#Culture

In today’s fast-paced world, stress is an omnipresent force impacting millions globally, including in Thailand. Chronic stress, distinct from its short-term counterpart, wields the power to disrupt both mental and physical health profoundly. A recent article published by NDTV delved into this ubiquitous issue, identifying subtle signs of elevated stress and providing natural strategies for stress reduction curated by Integrative Health Coach Urvashi Agarwal. Such insights are crucial for Thai readers navigating the challenges of modern living and seeking holistic wellness solutions.

A new wave of mental health awareness is spotlighting a phenomenon some describe as “depression attacks” — sudden surges of despair and emotional paralysis. While anxiety often dominates headlines, experts say these episodes are a distinct and impactful experience. A clinical psychologist notes that depression attacks require immediate awareness and support, even though they are not a formal diagnosis like major depressive disorder.

In Thailand, conversations about mental health are shaped by cultural norms and socioeconomic realities. Recognizing depression attacks can empower individuals to seek help and discuss wellbeing openly. While not clinically diagnosed, these episodes typically present as sharp bursts of intense sadness and helplessness, according to mental health professionals. A licensed counselor adds that the onset can be abrupt, yet underlying symptoms are often amplified by stress.

A rising global trend toward higher-protein meals is resonating in Thailand. People are seeking foods that support muscle, metabolism, and overall wellness. Experts caution that protein has clear benefits, but balance remains essential. A senior dietitian warns against overemphasis on protein, noting potential risks such as kidney strain or nutrient gaps if other food groups are neglected.

Thailand’s rich culinary heritage already centers on fresh ingredients and balanced meals. The traditional Thai diet features ample fish, poultry, tofu, legumes, and a colorful array of vegetables, providing solid protein alongside vitamins and minerals. Thai households often blend flavors, textures, and nutrition in harmony, which makes the shift toward higher-protein planning a natural evolution when paired with vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Public health guidance emphasizes tailoring protein choices to individual needs while preserving culinary identity.

Social moments can feel overwhelming for those with social anxiety. New research shows that time perception shifts with age: children often experience time as more eventful, while adults may feel quiet moments stretch longer. This nuance matters because it shapes how we experience conversations, nerves, and crowding in social settings. For Thai readers, time perception intersects with mindfulness traditions and the importance placed on harmonious social life.

Research indicates that our brains process social cues more quickly as we age, yet how we experience time depends on whether we are fully present or dwelling on what comes next. The tension between being in the moment and anticipating the future plays a key role in social anxiety. Thai culture’s emphasis on calm, respectful communication aligns with modern mindfulness practices that encourage listening, presence, and genuine connection in real time.

With the spotlight often focused on anxiety attacks, many might overlook the equally impactful but lesser-known “depression attack.” Highlighted recently by HuffPost’s report, this continues to be a growing concern in mental health discussions. Unlike the clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD), depression attacks describe a sudden, intense wave of despair and emotional paralysis, as explained by clinical psychologist Comfort Shields, indicating an immediate need for awareness and understanding.

In Thailand, where mental health often intertwines deeply with cultural taboos and socioeconomic challenges, understanding this phenomenon can empower individuals to seek support and acknowledge their mental wellbeing. While depression attacks aren’t clinically diagnosed, they manifest through sharp “attacks” of severe sadness and feelings of helplessness, unlike the prolonged nature of MDD. Monica Amorosi, a licensed mental health counselor, suggests these attacks may seem sudden but are often the result of intensified symptoms due to various triggers.

In the world of Thai traditional medicine, few remedies conjure as much intrigue as “khon dok” (ขอนดอก), a unique crude drug derived not from the foliage or flowers of a plant, but from the fungus-infused heartwood of ancient trees, specifically the sacred “pikul” (Mimusops elengi) and “tabak” (Lagerstroemia calyculata). Revered for centuries across the region, khon dok resonates as an intersection of deep-rooted animist tradition, classical Thai and Ayurvedic healing, and emerging biomedical research. Today, as both practitioners and scientists re-examine humble old formulas in the quest for greener, more localized therapeutics, the story of khon dok stands as a compelling model of how ancient wisdom and modern science can harmonize.

Khon dok is a remarkable Thai traditional remedy drawn from fungus-infused heartwood, not leaves or flowers. It comes from pikul or tabak trees and is used in many communities to support digestion, heart health, and as a general tonic. Today, researchers are re-examining this ancient formula as interest in local, sustainable medicines grows.

Thai herbalists across the central, northern, and northeastern regions have long valued khon dok for its purported astringent, cooling, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the era of antibiotic resistance and concerns about side effects from synthetic drugs, scientists are revisiting khon dok to understand what makes the wood-fungus complex potentially beneficial.

