#Gastroenterology

A new study finds that people whose diets tilt toward inflammation are up to three times more likely to experience moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease, while those following anti-inflammatory eating patterns tend to have milder symptoms or stay in remission. The research, summarized by a leading medical news outlet, adds to a growing body of evidence that what we eat can directly influence the course of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. For Thai readers facing rising awareness of IBD, the findings come with important implications about how everyday meals — from street-food staples to family dinners — could affect the gut’s health and flare-ups.

A provocative new study published in a respected medical journal has found that using smartphones while sitting on the toilet is associated with a notably higher risk of hemorrhoids. Based on 125 adults undergoing routine colonoscopy, the research reports that those who used their phones during toilet trips were about 46% more likely to have hemorrhoids, compared with those who did not. The lead observation is stark: a growing habit of scrolling, streaming, and reading in the bathroom may carry more health consequences than many people realize. A growing trend is the use of smartphones while sitting on the toilet to read news, to engage in social media, or simply to pass the time, the study notes, and this increasingly common behavior could have significant health implications, most of which have not been adequately studied. The work was published in a peer‑reviewed journal, highlighting a potential public health message that many Thai households would recognize in daily life.

A recently published study has issued a global warning that a widespread gut bacterium, often carried without evident symptoms, could be responsible for millions of cases of stomach cancer in the coming decades. The research highlights the bacterium’s stealthy infection pattern, raising concern for public health officials and medical communities worldwide—including in Thailand, where prevalence rates and awareness levels remain comparatively low.

The study, which has been widely covered in international media such as the Times of India, identifies Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) as the culprit. This bacterium is known to inhabit the stomach lining of more than half the world’s population, typically without causing obvious symptoms. However, over time, persistent infection can trigger chronic inflammation, ulcers, and, for some, facilitate the development of gastric cancer—the world’s fifth most common malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

A global study warns that the common gut bacterium Helicobacter pylori, often symptom-free, could drive millions of stomach cancer cases in coming decades. The findings underscore how quietly this infection spreads and the urgent need for targeted public health actions worldwide, including in Thailand where awareness and screening remain limited.

H. pylori inhabits the stomach lining of more than half the world’s population. While many experience no symptoms, persistent infection can lead to chronic inflammation and ulcers, and in some cases contribute to gastric cancer. As the world’s fifth most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer deaths, stomach cancer warrants proactive prevention and early detection.

Digestive health issues are on the rise across the globe, with a significant uptick reported in the United States and growing concerns mirrored in Thailand. Recent research compiled by Live It Up and summarized by AOL reveals that up to 66% of Americans now live with gut problems—a trend echoed by healthcare analysts and nutrition experts observing similar patterns in Asia. As physicians and public health leaders warn, the escalating prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and even colorectal cancer has broad implications, not just for individual well-being but for economic productivity and the healthcare system at large.

Digestive health is rising as a global concern, and Thailand is seeing a similar upward trend in gastrointestinal issues. Recent research suggests a large portion of adults worldwide experience gut-related symptoms, with experts warning that conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and even colorectal cancer carry wide implications for individuals, workplaces, and healthcare systems.

For Thai readers, the message is clear: urban lifestyles and changing diets are reshaping public health. As Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other cities modernize, many people still ignore persistent gut symptoms, risking delayed diagnosis and treatment. Medical professionals note that gut health can influence conditions beyond the stomach, including diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and even neurodegenerative diseases. This underscores the importance of early evaluation.

A leading gastroenterologist has revealed four powerful food combinations that can unlock greater nutritional benefits—insights that could guide Thai families toward better gut health and immunity. According to Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, featured in a recent article by EatingWell, the old belief that “you are what you eat” takes on new meaning when we consider not just what, but also how and with what, we eat our foods. This news arrives at a time when Thais are increasingly concerned with practical ways to fortify their health through diet, especially given the nation’s rising rates of lifestyle-related diseases and a growing awareness of nutrition’s role in disease prevention.EatingWell article

A renowned gastroenterologist shares four nutrient-packed pairings that could help Thai families improve gut health and overall immunity. The guidance, featured in a recent EatingWell piece, reframes “you are what you eat” by highlighting not just ingredients, but how and with what they are eaten. This comes as Thais seek practical dietary strategies amid rising lifestyle-related health concerns and a growing interest in nutrition’s role in prevention.

Food synergy is a long-standing idea, but new evidence is shedding light on how the right combinations can maximize nutrient absorption. These pairings go beyond flavor, potentially enhancing the health benefits of everyday ingredients found in Thai kitchens—from street-food staples to home-cooked meals.