury recovery, and gentle strength training so often come up in conversation. However, despite its popularity, Pilates is still widely misunderstood.

Physiotherapist Melanie Cauliffe explains what Pilates really is, where it came from, and how it can support people returning to movement – not just elite athletes or dancers. “Pilates was originally designed for people recovering from injury” says Mel.

It Didn’t Start as a Fitness Trend

Although Pilates is often associated with boutique studios and reformer classes, it didn’t begin as a trendy workout.

Joseph Pilates developed the method in the early 20th century. Originally, he used controlled, repetitive movements to help people rehabilitate from injury. He even designed spring-based resistance systems so bed-bound patients could strengthen their bodies safely.

That early equipment later evolved into what we now know as the Pilates reformer.

From there, Pilates moved into the dance community and eventually into mainstream fitness. Yet at its core, it has always focused on:

Controlled movement
Core strength
Alignment and posture
Functional, everyday movement

In other words, Pilates builds strength without encouraging you to push through pain or burn out.

Classical, Contemporary and Clinical: What’s the Difference?

One reason Pilates can feel confusing is that not all classes are the same.

Classical Pilates

This follows the original sequence of exercises created by Joseph Pilates. Instructors stick closely to the traditional order and structure.

Contemporary Pilates

This version allows instructors more flexibility. They design classes with flow, variation and modern movement science in mind.

Clinical Pilates

Clinical Pilates, however, integrates physiotherapy principles. This approach often suits people recovering from injury or managing pain.

Mel highlighted an important difference in how instructors treat the spine. Instead of flattening the lower back into the floor – a cue many of us grew up hearing – clinical Pilates encourages a neutral spine.

Why does that matter?

Because strengthening your body in its natural alignment helps translate that strength into daily life. Standing, lifting, walking and sitting all rely on neutral positioning. Therefore, training this way supports real-world movement, not just mat exercises.

Mat vs Reformer: Which Is Better?

Another common question is whether mat Pilates or reformer Pilates is better.

The honest answer? They serve different purposes.

Mat Pilates

Mat Pilates uses your body weight and gravity for resistance. As a result, your core, posture and control remain constantly engaged.

Although it looks simple, mat work can be surprisingly challenging. You can’t rely on equipment for support, which makes it highly effective for building stability and strength.

Reformer Pilates

Reformer Pilates uses a spring-loaded carriage that guides movement. The adjustable resistance supports the body while still providing challenge.

Because of this support, reformer classes often suit people:

Returning after injury
Managing joint limitations
Experiencing back or hip pain
Rebuilding strength gradually

Ultimately, it’s not about which option is “better.” Instead, you need to ask yourself: What does my body need right now?

It Isn’t About Competition

One of the most reassuring takeaways from the conversation was this simple truth:

Pilates is you against you.

You don’t need to keep up with the person next to you. You don’t need to prove anything. And you definitely shouldn’t ignore pain.

In fact, Mel offered this important reminder: if something feels wrong, don’t do it. Even self-imposed pressure can lead to injury if you override your body’s signals.

That’s why proper guidance matters, especially when returning to exercise after injury. Learning safe posture, recognising what “good effort” feels like, and progressing gradually can protect your body long-term.

Movement Doesn’t Have to Be Extreme to Be Effective

Whether you choose Pilates, walking, swimming or another low-impact exercise, remember this: fitness is not one-size-fits-all.

Strength, endurance and cardiovascular health are different aspects of overall wellbeing. However, you can build all three through consistent, sustainable movement. In fact, consistency matters more than intensity.

As Mel says “Turning up is the hardest thing – and it’s already a big win.”

If 2026 is the year you want to move again, Pilates may not be about doing more. Instead, it might be about learning how to move better – with control, confidence and kindness toward your body.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

Persistent Depressive Disorder: Often Overlooked, but Worth Noticing

CMH Team — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 18:27:00 +0000

By: Thomas Cheeseman

Depression doesn’t always appear like a crisis. Sometimes it’s quieter, longer-lasting, and easier to overlook.

Persistent Depressive Disorder, which has also previously been termed “dysthymia”, is a form of depression that can affect individuals for years—often without them realizing that what they’re experiencing a mental health condition.

