#Evidencebased

A new wave of research and personal investigations is casting fresh light on a longstanding problem for office workers and anyone with a sedentary lifestyle: stubborn shoulder knots. Fuelled by increasing screen time and poor posture, shoulder discomfort is becoming an everyday challenge for many Thais. A recent experiment by a fitness writer, reported in Fit&Well, tested four yoga-inspired exercises designed specifically for this issue—and the findings, reinforced by scientific studies, carry promising news for those seeking relief without costly massage treatments.

A wave of new research and personal trials is shedding light on a stubborn issue for many Thais with sedentary jobs: shoulder knots. With rising screen time and poor posture, shoulder discomfort has become a daily challenge for office workers. A fitness writer tested four yoga-inspired exercises designed to ease this problem, and the results—supported by recent scientific studies—offer promising, affordable relief without expensive massages.

In Thailand, chronic shoulder tension is common among professionals in the digital economy and education sectors. While both traditional Thai massage and modern physiotherapy are popular, regular access can be impractical or costly. The Fit&Well report suggests a simple, accessible alternative: targeted stretching that relieves tension and improves shoulder mobility using everyday items like towels or sliders. With just ten minutes per session, the writer reported noticeable relief.

A wave of excitement has hit health and wellness circles following claims that a “fasting mimicking diet” (FMD) can help individuals lose stubborn belly fat in as little as five days. Recent headlines, like the one from First for Women, are stirring curiosity and hope among those looking for quick, effective, and sustainable weight loss solutions. But can this new dietary protocol truly deliver such dramatic results, or is it merely the latest fad to sweep social media?

A wave of curiosity has swept health circles as claims spread that a fasting mimicking diet (FMD) can reduce stubborn belly fat in as little as five days. Headlines from wellness outlets have sparked interest among readers seeking quick, sustainable weight loss. But can this approach deliver dramatic results, or is it just another social media fad?

To understand the buzz, it helps to know how FMD differs from traditional fasting. Developed by biogerontologist Dr. Valter Longo at a major U.S. university, FMD aims to imitate the effects of water-only fasting while allowing limited calories. Over five consecutive days, people follow a plant-based plan low in protein and sugar but high in healthy fats, keeping total calories far below normal intake. The goal is to trigger cellular repair and fat-burning processes without complete food abstention. According to research from Longo’s team, the program can simulate fasting without total fasting.

A fresh wave of research into collagen supplements has sparked considerable debate, questioning the true benefits these products offer for skin and joint health. With Thais increasingly turning to collagen powders, capsules, and drinks promising firmer skin and pain-free movement, the latest evidence raises important questions about whether these popular supplements deliver on their bold claims—or if they’re just another fleeting consumer trend.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, forming a crucial structure for our skin, bones, and joints. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to wrinkles, loose skin, and joint discomfort—ailments that many Thai people, especially those over 40, are eager to combat. It’s common to see collagen products on pharmacy shelves across Thailand, from Bangkok malls to local markets. But does popping a collagen capsule or sipping a strawberry-flavored collagen drink actually slow the aging process or ease joint pain?

A cantaloupe- and wheat-derived supplement is drawing international attention for claims it slows aging, protects the heart, and aids cancer care. In Thai health circles, interest is rising but experts urge careful interpretation of early findings and insist on robust evidence before widespread use.

GliSODin combines superoxide dismutase (SOD) from melon with gliadin, a wheat gluten component. A prominent clinician associated with the product has touted significant surgical recovery benefits and broad organ-system effects based on numerous trials. He says his experience spans more than 40 studies, and he personally uses GliSODin. He described the supplement as a “unique entity” with capabilities not seen in other products, a claim that has fueled ongoing discussion in international media.

A supplement derived from cantaloupe melon and wheat protein—little-known to most Thai consumers—has been making waves among international health experts, promising a host of benefits from heart disease prevention to slowing down skin aging and even aiding cancer therapies. New claims about this antioxidant supplement, called GliSODin, have surfaced in a widely circulated article in the New York Post, as well as in emerging research across Europe, North America, and Asia. But can this “wonder supplement” live up to the hype, and what does the evidence mean for Thai health seekers?

