News

A new study suggests that daily Montmorency tart cherry juice can reduce gut inflammation by up to 40% in people with ulcerative colitis (UC), a form of inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers from the University of Central Lancashire and the University of Hertfordshire led the work, offering hopeful news for millions living with digestive conditions. For Thai readers managing similar health challenges, the findings point to a complementary, natural option to support standard medical care.

A groundbreaking study has found that drinking Montmorency tart cherry juice daily can reduce gut inflammation by as much as 40% in patients with ulcerative colitis—a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. This discovery, led by researchers at the University of Central Lancashire and University of Hertfordshire, comes as hopeful news for millions suffering from debilitating digestive conditions worldwide. For Thais coping with similar problems, the findings offer a promising, natural supplement strategy to improve quality of life alongside standard medical care (source).

A warm cup of tea, a staple in daily Thai life, now has reinforced scientific support for its soothing effects on the brain. New reviews and human trials show that common teas—especially green and black varieties—can help calm the brain and reduce stress, offering both biochemical and psychological benefits. For Thai readers, ча (cha/tea) is more than a drink: it’s a social ritual, a sign of hospitality, and a contributor to well-being.

A Canadian study has raised global concern by showing that many children’s mattresses may release chemicals associated with brain development risks during sleep. Experts urge parents and regulators to act, noting flame retardants and phthalates found in mattresses can pose potential harm, even as manufacturers defend safety standards.

The findings matter for Thai families because children spend a large portion of their early years in bed, a period crucial for brain development and overall growth. Thai parents traditionally emphasize safe, peaceful sleep environments and may use practices such as gentle rocking and careful bedding choices. Yet evidence shows that some mattresses, even those sold in Thailand, can contain chemicals that are insufficiently regulated in the country and many others.

A new scientific study has uncovered that a substance produced by the body after caffeine consumption, known as 1-methylxanthine (1-MX), may significantly enhance memory and brain health—a discovery that could hold major implications for Thailand’s aging population and growing interest in cognitive wellness. Researchers found that 1-MX, a metabolite generated when our bodies break down caffeine, helps support memory functions, sparking discussions among health experts and educators about the potential applications for both prevention of neurodegenerative diseases and everyday cognitive support. Read the original study on PsyPost

A new study indicates that 1-methylxanthine (1-MX), a substance our bodies produce after caffeine intake, may support memory and brain health. The findings could influence Thailand’s approach to aging and cognitive wellness, sparking discussion among health experts and educators about prevention of neurodegenerative diseases and everyday cognitive support. Research by PsyPost notes that 1-MX is formed during caffeine metabolism and, in animal models, administration of 1-MX improved memory tasks and protected brain cells from oxidative stress.

Researchers at Caltech and Japan’s Toyohashi University of Technology have uncovered the unique neural signatures that help teams enter deep, focused “flow states” together—a finding that could revolutionize how Thai workgroups, students, and even esports teams are assembled for peak performance. Team flow, long recognized in positive psychology as a state where individuals lose track of time and become wholly absorbed in collaborative activity, has been linked to better productivity, higher job satisfaction, and improved mental wellbeing. In their recent study, published in Nature Scientific Reports, scientists used EEG brainwave monitoring to capture the unique electrical “fingerprints” of focus when pairs played a cooperative rhythm-based video game that required precise, synchronized action, similar to popular titles like Guitar Hero (Caltech News).

Depression isn’t always cloaked in tears, lethargy, and withdrawal. Increasing research and expert voices reveal that many silently suffer while appearing energetic, high-achieving, and outwardly successful—a phenomenon now widely called “high-functioning depression”. Recent insights from psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph, as highlighted in a widely-shared Mindbodygreen article, have sparked new conversations about how this overlooked mental health challenge is affecting high-achievers globally, including in Thailand, where stoicism and productivity are highly valued traits.

A recent Canadian study has sounded a global alarm by revealing that millions of children’s mattresses—commonplace items in bedrooms around the world, including Thailand—may be leaching hazardous chemicals linked to brain damage during sleep. Experts are now urging urgent action from parents and regulators everywhere, highlighting the dangers posed by flame retardants and phthalates found in these products, even as manufacturers claim compliance with safety standards (Daily Mail).

