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New insights highlight how what we eat can influence anxiety, a mental health issue affecting about 20% of adults worldwide and noticed in Thailand as well. Dietitians say food choices can complement mental health strategies, even though they aren’t a sole treatment. Among snack ideas, Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls stand out for late-night cravings and potential calming effects.

Experts emphasize that nutrient selection matters for anxiety. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and probiotics, along with higher fruit and vegetable intake, are linked with lower anxiety levels. In contrast, high added sugar can raise risk. The energy balls thus offer more than a tasty bite; they align with evidence suggesting dietary choices can support mood and stress management.

In an era where medical advancements constantly vie for public attention, Dr. John Scharffenberg, a 101-year-old physician and adjunct professor at Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health, offers simple yet timeless health advice: live longer through lifestyle changes. Known for driving his red Toyota Prius and sharing wisdom on YouTube, Dr. Scharffenberg’s practical guidance is influencing a global audience, including recent lectures in Madagascar and across Europe.

Despite lacking a genetic predisposition for longevity—his mother succumbed to Alzheimer’s in her 60s, and his father died of a heart attack at 76—Dr. Scharffenberg attributes his century-plus life to his active lifestyle and unique dietary choices.

A healthy breakfast often centers on oats, but chia pudding deserves a closer look for gut health and fullness. This easy, no-cook meal uses a few pantry staples and delivers more than just fiber. It’s a practical option for Thai readers seeking steady morning energy and a broader range of nutrients.

For Thai audiences aiming to improve digestion and stay full longer, chia pudding offers a strong alternative to traditional breakfast choices. Chia seeds are tiny but packed with dietary fiber. Research summarized by a registered dietitian highlights roughly 10 grams of dietary fiber per ounce of chia, making a meaningful contribution to daily intake—an important consideration in Thailand where fiber consumption frequently falls short of recommendations.

In the quest for a healthy breakfast, oatmeal often dominates the conversation as a fiber-rich option. However, new insights reveal that chia seed pudding may just be the unsung hero we’ve been overlooking. This simple meal, made with just a few pantry staples, not only satisfies the requirement for a fiber-filled breakfast but also brings various other health benefits to the table.

For Thai readers who are keen on improving gut health and maintaining a feeling of fullness throughout the morning, chia pudding presents an excellent alternative to traditional breakfast choices. Chia seeds are tiny, yet they pack an astonishing amount of dietary fiber. According to research shared by Mackenzie Burgess, RDN, chia seeds provide about 10 grams of dietary fiber per ounce, contributing significantly towards the recommended daily intake for adults, which is particularly crucial in Thailand where dietary fiber intake is often lower than recommended.

A rising sleep technique called cognitive shuffling may offer a calm path out of sleepless nights for busy urban residents in Thailand. The method aims to quiet racing thoughts and help people drift into solid rest more quickly.

Cognitive shuffling was developed by Dr. Luc Beaudoin and has re-emerged as a practical approach to better sleep. Rooted in research around how the brain processes visual motion, Beaudoin wondered if sleep onset could be nudged by guiding the mind through controlled, random thoughts. The approach formally appeared in 2009 to help those with insomnia, a challenge familiar to many people around the world, including those in Thailand.

Creatine has become a popular wellness supplement, praised for benefits to muscle, brain, and bone health. Yet myths persist. A recent analysis reviews five common beliefs about creatine with input from a leading researcher. For Thai readers, these insights help inform safer, smarter decisions about supplementation.

Myth 1: Creatine causes hair loss The hair-loss claim traces back to a study in rugby players who took high-dose creatine. The study found changes in a hormone linked to hair loss, but it did not establish causation. Subsequent research has not confirmed that creatine raises testosterone or DHT to levels that trigger hair loss. Overall, the hair issue remains largely unproven.

In a climate of fad diets and quick fixes, separating fact from fiction can be challenging. A recent insight from a registered dietitian highlights common nutrition myths that may mislead people striving for healthier living. For Thai readers, understanding these misconceptions helps make informed food choices that fit local culture and lifestyles.

Misinformation around carbohydrates often leads to unnecessary restrictions. In reality, carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provide essential energy and nutrients. In Thailand, where rice is a dietary staple, it’s important to balance traditional meals with nutrient-dense carbohydrates rather than demonize them.