A recently spotlighted dietary supplement is drawing attention in health circles, with US media touting its potential to prevent cancer, support heart health, and slow skin aging. While headlines label it a “wonder supplement,” Thai readers deserve a careful, evidence-based look at what science actually supports and what remains uncertain. As more Thais seek natural ways to protect long-term health, understanding the real science behind such claims is essential.

The discussion around this supplement mirrors a global fascination with nutraceuticals that promise wide-ranging benefits. In Thailand, rising life expectancy and increasing chronic disease rates have boosted supplement use. The country now hosts a multibillion-baht wellness market, reflecting a strong desire to prevent non-communicable diseases and maintain vitality through natural products.

A newly highlighted dietary supplement is making waves in the health community after US media reports touted its potential to prevent cancer, improve heart health, and slow skin aging. Reported by the New York Post as the “wonder supplement you’ve never heard of,” this compound is rapidly gaining traction, raising questions around its scientific basis, practical benefits, and implications for a health-conscious Thai public. As more consumers seek accessible, natural ways to bolster long-term health, understanding the actual science behind such claims is essential.

As probiotics continue to line the shelves of Bangkok supermarkets and pharmacies, more Thai consumers—สุขภาพดีอยู่แล้ว—are asking: should I be adding these “good bacteria” to my daily routine, or is a fibre-rich ผักและผลไม้ diet enough for a healthy gut? The newest research, including a comprehensive 2024 review in Advances in Nutrition, brings clarity to the probiotic puzzle, offering practical advice amidst the booming global wellness trend.

For Thailand, where fermented foods like น้ำพริก, เต้าเจี้ยว, and yogurt-based drinks are everyday staples, the appeal of packaged probiotics is both a product of globalization and increased health consciousness. Advertisements promise improved digestion, better immunity, enhanced mood, and even weight management, but what does the science say about real benefits for already healthy people? And how does this apply to the Thai lifestyle, richly intertwined with traditional diets and home remedies?

Probiotic shelves are ubiquitous in Bangkok’s supermarkets and pharmacies. Many Thai shoppers wonder whether adding “good bacteria” to daily routines is necessary, or if a fibre-rich diet of Thai fruits and vegetables suffices for a healthy gut. A comprehensive 2024 review in Advances in Nutrition clarifies where probiotics can help and where they may not.

In Thailand, fermented foods like น้ำพริก, เต้าเจี้ยว, and yogurt-based drinks are everyday staples. The appeal of packaged probiotic products reflects both globalization and rising health awareness. Advertisements promise better digestion, stronger immunity, improved mood, and weight management. Yet scientific findings emphasize benefits mainly in specific situations, not as a universal boost for healthy individuals. This nuance matters for a culture deeply rooted in traditional diets and home remedies.

Castor oil, orละหุ่ง, sits at the crossroads of Thai traditional healing and contemporary science. Derived from Ricinus communis seeds, its legacy spans centuries—from household remedies to topics of current pharmacological research. In Thailand, interest in castor oil grows as ancient practices intertwine with evidence-based medicine, offering a case study in how tradition can inform modern healthcare.

Thai households have long used castor oil for a range of purposes. Traditionally applied topically for skin inflammation, muscle and joint pain, and minor wounds, the oil is also a common laxative in internal remedies. In rural communities, castor oil has been part of family healing rituals, carrying both practical use and cultural caution about its potent properties. The plant is familiar across Thailand’s tropical landscape, with regional names such as ละหุ่งขาว and ละหุ่งแดง signaling its presence in local folk knowledge.

In the landscape of Thai traditional medicine, few herbal remedies have achieved the enduring prominence of castor oil, or “ละหุ่ง.” Extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis L., castor oil’s legacy spans centuries—pivoting from local wisdom to a remedy that has generated considerable interest among researchers and health enthusiasts in Thailand and around the world. As ancient applications increasingly intersect with medical science, castor oil emerges not only as a fascinating artifact of cultural heritage but also as a subject of rigorous pharmacological inquiry.