#Health

A new study from McMaster University questions whether gluten is the primary trigger for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Published in Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the research suggests that expectations and perceptions may drive symptoms for many IBS patients, not gluten alone. For Thai audiences following wellness trends in Bangkok and beyond, this invites a more nuanced conversation about gluten-free diets and digestive health.

IBS is a chronic condition marked by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. It is common worldwide and can be hard to diagnose because there is no visible tissue damage like in inflammatory bowel disease. The trial enrolled 28 IBS patients who believed they felt better on a gluten-free diet. In a double-blind setup, participants tasted cereal bars containing gluten, wheat, or neither—without knowing which bar they ate. This design reduces bias and reveals true dietary effects.

Recent headlines and casual conversations have echoed a remarkable observation: “Everyone seems to have autism these days.” At first glance, the increasing numbers of autism diagnoses — with one study reporting a 787% rise between 1998 and 2018 — might suggest a sudden surge in neurodivergence among both children and adults. However, new research and expert commentary reveal a far more nuanced story, one that is reshaping both medical practice and public perceptions in Thailand and beyond.

A new report is casting doubt on the necessity of electrolyte powders, drinks, and tablets for the average person—a market that has ballooned to an estimated $38 billion in 2024 alone. As colorful bottles and attractive marketing campaigns promise better hydration, improved health, and even performance boosts, many Thais are left wondering: do these drinks really deliver on their promises, or are they just another health fad?

Electrolyte products are marketed to athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even ordinary people who want to enhance their daily hydration. Popular in gyms and convenience stores across Bangkok, these drinks contain key minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium—elements vital for maintaining fluid balance in the body, regulating heart rhythm, and ensuring muscle and nerve function. While sports drinks have become commonplace, public health experts say many Thais may be overestimating their benefits and underestimating the power of a regular balanced diet.

A recent review questions the necessity of electrolyte powders, drinks, and tablets for most people, even as the global market spins toward a multi-billion-dollar figure in 2024. In Bangkok gyms, convenience stores, and online shops, vibrant bottles promise better hydration and performance. For Thai readers, the takeaway is clear: can ordinary meals and water meet everyday hydration needs without chasing every new beverage?

Electrolyte products target athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and busy office workers who want a quick hydration boost. In Thailand, these drinks are common in fitness centers and markets and usually contain minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These electrolytes help maintain fluid balance and support heart rhythm, muscle, and nerve function. Yet public health experts emphasize that a varied, regular diet already provides most of what the body needs for daily activity.

Autism awareness is growing, but the numbers are not a sudden epidemic. A widely cited figure from the past suggests a 787% rise in autism diagnoses between 1998 and 2018. Experts say this reflects improved recognition and broader understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rather than a sharp increase in new cases. The implication is clear for Thai readers: better screening and support, not fear.

Improved screening and broader diagnostic criteria explain much of the visibility. Traditional definitions often captured only the most obvious cases, missing those with subtler or atypical presentations. As awareness expands, more women, adults, and individuals with non-traditional symptoms are diagnosed and connected with services. In Thailand, stories of adults seeking assessments after years of masking mirror global shifts toward understanding diverse autistic experiences.

Breathing during exercise matters, and new findings can help Thai fitness enthusiasts train smarter. Experts agree that for most workouts, natural breathing works well as long as you avoid shallow, rapid breaths.

Thailand’s fitness boom has brought breathing technique into the spotlight. HIIT studios in Bangkok and community runs nationwide inspire beginners and pros alike to optimize performance. Yet online tips—nasal breathing, cadence patterns, or yoga-inspired postures—can complicate what should be a simple act: taking in air.

Cilantro, known as phak chee in Thai, brightens tom yum, elevates larb, and finishes many street-side soups. A small but vocal segment of diners finds its flavor soapy. New research shows this aversion is genetic, not simply a personal preference, offering a fresh lens on how Thais experience food.

In Thai cuisine, cilantro’s citrusy zing is celebrated for lifting dishes from sour to savory. Yet the soapy bitterness has puzzled cooks and diners for years. Research indicates that genetic differences influence how cilantro tastes to different people.

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that older adults with extensive musical training maintain brain functions more akin to younger individuals, offering fresh hope for combatting age-related cognitive decline—especially when it comes to understanding speech in noisy environments. The research, conducted by scientists from the University of Toronto, Baycrest Academy, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was published recently in the journal PLOS Biology and is attracting international attention for its implications on healthy aging and lifelong learning (Earth.com).