In a world saturated with fad diets and nutritional advice, distinguishing fact from fiction can be overwhelming. A recent article by registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois shines a light on common nutrition myths that might be misleading those striving for a healthier lifestyle. Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for Thai readers who aim to make informed food choices without compromising their health or succumbing to dietary myths.

Nutrition myths can be hazardous as they often lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions, stress, and unbalanced meals. For instance, the longstanding belief that carbohydrates are detrimental to health is misguided. Carbohydrates, particularly those from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are vital energy sources and carry essential nutrients. In Thailand, where rice is a dietary staple, understanding the role of nutritious carbohydrates is crucial for balancing traditional diets with health goals.

A university study from the United States shows that stress affects how people drive, equally important as avoiding drowsy or drunk driving. Using heart-rate and skin-conductivity sensors, researchers found that emotional upheaval can impair decision-making behind the wheel. The findings resonate with Thai drivers navigating Bangkok’s busy and sometimes chaotic traffic.

In the study, participants wore sensors to track physiological stress alongside data-logging devices commonly found in cars. Drivers reported their mood before, during, and after trips, allowing researchers to pair subjective feelings with objective measures. Results indicated that higher stress levels correlated with aggressive driving patterns, such as sudden braking and rapid acceleration. A senior researcher from the university stressed the need to acknowledge how emotions influence driving and recommended calming routines before trips, especially during peak times like mid-workday commutes.

New research shows childhood experiences can reshape the brain’s wiring, not just influence what children can do today. A study from Mass General Brigham highlights how early environments leave lasting marks on white matter, the brain’s communication network, with implications for lifelong learning and development. For Thai readers, the findings reinforce the value of supportive families and communities in buffering adversity.

White matter connects different brain regions, enabling language, problem solving, and emotion regulation. It differs from gray matter, which handles local processing. Strong white-matter development supports important skills that schools in Thailand often emphasize—reading, math, and social coordination—especially in communities that prize social harmony and collective well-being.

In 2025, stress levels in the United States have escalated dramatically due to significant events ranging from widespread economic layoffs to extreme weather conditions. According to a March study, three-quarters of working Americans reported feeling demoralized by the political and economic climate. Psychiatrist Dr. Neha Chaudhary highlighted a similar sentiment, noting that many of her patients cannot recall feeling this level of stress before.

Adding to the tension, former President Donald Trump’s announcement of new global tariffs induced a sharp decline in market confidence, potentially leading to increased prices for daily necessities, further layoffs, and fears of a recession. Financial advisor Suze Orman, citing Warren Buffett, advised maintaining composure despite the chaos.

A recent study in a leading medical journal highlights a surge in invasive Group A Streptococcus infections in ten U.S. states. The report covers about 35 million people over ten years and shows cases doubling since 2022. For Thai audiences, this underscores the importance of understanding alert signs and preventive care in a globally connected world.

The condition is linked to necrotizing fasciitis, a serious infection that destroys soft tissue, and sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection. Although the rise is outside Thailand, the findings emphasize vigilance at home, especially as international travel and trade rise. Public health experts stress the need for timely medical attention when symptoms appear.

A new analysis highlights how stress tests and market turmoil can ripple through global and Thai economies alike. The report describes erratic price movements, limited information, and growing uncertainty as key features of current financial conditions. History shows similar patterns—from the Liz Truss gilt episode in 2022 to the 2008 banking crisis and the cash scramble during the 2020 market stress—reminding policymakers that financial systems are deeply interconnected.

The latest volatility rekindles fears beneath market operations. Even as authorities try to stabilize conditions, unpredictability persists. Concerns range from sharp asset-price swings to mounting margin pressures that could affect institutions. A temporary pause on tariffs announced by a U.S. leader provided brief relief, but experts caution that such measures address symptoms rather than root weaknesses in financial architecture.

In an era where screens dominate everyday life, recent research has raised alarms about the mental health implications of prolonged screen exposure among teenagers, particularly girls. This concern is highly relevant for Thai families navigating the complexities of a digitally connected world. The study highlighted by Tanya Srivastava emphasizes a concerning link between increased screen time and the rise of depressive symptoms in young girls. As digital activities expand from schoolwork to social media and entertainment platforms, understanding these impacts is vital for the well-being of our youth.

A new study highlights the potential brain health risks of heavy drinking. Researchers report that consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week is associated with brain lesions called hyaline arteriolosclerosis, which reflect damaged blood vessels and reduced blood flow that can affect memory and thinking.

