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A striking revelation has emerged from a study published in 2024, identifying six commonly consumed herbal supplements linked to potential liver damage. As highlighted by a recent AARP article, these supplements include Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea Extract, Red Yeast Rice, and Turmeric/Curcumin. While these botanicals are often praised for their purported health benefits, their association with liver toxicity raises significant health alarms, especially for older adults who are frequent users of such products.

A puzzling health pattern has prompted an in-depth review at a Boston-area hospital where five nurses from the same maternity unit floor were diagnosed with benign brain tumors. The cluster emerged among 11 employees on the hospital’s fifth floor, triggering scrutiny by hospital officials in partnership with government health and safety agencies. Early findings show no clear environmental cause within the facility.

Hospital leaders, including the Associate Chief Medical Officer, say disposable masks, the water supply, and proximity to medical technologies such as X-ray equipment and chemotherapy facilities were thoroughly evaluated and found not to pose risks. Staff and patients were assured that no environmental hazard within the hospital has been identified at this stage.

A team led by Raphael Kaplan at Universitat Jaume I in Castelló explored how the brain uses context boundaries to guide decisions in both physical and abstract spaces. The study, a collaboration with researchers from Spain, Italy, and the United States, appeared in Nature Communications and PLOS Biology, highlighting how the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex process boundaries and social context.

The research shows that context boundaries help the brain make choices more efficiently. The hippocampus, long known for spatial memory, also responds to abstract boundaries. For example, when evaluating a property purchase, the brain integrates factors like price and size as if they were navigational markers. This demonstrates the brain’s versatility in managing both real-world spaces and conceptual ideas.

Recent research from the Decision and Memory group at Universitat Jaume I in Castelló, led by Raphael Kaplan, unveils intriguing insights into how our brains navigate decision-making in both spatial and abstract environments. This collaborative study, involving researchers from Spain, Italy, and the United States, was published in two prominent scientific journals, Nature Communications and PLOS Biology, showcasing the nuanced roles of the hippocampal and medial prefrontal cortex in processing environmental boundaries and social contexts.

In a world grappling with escalating dementia, stroke, and depression cases, new research offers hope by identifying 17 modifiable factors that can significantly reduce risks for these conditions. Published in the prestigious Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, this groundbreaking review unravels crucial insights for safeguarding brain health. With over 55 million people living with dementia worldwide, and numbers expected to triple by 2050, coupled with the predicted doubling of stroke deaths by then, the study’s implications are profound and potentially life-changing.

A 2024 study has raised red flags about six widely used herbal supplements that may threaten liver health. Research cited by health journalists notes Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea Extract, Red Yeast Rice, and Turmeric/Curcumin as supplements linked to possible liver injury. While many shoppers praise these botanicals for wellness benefits, medical experts warn of potential toxicity, especially among older adults who may metabolize substances differently.

Data from the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network show a substantial portion of the population has tried liver-active botanicals within a short period, underscoring the importance of cautious use. Experts highlight that the liver filters ingested compounds, and when toxins accumulate or interact with age-related changes, the risk of serious liver injury or failure increases. As noted by clinicians at respected medical centers, liver health is a critical consideration for anyone taking supplements.

Chia seed water has surged on TikTok, with creators touting quick health perks and simple preparation. The wave of videos has sparked curiosity about whether this drink can genuinely improve wellness or if it’s merely a passing fashion.

Proponents argue chia seeds boost satiety, support digestion, and enhance appearance. Nutritionists point to the seeds’ nutrients—fiber, plant-based protein, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3—that may contribute to heart health, steadier blood sugar, and reduced inflammation. Research supports the benefits of dietary fiber for reducing disease risk and aiding weight management. Protein supports bone and muscle health, while healthy fats aid nutrient absorption and cardiovascular function.

A groundbreaking study recently published in “Nutrients” has unveiled intriguing possibilities for those seeking to reverse biological aging: a very low-calorie ketogenic diet. This research, conducted in Spain, finds that such diets might turn back the biological clock, measured at the molecular level, by over six years.

The study centers on epigenetic aging, a concept that acknowledges the variance between an individual’s biological and chronological age. Epigenetic aging is pivotal because a higher biological age compared to one’s chronological age is often linked to increased health risks, such as chronic illnesses and a reduced lifespan. This cutting-edge investigation examined individuals suffering from obesity, a condition affecting over 40% of U.S. adults, and discovered that those adhering to a low-calorie ketogenic diet for 180 days reduced their biological age by more than six years.