A recent study indicates that older adults with extensive musical training show brain activity closer to that of younger people, especially in processing speech amid background noise. Conducted by researchers from the University of Toronto, Baycrest, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the work highlights lifelong learning as a potential defense against age-related cognitive decline. The findings appear in PLOS Biology and emphasize the value of sustained musical engagement for brain health.

Many people struggle to keep up an exercise routine. But a recent personal experiment, widely shared in a July 2025 feature from The Guardian, suggests one surprisingly simple solution: combining exercise with watching television. This blend of movement and entertainment could be the breakthrough Thai readers need to make fitness a sustainable part of daily life, especially in urban environments where sedentary lifestyles are on the rise.

The significance of this new approach comes amidst growing concern over the health risks of inactivity in Thailand. With long workdays, heavy traffic, and small living spaces, both young and older Thais cite lack of motivation and perceived boredom as top reasons for skipping regular exercise. The Guardian article recounts the journey of an individual who, after struggling for years to establish a workout routine, found lasting success by positioning a stationary bicycle in front of his TV. The catch? A strict rule: no watching without cycling. The outcome was over six hours of exercise per week, all while enjoying favorite sports and shows (source: The Guardian).

A new wave of fitness advice suggests that how you breathe could be key to unlocking better exercise performance, but experts say results are more nuanced than social media trends might have you believe. Recent research and commentary highlighted by the New York Times indicate that while deliberate breathing methods, like belly breathing, can provide marginal benefits for athletes and casual exercisers, most people’s natural breathing patterns suffice for the majority of workouts—so long as they avoid shallow breaths.

Mosquito-borne illnesses surge during Thailand’s rainy season, making prevention a daily concern for families. Thousands fall ill each year from dengue and other infections carried by these insects. New research and expert guidance released in mid-2025 offer practical, evidence-based strategies for staying bite-free whether you’re dining outdoors, visiting temples, or hiking in northern forests. Understanding what attracts mosquitoes helps Thai readers protect themselves and loved ones from itching and illness.

A growing health concern in Thailand is maintaining regular exercise. A July 2025 Guardian feature highlights a simple, practical approach: exercise while watching television. For urban Thais, this idea could turn sedentary routines into sustainable habits.

Thailand’s health landscape underscores the urgency. Long work hours, heavy traffic, and compact living spaces contribute to low activity levels among both young and older residents. The Guardian story follows an individual who built a sustainable routine by placing a stationary bike in front of the TV, with a clear rule: no watching unless cycling. The result was more than six hours of movement each week, enjoyed while catching favorite sports and shows. This narrative aligns with evidence that small, enjoyable activity yields meaningful health benefits.

For many Thais, cilantro (known locally as phak chee) is inseparable from everyday cuisine — sprinkled on tom yum, incorporated into larb, or simply used as a fresh garnish on soups and street-side noodles. Yet, a curious minority recoil at its presence, describing its taste as reminiscent of soap. Recent research confirms this odd aversion is grounded in genetics rather than culinary preference, reshaping our understanding of food appreciation in Thailand and globally.

A new wave of research is shedding light on the extensive—and sometimes unexpected—health implications of vitamin D deficiency, with experts warning that failing to get enough of the so-called “sunshine vitamin” could have far-reaching effects beyond what most people realize. These findings are particularly relevant for Thai readers, given shifting lifestyles, urbanization, and the rising prevalence of indoor work and study patterns, all of which can contribute to vitamin D insufficiency.

A landmark meta-analysis published in July 2025 is shaking up the world of sleep science, revealing that exercise forms like tai chi, yoga, and jogging may rival, or even surpass, medication as frontline treatments for chronic insomnia. The study, which pooled data from 22 randomized clinical trials and 1,348 participants, found that these accessible and affordable activities can deliver dramatic improvements in sleep quality, efficiency, and total sleep time — sometimes matching current gold-standard therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i)[ScienceDaily]( https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000856.htm).

Vitamin D deficiency affects more than bone health. In Thailand’s growing urban centers, long indoor hours and limited sun exposure may influence immunity, mood, and chronic disease risk. For Thai readers, this matters as city life shifts toward less outdoor time and more indoor activity.

