Gut-Brain Rhythm Sparks New Era for Thai Mental Health Care
A global study rethinks the gut-brain connection by showing that the stomach’s electrical rhythms may reflect mental health status. Involving participants across several countries, researchers measured the stomach’s natural 20-second cycles with non-invasive sensors and paired them with brain imaging. Surprisingly, stronger synchronization between frontal and parietal brain regions and gastric rhythms correlated with higher anxiety, depression, and stress scores.
For Thailand, where mental health services are stretched and often rely on self-reports, this could be transformative. An objective, body-based biomarker might help healthcare workers identify at-risk individuals more efficiently, complementing traditional assessments. The potential is especially meaningful for university students and working adults facing rising stress nationwide.