What is Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Persistent Depressive Disorder is characterized by a depressed mood and that has been present for most of the day, more than 50% of days, for at least two years in adults (one year in children and adolescents). Less symptoms being present making this appear less acute compared to Major Depressive Disorder. However, the long-term nature of the presentation can have a significant impact on quality of life.

Symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder: [for diagnosis you require depressed mood and two of the other symptoms being present most of the day, more days than not]

Chronically sad or “down”;
Low appetite or high appetite;
Low in energy or fatigued;
Low in self-esteem;
Poor concentration or decision making;
Insomnia or hypersomnia;
Experiencing changes in appetite.

Because these symptoms persist over such a long period, they can be misdiagnosed as part of someone’s personality rather than signs of a treatable condition.

Not “just a sad person”

Symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder: [for diagnosis you require depressed mood and two of the other symptoms being present most of the day, more days than not]

Chronically sad or “down”;
Low appetite or high appetite;
Low in energy or fatigued;
Low in self-esteem;
Poor concentration or decision making;
Insomnia or hypersomnia;
Experiencing changes in appetite.

Because these symptoms persist over such a long period, they can be misdiagnosed as part of someone’s personality rather than signs of a treatable condition.

Impact you may notice

Living with untreated persistent depressive disorder can affect on satisfaction and functioning in every domain of life. For example, close relationships may suffer due to irritability, withdrawal or difficulty experiencing joy in context-expected ways. It can also impact on career growth through reduced motivation and decision making.

Perhaps most importantly, individuals with Persistent Depressive Disorder often stop expecting to feel better. This can lead to resignation which prevents them for seeking positive events or help with their feelings, reducing their quality of life and decreasing their motivation.

What can help?

The encouraging news is that Persistent Depressive Disorder has been shown to respond to treatment. Therapy and medication both have evidence to support change in symptoms. Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help clients:

Identify and challenge longstanding negative beliefs
Build healthier coping strategies
Improve communication and relationship skills
Reconnect with activities that bring meaning and pleasure

Because PDD reflects long-term patterns, treatment may take time. However, small, gradual change of —improved energy, increased self-compassion, and a renewed sense of possibility– can make a big difference.

Seeking Support?

If you or someone you care about has felt persistently low, unmotivated, or hopeless for years—even while “functioning”—it may be worth speaking with a mental health professional about getting support. Depression does not have to be acute to deserve attention.

If you feel like maybe you could be managing Persistent Depressive Disorder, reach out to a local mental health professional.

Article supplied with thanks to The Centre for Effective Living.

Feature image: Canva

Four God-Centered Ways to Overcome Burnout

CMH Team — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:29:00 +0000

By: Telana Sladen

Burnout has become a familiar word in modern life. Many people describe themselves as constantly tired, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained. Yet while burnout may feel normal, it was never meant to define how we live.

During a recent conversation, Pastor Shaphan Williams from Oceans Church shared practical and biblical wisdom for staying spiritually healthy. He offered four simple principles – the “Four T’s” – to help people avoid burnout and keep their passion for life alive.

Here’s how you can rediscover strength and balance.

1. Time With God: Refuel Your Soul

Pastor Shaphan began with a powerful analogy. “When you go driving a car, you do need to refuel your car, don’t you? In the same way, we can’t do what we’ve been designed to do without being fueled by God.”

Many of us try to push through exhaustion using determination alone. However, spiritual strength comes from staying connected to Jesus. Shaphan pointed to the biblical image of a branch connected to a vine, explaining that life and fruitfulness flow from that connection.

“Unless the branch is connected to the vine, it can’t produce fruit – and neither can we without connecting to Him.”

Spending time with God allows us to pause, reset, and receive fresh strength. Whether through prayer, worship, or Scripture, intentional moments with God help refill an empty tank.

“If you’re burnt out and exhausted,” Shaphan encouraged, “ask yourself – have I fueled up recently?”

2. Tend to Your Heart: Deal With the Small Weeds

Burnout is not always caused by a busy schedule. Often, it begins internally. “One of the biggest things that takes us out isn’t what we do physically, but how we’re going internally,” Shaphan explained.

He compared our hearts to a garden. Small weeds may seem insignificant, but neglect allows them to grow into bigger problems.

