#Health

A new US study has sparked concern across the global dental and consumer safety communities. Researchers tested 51 toothpaste brands and found that a large majority contained toxic heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. The report, published in April 2025, highlights potential risks for families who rely on toothpaste daily, including children, and underscores the need for stricter oversight in Thailand and beyond.

According to investigative researchers led by a patient-safety group, about 90% of the tested brands contained detectable lead, with two-thirds showing arsenic and nearly half containing mercury. About one in three brands carried cadmium. All of these metals are classified as harmful to health, and exposure is associated with cognitive, kidney, and cardiovascular issues, with children being especially vulnerable. Public health experts emphasize that no safe level of lead exposure exists, particularly for young children.

A wave of new science is reshaping how we understand touch—the earliest and among the most complex senses we rely on daily. Led by researchers at Harvard Medical School, recent work highlights how a diverse network of skin and organ sensors creates our perception of everything from a gentle kiss to a thorn’s prick. The findings also point to how disruptions in touch processing can influence chronic pain and autism, according to a feature by Quanta Magazine.

In a scientific renaissance reshaping our understanding of human sensation, new research led by David Ginty at Harvard Medical School is illuminating the breathtaking intricacies of touch—the first sense we develop and the most complex in both scope and impact on our lives. Recent findings, highlighted in a striking feature from Quanta Magazine, reveal how a rich tapestry of specialized cellular sensors underpins our ability to perceive everything from a lover’s gentle kiss to the prick of a thorn, and show that faulty touch processing may hold the key to conditions like chronic pain and autism (Quanta Magazine).

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles under five millimeters. New research suggests they may accelerate aging at the cellular level, raising concerns for long-term health in Thailand and around the world. For Thai audiences, understanding these findings is critical as plastic waste and seafood consumption intersect with daily life.

Researchers studying how microplastics interact with human cells report that exposure can trigger cellular stress and inflammation. Some studies indicate these particles may hasten telomere shortening, a process linked to aging and to risks for age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders. While most experiments use cell cultures, the implications point to potential health impacts with chronic exposure. A leading environmental toxicologist stressed that microplastics are more than passive pollutants; they can actively interfere with basic biological processes.

Recent scientific findings are raising fresh concerns about the health risks posed by microplastics, as new research suggests these tiny pollutants may accelerate aging at the cellular level. According to a report covered by Earth.com, exposure to microplastics might not only be an environmental hazard, but could also trigger premature cellular aging—potentially affecting long-term health outcomes for people around the globe, including here in Thailand (Earth.com).

The presence of microplastics—particles less than five millimeters in size—has been detected everywhere from our oceans to the air we breathe, and now even in human blood and organs. Thailand, with its rich coastline and vibrant seafood culture, is particularly vulnerable to microplastic pollution, given the prevalence of plastic waste in waterways and the Bangkok metropolitan area’s struggle with plastic management. Research consistently links the consumption of microplastics, common in drinking water and foods like shellfish and salt, to potential health risks, but only recently have scientists pinpointed the impact at a cellular level.

A recent study published this week has found that older adults who seek medical help for cannabis use may face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia, highlighting urgent concerns as marijuana use rises among aging populations worldwide—including here in Thailand. This research, first reported by The New York Times, observed a meaningful connection between cannabis use disorder and subsequent dementia diagnosis in individuals aged 55 and older, prompting both health professionals and policymakers to re-examine guidelines and public health messaging regarding cannabis, especially in countries like Thailand that are reconsidering their cannabis policies.

A new study indicates that older adults who seek medical help for cannabis-related issues may face a higher risk of developing dementia in the following years. The findings, highlighted by major outlets and drawing on thousands of patient records, urge health professionals and policymakers to re-evaluate cannabis guidance for aging populations. In Thailand, where medical cannabis policies have evolved, the topic resonates with ongoing public health discussions about safe use and long-term cognitive health.

In the quest for a balanced diet, it’s common to underestimate the mineral potassium, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining kidney, heart, muscle, and brain functions. A recent article has shed light on the fact that while bananas are renowned for their potassium content, there are actually 20 other foods that outperform this popular fruit in supporting our potassium intake. This revelation is particularly relevant for Thai readers keen on diversifying their diets to harness the full array of health benefits that potassium offers.