A recent discussion in the health community led by a prominent fitness trainer highlights the top ten unhealthiest foods globally, sparking debates on dietary choices that could adversely affect one’s health. Among the controversial choices, vegan cheese, due to its processing and nutritional content, found itself labeled as “terrible” by fitness coach Lars Meidell. The list, reproduced in the Hindustan Times and further discussed in news coverage, raises questions about what constitutes healthy eating habits.

A recent breakthrough from Princeton University reveals how a single instance of food poisoning can leave a lifelong mark on the brain, altering eating habits and potentially explaining why certain foods become unfathomable after a bad experience. This discovery sheds light on a particular brain mechanism known as “one-shot learning,” where a single event imprints a long-term memory, paving the way for understanding broader memory formation and its implications for trauma and PTSD Earth.com.

A recent survey reveals a growing trend among Gen Z and millennials: the intentional scheduling of “worry time” to manage persistent anxiety. Conducted by Talker Research for Avocado Green Mattress, the study surveyed 2,000 Americans and found that 10% of younger respondents dedicate specific times to worry each day. This practice contrasts sharply with only 3% of older generations, like Gen X and baby boomers, who do the same.

This practice of scheduling worry time is reported to help participants limit their anxiety and improve mental health, providing a controlled space to manage stress, thereby reducing the overall time spent worrying. The research highlights that 62% of Gen Z and millennials feel trapped in a constant state of worry, compared to 38% among Gen X and baby boomers. On average, respondents worry for two hours and 18 minutes daily, typically peaking when they are alone, before falling asleep, or upon waking.

As Thai readers become progressively more health-conscious, global insights like those from the latest Instacart data provide valuable perspectives on dietary shifts that could resonate here at home. According to a comprehensive analysis conducted by Instacart—a major online grocery delivery platform—there has been a significant shift in American consumers’ grocery purchasing habits towards healthier options. From 2023 to 2024, searches for “high protein” foods increased by 39%, while those for “high fiber” experienced an even larger surge at 159%. This trend suggests a rising interest in nutrition-dense diets that could also influence Thailand’s urban populations who are increasingly engaging with global health trends.

As the world embraces the arrival of spring and summer, nature isn’t the only thing undergoing a transformation. Research highlighted in a recent article by Jamie Frater and Alexis Barret reveals how our brains undergo significant changes in warmer weather, affecting everything from mood and social behavior to decision-making and creativity. Understanding these changes is particularly relevant for Thai readers as the country experiences seasonal shifts that extend beyond mere temperature changes to influence societal behaviors and individual well-being.

In a groundbreaking study published by researchers at the University of Colorado, the intermittent fasting method known as the 4:3 routine has proven to be more effective for weight loss than traditional daily calorie restriction. The study offers a fresh perspective for those seeking sustainable and efficient weight loss solutions, an area of keen interest as obesity levels continue to rise globally.

The 4:3 intermittent fasting schedule involves eating normally for four days a week and limiting caloric intake by 80 percent for three days. The researchers conducted a year-long study involving 165 participants aged between 18 and 60, all classified as overweight or obese. This cohort was divided into two groups: one following the 4:3 intermittent fasting strategy and the other adhering to a daily caloric restriction diet, reducing their intake by 34 percent each day. The study reported that participants practicing intermittent fasting lost an average of 7.6 percent of their body weight, equivalent to 7.7 kilograms (17 pounds), compared to the 5 percent weight loss (4.8 kilograms, or 11 pounds) achieved by the daily dieting group source.

Recently, TikTok has become a hotspot for health and wellness trends with chia seed water at the forefront. A multitude of content creators on this popular app are advocating for its myriad of health benefits, drawing eager viewers who are keen to adopt quick-fix solutions to better their health. However, while the trend has gained traction, it’s crucial to examine whether chia seed water lives up to the hype or is merely another fleeting craze.

A recent study published in Nutrition investigates whether a very low-calorie ketogenic diet can influence biological aging. Conducted in Spain, the research suggests that this dietary approach may slow aging at the molecular level by more than six years.

The study focuses on epigenetic aging—the difference between a person’s biological age and calendar age. Epigenetic aging is important because a higher biological age is linked to greater health risks and shorter lifespan. In this trial, obese adults followed a low-calorie ketogenic diet for 180 days. Researchers observed a substantial reduction in biological age, exceeding six years.