“If you neglect the small weeds while they’re easy to pick out, they can grow into big weeds and really cause havoc in your garden.”

Unforgiveness, bitterness, and unresolved emotions quietly drain our energy. Even when life looks successful externally, internal struggles can lead to exhaustion.

Regularly tending to your heart through prayer, reflection, and forgiveness protects your emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

3. Time Management: Steward Your Time Wisely

Another major contributor to burnout is how we use our time. “The Bible talks about stewarding your time,” Shaphan said. “We’ve only got a certain amount of time, so it’s important we budget our time like we budget our bank accounts.”

He noted that the average Australian spends significant hours scrolling on their phones each week – often without realising it. While rest and entertainment are valuable, unintentional habits can quietly consume energy and focus.

Taking time to review your weekly schedule can reveal opportunities for healthier rhythms. Shaphan suggested even sitting down with someone you trust to talk through your week.

“You can actually find way more time in your week than you think you can.”

4. Training Teams: Don’t Carry Life Alone

The final key to avoiding burnout is learning to share the load. “Sometimes we like to do it all on our own,” Shaphan said, “but what’s really important is to train other people and pull others in to help us.”

Many people hesitate to delegate because they believe they can do tasks better themselves. However, God designed us for community and teamwork.

“It’s easier to move a couch with four people than it is with two.”

Whether in family life, church, or work, inviting others to help creates sustainability and prevents exhaustion.

A Gentle Invitation to Renew Your Strength

Burnout doesn’t disappear instantly, but small intentional changes lead to lasting renewal. As you reflect this week, consider Pastor Shaphan’s four questions:

Have I spent time with God?
Am I tending to my heart?
Am I stewarding my time well?
Am I allowing others to help carry the load?

God never intended for us to live constantly depleted. Instead, He invites us into a rhythm of connection, healing, wisdom, and community – a life where our fire for Him continues to burn brightly.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

Chronic Pain: Effective Practices To Support Daily Living

CMH Team — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 19:44:00 +0000

By: Michelle Nortje

Chronic pain can be a debilitating and arduous experience. However, I have a few clients who have been inspirational to me, in how they have faced up to these challenges with awareness, curiosity and grace. Despite what can feel like never-ending discomfort, mental well-being and hope can still be possible.

What Do We Mean by Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for longer than three months, or beyond the usual time it takes for tissues or injuries to heal. It might begin after an injury, illness, or surgery, or sometimes with no clear starting point at all.

Importantly, chronic pain is not just a signal of tissue damage. Over time, the nervous system itself can become more sensitive, meaning the brain and body stay on “high alert,” even when there is no ongoing injury. Pain, in this sense, becomes a learned and reinforced experience within the nervous system.

This doesn’t mean the pain is “imaginary”! Chronic pain is very real, and it reflects changes in how the brain, nerves, muscles, and stress systems interact.

How Chronic Pain and Mental Health Affect Each Other

Chronic pain doesn’t exist in isolation. It often becomes tightly linked with mood, energy, sleep, and motivation.

Many people notice that over time:

Pain leads to reduced activity, social withdrawal, or avoidance
Reduced activity can contribute to low mood, frustration, or hopelessness
Depression and anxiety increase muscle tension, inflammation, and pain sensitivity
The nervous system becomes caught in a pain–stress–fatigue cycle

This creates a loop:
Pain → less movement and pleasure → lower mood → heightened pain sensitivity

The encouraging news is that this loop can be interrupted. Gently supporting the nervous system can reduce pain intensity, increase confidence in the body, and improve quality of life.

Simple, Evidence-Based Practices to Support Chronic Pain

These practices are not about “getting rid” of pain or pushing through it. Instead, they aim to calm the nervous system, reduce reactivity, and help the body relearn safety.

Even a few minutes a day can make a difference.

1. Mindful Attention to the Body

Mindfulness for pain is not about ignoring pain or trying to make it disappear. It’s about noticing sensations with curiosity rather than fear.