This discovery matters deeply to Thai families because a significant proportion of children and infants in the kingdom spend roughly one-third of their lives sleeping, a period critical for both brain health and overall development. Culturally, Thai parents take great care to provide safe, peaceful sleeping environments—sometimes including traditional practices such as “luk khoon” (rocking the baby to sleep) and being careful about bedding materials. Yet, research reveals not all mattresses are as safe as they appear, especially when manufactured with chemicals regulated only loosely in Thailand and many other countries.

Recent reports and personal stories are shedding light on a crisis that affects families worldwide: the mental health of new mothers, including postpartum psychosis. A heartfelt feature recounts a husband’s struggle after his wife developed severe anxiety and exhaustion following their child’s birth. Despite early warning signs, both partners lacked awareness of postpartum psychosis, a rare but life-threatening condition. Within weeks, the mother took her own life, leaving a grieving family seeking answers about preventable tragedies.

Vitamin D, often called the sunshine vitamin, is produced by the skin in response to sunlight. Yet deficiency remains a global issue, including in sun-rich Thailand. This piece synthesizes recent research and practical guidance to help Thais protect bone and immune health, while weaving in local context and habits.

Sun exposure and diet are both essential. Even in Bangkok’s sunny climate, urban lifestyles keep many people indoors and shielded from the sun. This trend, along with heat, pollution, and skin-care concerns, limits effective sun exposure and contributes to insufficiency. Data from Thailand’s health surveys show significant gaps, especially among urban women, underscoring the need for balanced strategies that fit Thai routines.

A new study indicates that older adults who seek medical help for cannabis-related issues may face a higher risk of developing dementia in the following years. The findings, highlighted by major outlets and drawing on thousands of patient records, urge health professionals and policymakers to re-evaluate cannabis guidance for aging populations. In Thailand, where medical cannabis policies have evolved, the topic resonates with ongoing public health discussions about safe use and long-term cognitive health.

In an unusual twist, Coca-Cola bottles with yellow caps have taken social media by storm this April, drawing not only attention from the Jewish community observing Passover but also sparking interest among non-Jewish fans eager to taste what some call “the real Coke.” Behind this viral sensation is a story that interweaves decades-old dietary laws, consumer nostalgia for authentic flavors, and modern scientific research on the health impacts of various sugars, raising questions that resonate worldwide—including here in Thailand—about food choices, health, and cultural trends.

A viral twist around Coca-Cola’s yellow-capped bottles has captured social media this spring. Marketed as kosher for Passover, these bottles use cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. The story blends religious tradition, consumer nostalgia, and evolving science on sugar, inviting Thai readers to consider health, culture, and global beverage trends.

Why this matters in Thailand. Sugar reduction has become a public-health priority in Thailand, where soft drinks contribute to rising obesity and diabetes risks. The yellow-cap Coca-Cola highlights a broader question: does cane sugar taste different, and could it be healthier? In everyday life, Thai health authorities encourage moderating added sugar and choosing low-sugar or unsweetened beverages. The discussion about sugar types ties into wider debates on healthier recipes and transparent labeling.

“Air hunger,” a symptom of anxiety often overshadowed by more widely recognized manifestations, is gaining attention for its profound impact on individuals’ mental health and daily functioning. Originating from a sense of being unable to fully breathe despite adequate oxygen availability, this condition is medically known as dyspnea but manifests starkly different when linked with anxiety disorders. This revelation is crucial as it sheds light on a facet of anxiety that many experience yet few understand by name.

The consumption of protein has become a widely discussed topic, transforming supermarket aisles with protein-fortified products and dominating wellness conversations across social media. But how much protein do we really need, and are the current recommendations sorely insufficient, as some influencers suggest? A recent investigation by The New York Times has delved into these questions, analyzing numerous studies and consulting experts to demystify some prevalent beliefs about protein intake.

For Thai readers, understanding protein requirements is crucial as the nation embraces modern dietary trends and tackles rising health concerns. Protein is central to both personal health and public nutrition guidelines, which makes it essential to discern fact from fiction amid the cacophony of health advice.