In a puzzling development, five nurses working on the same floor of a Boston-area hospital, Massachusetts General Brigham Newton-Wellesley, have been diagnosed with benign brain tumors. This worrisome cluster of health issues was identified among 11 employees from the hospital’s fifth-floor maternity unit, prompting an in-depth investigation by the hospital in collaboration with governmental health and safety bodies. Despite thorough scrutiny, the investigation has not identified any environmental factors within the hospital that could explain this phenomenon.

A recent edition of the Chasing Life podcast, hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, spotlighted mobility as a core pillar of health. The show features Dr. Kelly Starrett, a leading advocate in the mobility movement, urging people to weave movement into daily routines to boost longevity. According to research summarized on the program, mobility goes beyond traditional workouts to support lasting well-being.

For Thai readers juggling busy schedules and family commitments, incorporating mobility can be a practical, high-impact habit. Simple actions—like opting to sit on the floor while watching television—can improve joint health and normalize frequent movement, a point emphasized by Dr. Starrett.

NAD supplements have risen as a notable wellness topic, promising boosts in energy, metabolism, and longevity. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a molecule key to cellular energy production and renewal. As researchers explore its potential, the conversation balances optimism with careful scrutiny.

NAD operates as NAD+ and NADH, transforming food into usable energy. A seasoned nurse practitioner notes its vital role in cellular health, supporting energy production, DNA repair, and immune function. Since NAD+ levels tend to decline with age, interest in supplementation grows, particularly among adults over 30 who seek to maintain vitality.

In an era where vitality and wellness take center stage, NAD supplements have emerged as a promising key to enhancing energy, metabolism, and longevity. This growing trend surrounds nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a molecule celebrated for its essential roles in cellular energy production and longevity support. With experts weighing in, the potential of NAD supplements is carved into a more comprehensive understanding—a narrative capturing both optimism and cautious pragmatism.

NAD, both as NAD+ and NADH, is integral to converting food into energy, a process pivotal for maintaining our health and vitality. Emma Wedgwood, an advanced nurse practitioner, emphasizes this molecule’s critical function in cellular well-being, supporting energy production, DNA repair, and immune health. However, as NAD+ levels decline with age, they contribute to decreased energy and cellular regeneration, igniting the interest in supplementation, particularly among those over 30.

In a groundbreaking development in the field of neuroscience, a study led by researchers from the University of Liège has introduced a novel model explaining the mechanisms behind near-death experiences (NDEs). The model, called NEPTUNE (Neurophysiological Evolutionary Psychological Theory Understanding Near-death Experience), offers an integrative framework based on empirical findings across neurobiology, psychology, and evolutionary theory. This advancement provides a more cohesive understanding of NDEs, often described as profound episodes of disconnected consciousness triggered by life-threatening situations.

As spring arrives, bringing along an array of vibrant flora, it also heralds the return of seasonal allergies, which can significantly impact eye health. Key vitamins and minerals play a vital role in bolstering vision and protecting against common springtime eye ailments, such as dry eyes, oxidative stress, and inflammation. For Thai readers navigating this vibrant yet challenging season, understanding how dietary changes can make a difference is crucial.

With Thailand’s lush landscapes springing to life, the increase in pollen and dust during this time can lead to uncomfortable eye symptoms like redness, tiredness, and blurred vision. This is particularly relevant in Thailand, where bustling cities and rural areas alike experience varied pollen counts. Protecting eye health during this peak allergy season requires both proactive environmental measures—such as wearing sunglasses, using air purifiers, and maintaining good hygiene—and mindful nutrition.

As spring brightens Thailand with blooming landscapes, seasonal allergies can flare and affect eye comfort. Key vitamins and minerals support vision, reduce dryness, and combat inflammation during this period. For Thai readers, coupling dietary choices with practical habits offers a simple path to healthier eyes this season.

In Thailand’s cities and countryside alike, pollen and dust rise with the season. Eye redness, fatigue, and blurred vision become common complaints. Proactive steps—such as wearing sunglasses, using air purifiers, and practicing good hygiene—paired with mindful nutrition can help protect eye health during peak allergy weeks.

Recent discussions on health in Thailand have seen growing interest in vitamin supplements. New research highlights potential gut health risks from some commonly used supplements, including multivitamins, vitamin B12, and magnesium stearate. Readers are urged to choose supplements thoughtfully to support overall well-being.

The gut is often called the second brain because it influences mood, immunity, and energy, in addition to digestion. Health professionals cited in current discussions warn that synthetic or poorly absorbed forms of vitamins can irritate the gut lining, disrupt beneficial bacteria, and place extra work on the liver over time. A practical takeaway is to favor nutrients from real foods and consider whole-food-based supplements when needed.