Vitamin D supports bone strength, inflammation control, and immune function. New evidence suggests it may also impact mood, heart health, and disease risk. Data from the U.S. National Institutes of Health show about one in three Americans has insufficient vitamin D, while global estimates indicate a substantial portion of the population may be deficient. In Thailand, a 2019 study from Mahidol University found nearly 45% of urban Thai adults have below-optimal levels, highlighting the sun-exposure gap in city life.

A new study links regular physical activity to changes in gut bacteria, offering fresh insight into why exercise could improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes. Researchers found that exercise shifts gut microbes to produce a metabolite that strengthens the immune attack on tumors. The findings were observed in mice and showed supportive patterns in human cancer patients, suggesting a modifiable path to boost treatment success.

Data from a leading research institution show that immune checkpoint inhibitors work differently across patients. While these therapies can unleash the immune system against cancer, up to half of patients may not respond. The study demonstrates that exercise-induced changes in the gut microbiome produce formate, a simple metabolite that enhances CD8 T cells and slows tumor growth. This suggests lifestyle factors could help improve cancer outcomes.

A groundbreaking new study published in Cell has revealed how regular exercise can reprogram the gut microbiome, leading to the production of a key molecule that supercharges the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. The research, which combined laboratory work with observations in human cancer patients, offers fresh insight into why physical activity may enhance the success rates of immunotherapy treatments against cancer — and opens intriguing possibilities for new anti-cancer interventions. (ZME Science)

A new study in a leading science journal challenges the idea that a baby’s sex is purely by chance. Analyzing more than 146,000 pregnancies from over 58,000 women across six decades, researchers found that some families are more likely to have multiple children of the same sex. This finding invites Thai readers to reconsider long-held family narratives about gender balance.

The core message is striking: the odds of a child being a boy or a girl in a family resemble a weighted coin flip rather than a flawless one. Genetic factors and maternal age appear to tilt the balance. Traditionally, many believed each pregnancy had a perfect 50-50 chance, but the new evidence points to non-random tendencies. For Thai families, this prompts reflection on cultural stories about gender that have guided generations.

A recent article in The Economist has reignited debate over the effectiveness of probiotics, the so-called “good bacteria” marketed for everything from gut health to immune support. Behind attractive packaging and billion-baht marketing campaigns, probiotics promise to balance the thousands of microbial species living inside our intestines and promote overall wellness (The Economist). But does the latest research support these claims, and what does the science mean for Thai consumers who increasingly embrace probiotic supplements and drinks?

As the popularity of half and full marathons continues to surge in Thailand and across the globe, a growing number of runners are facing the challenge of training during the region’s hottest months. But according to the latest research and advice from top exercise physiologists, adapting to hot weather is not just possible—it can be a dramatic performance enhancer if approached with knowledge and caution (Runners World).

For Thai runners preparing for events like the Bangkok Marathon or Chiang Mai’s annual half marathon, the timing of their peak training often collides with the year’s most stifling temperatures. The question for many becomes: How do you train hard and stay safe while running in the heat? Recent insights from exercise scientists provide much-needed answers, offering both reassurance and actionable strategies relevant to Thailand’s tropical climate.

A groundbreaking new study published in Science Advances has upended the commonly held belief that the sex of a baby is purely a matter of chance, revealing that birth sex patterns within families may follow unique, weighted probabilities. This research—based on more than 146,000 pregnancies from over 58,000 women across nearly six decades—suggests that some families have a higher likelihood of producing multiple children of the same sex, offering fresh insight into age-old questions about why some parents end up with, for instance, “all girls” or “all boys” (Washington Post).

Probiotics are popular for gut health and immunity, but how strong is the science behind them? In Thailand, interest is rising as social media buzz, fermented foods, and an expanding probiotic market intersect with everyday diets. A 2025 Asia-Pacific trend report notes growing use of probiotic products in Thai households, from yogurt drinks to plant-based beverages and fortified cereals.

Experts warn that benefits are not universal. The impact of probiotics depends on the specific strain, dose, and a person’s health status. A comprehensive 2025 review shows that some probiotics may assist certain cancer treatments, immune function, and gastrointestinal health in specific contexts, but results vary. Claims about broad benefits, such as preventing eczema or common colds, are not consistently supported.