#Health

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is vital for health at every stage of life, especially for women of childbearing age, developing children, and the elderly. With its well-established role in supporting cell growth, DNA synthesis, and preventing certain birth defects, folic acid deficiency is a public health issue that Thailand cannot afford to overlook. Fortunately, Thailand’s rich agricultural traditions and food culture offer a treasure trove of folic acid-rich ingredients—many of which are easy to find, cook, and incorporate into daily meals.

In the latest wave of fitness innovation, runners and health enthusiasts are discovering simple, science-backed methods to estimate their VO2 max—right in the comfort of their own homes. Long considered the gold standard for cardiovascular health and aerobic fitness, VO2 max once required expensive lab visits and advanced equipment. Today, new research and field-proven approaches are making this vital sign accessible to everyday Thais striving for healthier lifestyles.

VO2 max measures how much oxygen your body can use during exercise, and a higher score signals a stronger heart, better endurance, and even a longer life. According to the American Heart Association, this single number is one of the best predictors of longevity and overall health risk. Yet, until recently, getting an official reading was a privilege mostly reserved for elite athletes or those with access to high-end sports labs.

As the cost of groceries rises and quick meal options are in high demand, canned tuna remains a popular staple in the pantries of households across the globe—including Thailand. Lauded for its convenience, protein content, and long shelf life, canned tuna often stars in salads, sandwiches, and school lunchboxes. Yet as new research suggests, the decision to make canned tuna a daily habit deserves a closer look, especially for health-conscious Thais and vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.

A growing body of research and expert consensus now challenges the long-held belief that mobility and flexibility are immutable traits set by genetics. Instead, these vital aspects of physical health are increasingly recognized as skills that nearly anyone can improve with targeted practice, according to recent coverage and advice from fitness professionals, including a yoga instructor featured by Fit&Well. This shift in perspective holds special significance for Thais of all ages seeking to enhance their quality of life, prevent injuries, and remain active throughout the lifespan.

A wave of new fitness insight is overturning long-held beliefs about how to lose body fat. According to a recent feature by CNET, you don’t have to pound the pavement or run for hours to achieve your weight loss goals—strength training could be the more effective and sustainable path. The article, based on input from prominent fitness professionals, breaks down why lifting weights not only builds muscle but also sparks fat-burning mechanisms that continue working long after you leave the gym. This shift in perspective is highly significant for Thai readers navigating busy urban lifestyles, cultural dietary norms, and growing public health concerns related to obesity and chronic disease.

Confirmation bias, a deeply rooted psychological phenomenon, explains why we tend to focus on information that agrees with our pre-existing beliefs and ignore or discredit evidence that challenges them. In everyday life, this invisible force shapes not only our individual decisions but also the way Thai society interprets news, politics, and even the stories we tell ourselves about our health and well-being. The significance of understanding confirmation bias is becoming increasingly clear in an era where information is abundant but polarization is rising, both globally and in Thailand.

The Dunning-Kruger Effect is a psychological phenomenon where people with limited knowledge or skill in a particular area often overestimate their own abilities, while those who are more competent may actually underestimate themselves. This effect, first identified by researchers at Cornell University in 1999, has become a widely discussed topic in psychology, workplace training, and even daily Thai culture, as it sheds light on why some individuals appear inexplicably confident about topics they barely understand, while experts may downplay their own expertise [thestandard.co], [themomentum.co], [thaipublica.org].

Every day, people in Thailand—like in many countries—make decisions, big and small, often based on the information that comes most readily to mind. Whether it’s choosing a school, selecting healthcare options, or even deciding which road to take during rainy season, human judgment is rarely as objective as we might assume. One powerful but often unnoticed force at play is “availability bias,” a psychological phenomenon that shapes thinking and behavior based on the information most easily recalled, rather than all relevant facts [Simply Psychology], [Encyclopedia Britannica].

Imagine entering a Thai street market and seeing a beautifully woven silk scarf with a price tag of 2,000 baht. Even if you believe the actual value is lower, that first price sets a reference point. When the vendor offers you a “special price” of 1,200 baht, it feels like a bargain—regardless of the true worth of the scarf. This common negotiation scenario is a classic example of the “anchoring effect,” a psychological phenomenon that subtly but powerfully sways our decisions, often without us noticing.