How to practise:

Choose a comfortable position
Gently bring attention to your breath or body
When pain shows up, notice its qualities (pressure, heat, movement) rather than judging it
If the sensation feels overwhelming, shift attention to a neutral or pleasant area (e.g., hands, feet, or breath)

Why this helps:
Mindfulness reduces threat signalling in the brain and helps separate pain from suffering. Research shows it can reduce pain intensity, distress, and depressive symptoms.

2. Visualising Safety and Comfort

The brain responds to imagery in much the same way it responds to real experiences. Visualisation can be a powerful way to signal safety to the nervous system.

How to practise:

Close your eyes and imagine a place where you feel safe or at ease
Picture details: colours, textures, sounds
If helpful, imagine warmth, softness, or gentle support around painful areas

Why this helps:
Visualisation can reduce muscle guarding and calm the stress response, which often amplifies pain signals.

3. Gentle, Paced Movement

When pain is persistent, it’s common to either avoid movement altogether or push too hard on “good days.” Both can increase flare-ups.

How to practise:

Choose small, predictable amounts of movement (e.g., a short walk, stretching)
Keep it consistent rather than reactive to pain levels
Focus on what your body can do, not what it can’t

Why this helps:
Regular movement reassures the nervous system that the body is safe, reduces stiffness, and improves mood and confidence over time.

4. Compassionate Self-Talk During Pain Flares

How we speak to ourselves during pain matters. Threat-based thoughts (“This will never end,” “My body is broken”) increase nervous system arousal.

How to practise:

Notice critical or catastrophic thoughts
Gently replace them with supportive statements such as:
- “This is difficult, and I’m doing my best”
- “My body is trying to protect me”
- “This sensation can change”

Why this helps:
Self-compassion reduces stress hormones, lowers emotional distress, and supports emotional resilience, all of which influence pain processing.

A Hopeful Note

Living with chronic pain can be exhausting and isolating. But pain is not fixed, and the nervous system remains changeable throughout life. Small, consistent practices that support safety, awareness, and self-kindness can gradually reduce pain intensity, improve mood, and help you reconnect with your life, even if pain is still present.

Support from a psychologist, physiotherapist, GP, or pain-informed therapist can further tailor these approaches to your unique experience. Contact the Centre for Effective Living for further support or questions. Some other helpful websites include Pain Australia and PainHealth.

Feature image: Canva

Genetics & Mental Health Issues: What’s the Link?

CMH Team — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:47:00 +0000

By: Laura Bennett

We know social and environmental factors can influence symptoms of depression, but what about genetics? Does our ancestry play into how we process life’s stressful events?

This article discusses mental health topics. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

A recent study from McGill University and the Douglas Institute looked at the effects of depression on the brain and, after examining post-mortem brain tissue from individuals who died during an episode of major depressive disorder. Researchers found that certain neurons and microglia may function differently in people living with depression – disrupting systems related to mood, stress and inflammation.

“Our genetic makeup can influence how sensitive we are to stress and how we respond to it,” Clarity Health Care Psychologist Enzo Somosi said.

“For some people, that heightened sensitivity can make them more vulnerable to mental health struggles, but it doesn’t mean those challenges are inevitable.”

Enzo explained on a physical level, depression can influence the way different areas of the brain “talk” to each other – some regions may show inflammation or thinning, while hormones such as cortisol can become irregular – and while genetics also play a part, it’s not in a deterministic way.

“It’s best to think of mental health issues as the result of a gene–environment interaction,” Enzo said.

The “dandelion-orchid” theory created by Dr. W. Thomas Boyce is often used by mental health practitioners to assess how sensitive a person is to their environment.

“The dandelion–orchid idea is a really helpful way to understand how our genes and our environment work together,” Enzo said.

“Some people are a bit like dandelions – they can grow almost anywhere.

“They feel emotions, of course, but they tend to move through things more quickly and cope well across a range of circumstances.

“Others are more like orchids. They’re equally beautiful, but they’re more sensitive to what’s happening around them.

“A bit of stress or a difficult patch in life can hit harder and take longer to recover from.

“But the important part is that, just like real orchids, with the right care and the right conditions, they can thrive.

“This perspective helps us understand a person’s temperament and how we can best support them, rather than assuming everyone responds to life in the same way,” he said.

To safeguard mental wellbeing Enzo encouraged simple, caring steps: regular exercise, a balanced diet, healthy sleep rhythms and staying socially connected.