To anyone familiar with the fragrant world of traditional Thai and Chinese herbal medicine, few roots embody such history and medical promise as kot kraduk (โกฐกระดูก), known scientifically as Aucklandia lappa DC. and in Chinese as mu xiang (木香). With its distinctive aromatic qualities, kot kraduk—once procured chiefly from trade routes stretching into the Himalayas—has been renowned for centuries across Asia as a mainstay of herbal prescriptions for digestive, pain, and inflammatory conditions. As scientific advances probe the truths behind ancient healing, kot kraduk emerges as a fascinating case where tradition and research meet.

Kot kraduk, or gok kraduk in Thai, is Aucklandia lappa DC, known in Chinese as mu xiang. This aromatic root has long been valued in traditional Thai and Chinese medicine for digestive comfort, pain relief, and inflammatory symptoms. Today, researchers are exploring how ancient knowledge aligns with modern science, offering a fascinating look at how herbal medicine evolves.

The plant’s story is deeply entwined with Thai culture. For generations, healers in Ayutthaya and across Bangkok and Chiang Mai have used dried kot kraduk as part of simple blends and complex formulas. It stands as a symbol of trust in natural remedies and a link between past and present. Modern studies from labs to early clinical trials are beginning to clarify why this “bone-like” root remains a staple in herbal pharmacopoeias.

A notable U.S. university report challenges decades of thinking about memory formation. The classic idea linked memory storage to simple synaptic strengthening, encapsulated in “neurons that fire together, wire together.” New findings reveal a more nuanced picture.

Researchers concentrate on the hippocampus, the brain’s memory hub. Traditional models posited that coordinated neuron firing stabilizes memories, while isolated activity fades. The study introduces Behavioral Timescale Synaptic Plasticity, or BTSP, as a broader framework for how memories develop and adapt over time.

New insights into how male and female brains differ offer a nuanced view that moves beyond stereotypes. Research summarized by reputable neuroscience outlets shows structural and functional variations influence language, emotion, and problem-solving. For Thai readers, these findings have practical relevance to classrooms, workplaces, and families, encouraging a culturally grounded dialogue about diverse cognitive strengths.

Over decades, scientists have explored how brains are wired. Early observations noted that brain injuries can affect men and women differently due to hemispheric specialization. Contemporary work suggests women often recruit both hemispheres more broadly for certain tasks, supporting flexibility in language and spatial processing. This neural versatility helps explain why many women demonstrate adaptive thinking in complex situations.

A recent study led by Professor Tim Spector and conducted by nutrition researchers at Zoe reframes how we view ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The team introduces a Practical Processed Food Risk Scale that ranks items from low to high risk based on additives, palatability, and energy density. Since UPFs form a sizable part of many diets worldwide, including in Thailand, this framework helps consumers make more informed choices.

Traditionally, UPFs have been deemed uniformly unhealthy because they often contain preservatives, sweeteners, emulsifiers, and high levels of sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats. The Zoe findings, however, suggest that some processed items may pose less risk when they contribute beneficial components such as fiber or probiotics. For example, unsalted butter, certain dairy products with live cultures, and some whole-grain cereals may land in the low- or no-risk categories when consumed as part of a balanced diet. In contrast, heavily engineered snacks and flavored yogurts designed to maximize palatability remain higher-risk due to their formulation and potential effects on gut health.

Low-carb eating has grown popular as a tool for weight management and better health. For Thai readers, it’s important to weigh benefits against potential challenges before changing how you eat. Science suggests some advantages, but long-term adherence isn’t easy for everyone.

Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source. They appear as simple carbs in milk and fruit and as complex carbs in grains and vegetables. All carbs are converted to glucose to fuel cells, muscles, and organs. Traditional low-carb plans require a sharp cut below typical daily intake, which ranges from about 225 to 325 grams for healthy adults. Popular programs such as keto, Paleo, and Atkins often restrict to 20 to 60 grams per day.

A recent study by researchers at the University of the Basque Country, published in Nature Metabolism, found that marathon running can temporarily reduce myelin content in the brain. Importantly, these changes are fully reversible within two months, offering reassurance to endurance athletes concerned about lasting neural effects.

As Bangkok’s marathon scene grows, this finding is particularly relevant for Thai runners who tackle the 42-kilometer challenge. The study introduces the concept of metabolic myelin plasticity, suggesting that during intense exercise the brain may tap myelin lipids as an additional energy source when glucose is scarce. This aligns with established knowledge that glycogen stores deplete during long efforts, prompting the body to adapt its energy pathways.

A major study from the University of Chicago rethinks how memories form, offering fresh insights into neurological conditions like dementia. Published in Nature Neuroscience, the work examines how synaptic plasticity—the brain’s ability to strengthen connections between neurons—works in real life, not just in classic theories. The researchers highlight a shift from traditional Hebbian ideas to Behavioral Timescale Synaptic Plasticity (BTSP), a model that better explains how memory representations change over time.