Across the globe and increasingly in Thailand, a rising number of individuals—especially women—are choosing to become single parents by choice, signaling a paradigm shift in both family structures and societal attitudes. While single parenthood once commonly stemmed from unplanned circumstances, new research shows that a growing share of single parents are consciously opting for this path, empowered by advancing reproductive technologies and changing social norms. As Thai society experiences its own demographic and cultural transitions, understanding this phenomenon is crucial for policymakers, educators, and families.

Running before breakfast—once whispered about only in elite sporting circles—has stepped into the spotlight as growing numbers of athletes embrace “fasted cardio” for improved fat burning and performance. This trend, recently highlighted in a widely circulated Men’s Journal report, is now backed by a mounting body of scientific research, offering both promise and caution for Thai runners seeking to supercharge their fitness routines.

For years, the conventional advice handed down to Thai runners and fitness enthusiasts was to fuel up before workouts. However, scientific studies are revealing that skipping that pre-run meal may offer distinct metabolic advantages, especially for activities like morning jogging or moderate endurance training. The heart of the matter: When you exercise on an empty stomach, your body faces depleted glycogen reserves and must turn rapidly to stored body fat for energy. A 2015 study frequently cited in fitness media found that individuals who exercised in a fasted state increased fat oxidation rates over 24 hours, compared to those who worked out after eating (Yahoo Lifestyle). Similar findings were presented in a review published in the British Journal of Nutrition, noting the metabolic shift and greater reliance on fat as fuel during fasted exercise (PubMed).

A recent study, highlighted in a feature by Men’s Journal, has found that distance runners can substantially extend their time to exhaustion—by as much as 32 percent—by implementing a specific post-workout recovery technique. This discovery, though focused on runners, carries significant implications for athletes and fitness enthusiasts across Thailand, where running continues to gain popularity as both a competitive sport and a healthy lifestyle pursuit.

In Thailand, where urban marathons and charity runs have become a staple in cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, optimizing performance and recovery is a common goal among athletes and recreational runners alike. The new study, referenced in Men’s Journal’s report, provides compelling evidence supporting a post-exercise recovery “hack” that may help runners outpace their previous limits and enhance overall stamina.

A groundbreaking new study has shown that dedicating just one hour per week to uncomplicated weight training can significantly enhance muscle mass and strength—even for those with prior resistance training experience. This latest research, published in April 2025 in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise and featured by The Washington Post, provides encouraging news for busy individuals in Thailand and around the world who feel they simply do not have time for lengthy gym sessions (Washington Post).

Running with a jogging stroller is a common sight in Thailand’s parks and city streets, as active parents find creative ways to merge fitness with family time. However, new research from biomechanics experts at Penn State Berks and Alvernia University, recently detailed in The Washington Post (Washington Post), is prompting a closer look at how this practice affects the body of the person doing the pushing.

The implication is significant for Thai parents who enjoy running as a means to stay healthy while caring for young children. While stroller manufacturers and regulations tend to emphasize child safety, the physical consequences for adult runners have received much less attention—but that’s beginning to change. Overuse injuries, such as shin splints, stress fractures, and knee pain, are already concerns for runners. Introducing a jogging stroller, which presents additional weight and requires a new arm position, may change body mechanics in subtle but impactful ways. For Thailand’s running community, which includes countless parents and caretakers embracing stroller-running in Lumpini Park, Chatuchak Park, and university campuses, understanding these risks is vital.

New scientific research from Japan is shedding light on a remarkable role of sleep: it does not just safeguard our memories of the past, but also equips the brain for learning and adapting to the future. The findings, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, offer insights that are poised to reshape education strategies and approaches to memory health, with clear significance for individuals and policymakers in Thailand.

For generations, Thais—like people worldwide—have held age-old beliefs about the power of a good night’s sleep. Apart from its value for physical health, sleep has long been assumed to help “remember” lessons, from Buddhist scripture memorization in temples to late-night cramming before university examinations. This study by researchers led by a professor at the University of Toyama delivers fresh, concrete scientific evidence that gives new meaning to those cultural insights—and may even offer new paths to address memory-related diseases, a rising concern as Thailand’s population ages.

For many fitness enthusiasts in Thailand and around the world, the drive to push harder in the gym is often seen as a sign of commitment. But new advice from leading personal trainers warns that working out to total exhaustion can actually do more harm than good, with experts highlighting clear warning signs – and encouraging approaches – to ensure exercise brings results without risking injury or burnout. As busy lifestyles and social media fitness trends pressure more Thais to seek “maximum intensity,” understanding where to draw the line is critical for long-term health.