“One of the biggest [helps] is recognising that you can improve in these areas and that your wellbeing isn’t fixed,” Enzo said.

“Staying connected with your community also makes a difference, even if it feels a bit tedious at times. Pushing through to meet up with friends and having a yarn about whatever’s going on can really help protect against developing more chronic mental health issues.”

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Laura Bennett is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.

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The Sticky Science of Chewing Gum: What’s Really in Your Chew?

CMH Team — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 04:00:00 +0000

By: Bec Harris

If you’ve ever been told “Don’t swallow your gum – it’ll stay in your stomach for seven years!”, you’re not alone.

It’s one of those childhood warnings that sticks around – but is it actually true?

According to Dr. Rina Fu from Curtin University, the answer is a firm no. “Nothing can stay that long in the digestive tract,” she explained. Thanks to a process called peristalsis – a rhythmic squeezing motion that moves everything through your digestive system – even indigestible materials eventually make their way out the “back end.”

So while chewing gum base isn’t broken down by your body, it doesn’t camp out for seven years either. It just passes through, much like other materials we can’t digest.

What Exactly Is Chewing Gum?

Modern chewing gum isn’t only sugar and flavouring. Dr. Rina explained that gum contains a gum base, flavourings, sweeteners, and special additives that give it that stretchy, chewy feel. One of those additives has a surprising origin: xanthan gum.

“Xanthan gum comes from bacterial secretions,” Dr. Rina said – or, as Asa jokingly put it, “bacteria pee.” Don’t worry, it’s not as gross as it sounds. Certain friendly bacteria produce this natural polymer, known as an extracellular polysaccharide (EPS), to help them stick to surfaces. Food scientists later realised it works brilliantly as a thickener and stabiliser, so they now use it in everything from salad dressings to sauces – and, of course, chewing gum.

More Than Just Gum

Xanthan gum shows up far beyond the snack aisle. You’ll spot it in ice cream, toothpaste, cosmetics, and even cement and concrete. It controls texture and viscosity – basically, how thick or smooth something feels. It’s not a “whole food,” as Dr. Rina pointed out, but food authorities widely approve it and consider it safe.

Should You Worry About Additives?

It’s easy to feel suspicious about any food additive at first, but xanthan gum has gone through extensive testing, and food authorities around the world recognise it as safe. Bacterial fermentation – the process used to make it – is completely natural, and in a way, bridges the gap between science and nature.

As Dr. Rina reminds us, bacteria aren’t always the villains. Many of them play essential roles in producing everyday foods – from thickened sauces to yoghurt, sourdough, and even chocolate puddings!

So What’s the Takeaway?

The next time you’re chewing gum or enjoying a cold scoop of ice cream, take a moment to appreciate the hidden world of microbes that make these textures possible. From tiny bacteria to your favourite sweet treats, science is everywhere – even in something as small as a stick of gum.

And if someone warns you about swallowing it? You can confidently tell them the truth: it won’t stay in your stomach forever – it just takes the scenic route on its way out.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

Genetics & Mental Health Issues: What’s the Link?

CMH Team — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 21:47:00 +0000

By: Laura Bennett

We know social and environmental factors can influence symptoms of depression, but what about genetics? Does our ancestry play into how we process life’s stressful events?

This article discusses mental health topics. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Fresh research from McGill University and the Douglas Institute looked at the effects of depression on the brain and, after examining post-mortem brain tissue from individuals who died during an episode of major depressive disorder, found that certain neurons and microglia may function differently in people living with depression – disrupting systems related to mood, stress and inflammation.

“Our genetic makeup can influence how sensitive we are to stress and how we respond to it,” Clarity Health Care Psychologist Enzo Somosi said.

“For some people, that heightened sensitivity can make them more vulnerable to mental health struggles, but it doesn’t mean those challenges are inevitable.”

“It’s best to think of mental health issues as the result of a gene–environment interaction,” Enzo said.

“Genes can make someone more sensitive to stress, [but] supportive environments or mental health interventions can offset that risk.” The “dandelion-orchid” theory created by Dr. W. Thomas Boyce is often used by mental health practitioners to assess how sensitive a person is to their environment.