Thai home cooks often wonder how far a single bunch of asparagus can go. New research suggests this slim vegetable offers more than a supporting role on the plate. The findings highlight health benefits that could elevate asparagus to a practical superfood for busy Thai households.

First, asparagus shines as a source of prebiotic fiber. Health professionals note that asparagus contains inulin, a unique prebiotic. Unlike many fibers, inulin travels through the stomach largely intact, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. This can help reduce gut inflammation and may lower the risk of chronic gastrointestinal issues. Data from experts in nutrition supports a link between a healthy gut microbiome and overall wellness, a topic of growing interest in Thailand where fermented foods are common and the gut-brain connection matters to daily health.

In an era of increasing awareness about health and nutrition, a recent feature highlights crucial dietary considerations by identifying seven high-cholesterol foods that consumers should avoid for better heart health. The article from NDTV emphasizes the importance of understanding the fat content in our diet and how it impacts overall cholesterol levels, offering practical advice for those looking to maintain or improve their cardiovascular health.

Thai readers, keenly aware of the growing incidence of heart-related ailments, will find the insights particularly relevant. The report delves into common food items that are major culprits in elevating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – often labeled as ‘bad cholesterol.’ Traditional Thai dishes, beloved for their rich flavors, occasionally include these ingredients, making awareness essential for health-conscious individuals.

A new health feature highlights seven high-cholesterol foods to limit for better heart health. The coverage emphasizes understanding fat content in daily meals and how it affects cholesterol levels, offering practical tips for maintaining cardiovascular wellness in a busy lifestyle.

Thai audiences, increasingly attentive to heart disease, will find these insights especially relevant. The piece examines common items that raise LDL cholesterol, the so‑called “bad” cholesterol, and shows how traditional Thai flavors can be enjoyed more mindfully.

In the quest for a balanced diet, it’s common to underestimate the mineral potassium, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining kidney, heart, muscle, and brain functions. A recent article has shed light on the fact that while bananas are renowned for their potassium content, there are actually 20 other foods that outperform this popular fruit in supporting our potassium intake. This revelation is particularly relevant for Thai readers keen on diversifying their diets to harness the full array of health benefits that potassium offers.

In a world where vitamin deficiencies are more common than many realize, a recent report highlights strategic food pairings that can significantly enhance vitamin D absorption, providing a simple yet impactful approach to boosting this essential nutrient. With nearly a quarter of the U.S. population said to be vitamin D deficient, this message is particularly relevant to Thai readers, where similar risks exist due to lifestyle and dietary patterns. The lack of sunlight exposure and the challenge of finding vitamin D-rich foods make it imperative to optimize the intake and absorption of this crucial vitamin.

In a remarkable scientific breakthrough, researchers from the UK and Israel have finally unveiled a new blood group system after decades of investigation. This discovery, sparked by a puzzling case from 1972, has revealed the existence of the MAL blood group, potentially transforming how certain rare patients are treated — an achievement characterized by National Health Service hematologist Louise Tilley as “a huge achievement, and the culmination of a long team effort.”

A new study from a leading U.S. university raises questions about brown rice as a health choice for Thai readers. Published in Risk Analysis, the research shows brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients but also contains more arsenic, including the more toxic inorganic form, than white rice. The findings call for careful consideration of both nutrition and safety, especially for children and infants who consume more rice relative to body weight.

In the latest startling revelation about brown rice’s complex nutritional profile, a study from Michigan State University has unveiled that while brown rice boasts higher nutritional value, it also contains more arsenic than its white counterpart. This finding, published in the prestigious journal Risk Analysis, emphasizes the nuanced considerations that Thai consumers should weigh when choosing rice for their diets.

Rice, a staple in Thai cuisine, is often viewed through the lens of health-conscious eating, and brown rice is traditionally celebrated for its superior fiber and nutrient content. However, the Michigan State study highlights a critical trade-off: brown rice’s higher levels of arsenic, including inorganic arsenic, which is more toxic compared to what is found in white rice. This revelation is particularly concerning when considering young children and infants, who may consume relatively more rice in proportion to their body weight than adults.