The findings also point to an increased presence of tau tangles, a biomarker connected to Alzheimer’s disease, among heavy drinkers and those with a history of heavy drinking. The research further suggests that former drinkers may have lower brain mass and poorer cognitive performance, while heavy drinkers showed a higher likelihood of earlier mortality compared with those who abstain.

In a concerning revelation for public health, recent research has established a link between heavy alcohol consumption and increased risk of brain lesions along with heightened odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease. According to a study published online in Neurology, consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week is associated with brain lesions known as hyaline arteriolosclerosis—indicative of damaged blood vessels that restrict blood flow, potentially impairing memory and cognitive abilities.

In a chilling reminder of the potential dangers of vaping, a high school cheerleader in Nevada has been left with a life-altering diagnosis after secretly vaping for three years. Seventeen-year-old Brianne Cullen was at cheerleading practice when she suddenly found herself gasping for breath, leading to a diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare and chronic disease often referred to as “popcorn lung.” Her story underscores the growing concern around vaping among teenagers, pushing families and health advocates to urge greater awareness and stricter regulation.

Many people in Thailand turn to dietary supplements to boost wellbeing. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open in 2024 raises concerns that some well-liked botanicals may harm liver health. The liver is essential for detoxification and metabolism, and damage can lead to serious consequences, including liver failure.

The research identified six botanical supplements linked to liver toxicity: Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea Extract, Red Yeast Rice, and Turmeric/Curcumin. These products are often marketed for arthritis relief, menopause symptoms, and other age-related concerns. In Thailand, where herbal remedies are deeply rooted in culture, this finding resonates with many consumers who trust “natural” solutions.

A recent study underscores the importance of dietary changes in managing cholesterol levels, shedding light on processed meats as a critical factor. In a world where cholesterol often conjures images of heart disease, it’s essential to understand its dual nature. Cholesterol, a fat-like substance, plays vital roles, from hormone production to cell building. However, when low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol, accumulates excessively, it leads to health risks like heart attacks and strokes.

New research from MIT and Harvard Medical School shows that cytokines—immune molecules that battle infections—also influence brain function and behavior. The findings suggest that illness can alter mood and social interactions not only through fatigue but via direct immune-brain connections. This could help explain aspects of conditions such as autism and depression.

Among the cytokines studied, IL-17 appears to have region-specific effects in the brain. In the amygdala, IL-17 heightens anxiety, while in the somatosensory cortex it seems to increase sociability. The results highlight a complex dialogue between the immune system and neural circuits, pointing to new avenues for understanding how immune activity shapes behavior during illness.

A recent study from The Lundquist Institute challenges the idea that a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet automatically raises heart disease risk. Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Advances, the research explores cardiovascular outcomes among individuals on long-term keto diets who exhibit elevated LDL cholesterol, a group described as Lean Mass Hyper-Responders (LMHRs). The findings suggest no direct correlation between higher cholesterol markers (ApoB and LDL-C) and heart disease in this population.

Recent findings underscore the significant role snacks might play in managing anxiety, a mental health condition impacting nearly one in five adults globally, with implications similarly seen in Thailand. This connection between food and mood, highlighted by dietitians, suggests that diet, although not the primary treatment for anxiety, can serve as a supportive tool in mental health strategies. Among various options, Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls have emerged as the late-night snack praised for their calming effects.

A 101-year-old physician and professor offers practical, timeless guidance for longer, healthier living. Dr. John Scharffenberg, an adjunct professor at a prominent public health school, is known for his active lifestyle, candid tips, and a YouTube presence that reaches millions. His recent talks in Madagascar and Europe underscore a universal message: longevity can be pursued through everyday choices.

Despite a family history with heartbreaks—his mother developed Alzheimer’s in her 60s and his father died of a heart attack in his 70s—Dr. Scharffenberg credits his century-spanning vitality to constant movement and mindful living. He often shares stories about hard work on a rugged property, tending thousands of plants, which kept him physically engaged well into later life.

Recent research has uncovered a significant connection between low vitamin D levels and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This landmark study, drawing on data from a 2023 meta-analysis published in a reputable scientific journal, has highlighted that individuals with vitamin D serum levels below 25 ng/mL have a 59% increased risk of Alzheimer’s than those with higher levels. This finding brings new insight into preventive strategies for Alzheimer’s, a disease that affects millions worldwide and poses an increasing concern across Thailand.