A new wave of parenting discussion has swept through Thailand, mirroring a global debate on the benefits and challenges of co-sleeping with children beyond infancy. Prompted by recent commentary such as “I still co-sleep with my seven-year-old daughter” from The Times, Thai parents and experts are reflecting on both cultural traditions and modern research to navigate what is best for their families.

For generations, co-sleeping—where parents and children share the same bed or bedroom—has been deeply rooted in Thai culture as a way to foster closeness, emotional security, and familial bonds. Many Thai families consider it a practical solution, especially in multi-generational households with limited space, and a way to ensure a child’s safety and comfort during the night. However, as Western parenting philosophies gain influence and research on child development evolves, more Thai parents are questioning when—and if—children should transition to sleeping alone.

The debate around the most effective exercise for weight loss—walking for a longer duration or jogging for a shorter time—is especially relevant for people beginning their fitness journey. Recent research and expert opinions highlight unique advantages for both activities, but choosing “the best” depends on individual health status, goals, and the ability to maintain an exercise habit over time. For Thailand, where exercise habits are intertwined with climatic, societal, and even urban design considerations, understanding these differences is key for effective weight management and health promotion.

In a climate where the popularity of electrolyte powders has surged beyond the athletic field and into everyday life, a growing body of expert analysis is cautioning consumers against excessive use of these supplements. Recent insights from a sports dietitian and medical contributors published by NBC’s TODAY underscore that, for most people, regular water and a balanced diet are sufficient for hydration—and taking too many electrolytes may actually pose health risks (today.com).

Feeling the burn during a workout can be satisfying, but new expert advice warns Thai fitness enthusiasts that pushing to total exhaustion may actually hinder health and progress. According to the latest insights from a renowned personal trainer featured in Business Insider, learning the difference between healthy challenge and harmful overexertion is key to making lasting fitness gains without risking injury or burnout. This research is especially timely as Thailand’s growing fitness culture sees more residents hitting gyms, cycling paths, and Muay Thai studios in search of better health and improved physical appearance.

A new wave of scientific research has reinvigorated the debate over brown versus white rice, sparking interest among health enthusiasts and nutrition experts in Thailand, where rice is deeply woven into daily life. Recent findings reported by The Washington Post explore the distinct health profiles of brown and white rice, a topic of high relevance for Thai consumers who rely on rice as a dietary staple. The research not only highlights the nutritional advantages of brown rice but also examines how daily rice choices may influence aging and chronic disease risk.

New research is reinvigorating an age-old idea: exercising with a partner can significantly boost motivation, workout consistency, and long-term health outcomes. Recent findings show gym attendance increases by 35% when people bring a friend, with participants tending to exercise longer and at higher intensities compared to those who go it alone (PhillyVoice). This growing body of evidence holds special relevance for Thai society, where communal activity is ingrained in daily life but modern urbanisation is nudging lifestyles towards individualism.

A leading running coach is urging Thai runners to shift their focus away from pace, cadence, and even distance, advising that heart rate monitoring should be the primary metric to track for both beginners and experienced athletes alike. According to the latest expert guidance published by Fit&Well, heart rate offers critical insights for optimizing performance, preventing overtraining, and tracking long-term fitness (Fit&Well).

The significance of this advice speaks directly to Thailand’s expanding community of health-conscious citizens. With the nation’s urban parks bustling with recreational runners and participation in local marathons and charity runs on the rise, there is increasing interest in sports science and personal fitness technologies. The push toward heart rate tracking reflects a broader global movement toward more individualized, data-driven training—a trend now also being embraced by Thai running enthusiasts.

A new debate making waves among fitness enthusiasts is whether 45 minutes of brisk walking can rival 15 minutes of slow jogging when it comes to losing weight. Recent research and expert analysis suggest that both forms of exercise can be effective, but the best choice may ultimately depend on personal health goals, fitness levels, and lifestyle.

As Thailand’s population faces mounting challenges from sedentary lifestyles, rising rates of obesity, and related metabolic disorders, understanding the pros and cons of different exercise routines is not just a matter of fad-following—it’s crucial public health knowledge. Walking and jogging are both popular among Thais of all ages due to their accessibility: urban parks, temple grounds, and riverside walkways bustle with morning and evening exercisers. Knowing which activity yields better results for weight loss helps Thais make informed choices for their health.