Potassium is essential for kidney, heart, muscle, and brain function. Recent nutrition insights reveal that bananas aren’t the only strong source. For Thai readers aiming to diversify diets, a wider set of potassium-rich options can boost health without sacrificing flavor.

The daily potassium target for adults generally falls around 2,600 to 3,400 milligrams, varying with age, sex, and pregnancy or breastfeeding status. A medium banana provides about 375 milligrams, contributing roughly 11-14% of the daily value. This gap highlights the value of exploring other potent sources.

A growing focus on heart health is prompting Thai households to rethink convenient breakfast favorites like sausages and turkey sandwiches. A recent EatingWell article highlights processed meats as the top category to limit for lowering high cholesterol risk, a concern that resonates in Thailand as the country navigates traditional eating patterns and modern health guidance.

Cholesterol serves essential roles in the body, including hormone production, fat digestion, and vitamin D synthesis. However, when levels climb, arteries can accumulate plaque, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. With cardiovascular disease remaining a leading cause of mortality worldwide, understanding diet’s impact is crucial. In Thailand, balancing cherished culinary traditions with health goals is both a priority and a daily challenge.

Many Thai households enjoy convenience foods like turkey sandwiches and breakfast sausages, but recent dietary guidance suggests these choices might warrant a second thought, especially when managing cholesterol levels. A recent article by EatingWell points out processed meats as the number one food to limit for reducing high cholesterol risk, a concern that resonates globally and here in Thailand.

Cholesterol, a substance necessary for hormone production, digestion, and vitamin D synthesis, can become a health hazard when levels rise too high. It can lead to plaque in the arteries, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. With heart disease being one of the leading causes of death worldwide, understanding dietary impacts has never been more crucial. In Thailand, where food plays a central cultural role, balancing tradition and health is both a priority and challenge.

A recent study challenges the belief that high-intensity workouts are the quickest path to weight loss for women over 50. Researchers found that walking at a slower pace can significantly boost fat loss in this group. The findings appear in Nutrients, published in January 2022.

The study followed 25 postmenopausal women over 15 weeks, with all participants walking about three miles four days a week. Sixteen women continued the program for 30 weeks. Results showed that leisurely walkers averaging 3.2 miles per hour for roughly 54 minutes daily lost about 2.7 times more body fat than those who walked faster at 4.1 miles per hour for around 45 minutes.

A recent study has overturned the common belief that high-intensity workouts are the best way to lose weight, especially for women over the age of 50. Surprisingly, it turns out that walking at a slower pace significantly boosts fat loss for this group, according to research published in the journal Nutrients in January 2022.

The study tracked 25 postmenopausal women over a period of 15 weeks, with all participants adhering to a consistent walking regimen of about three miles, four days a week. Of these, 16 women extended their participation to 30 weeks. The results were compelling: women who walked at a leisurely pace of 3.2 miles per hour for approximately 54 minutes each day lost 2.73 times more fat than those who sped through their walks at 4.1 miles per hour for about 45 minutes.

Recent research highlights a worrying connection between low magnesium levels and an increased risk of chronic degenerative diseases. A 2024 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition points to a potential link between magnesium deficiency and conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Conducted by researchers in Australia, the study examined the blood samples of 172 middle-aged adults, evaluating their magnesium levels and markers of DNA damage.

A 2024 study suggests that low magnesium levels may be connected to a greater risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Conducted by researchers in Australia and published in the European Journal of Nutrition, the research analyzed blood samples from 172 middle-aged adults to examine magnesium status and DNA damage markers. The findings indicate that those with the lowest magnesium levels showed elevated homocysteine, a marker linked to higher DNA damage and potential neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

After a lively night of drinking, a 33-year-old man’s seemingly innocuous morning-after symptoms spiraled into a medical crisis revealing an acute heart condition. The man, residing in Qingdao, China, awoke with a swollen face and puffy eyelids, assuming it was merely the effects of his indulgence. However, the true cause was far more severe: a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSOVA), an exceptionally rare and life-threatening heart anomaly.

Over a grueling three-month period, the man’s symptoms escalated. Swelling transitioned from his face to a full-body condition, accompanied by tightening of the chest and abdominal swelling. Despite numerous consultations, initial tests showing high protein levels in his urine led doctors away from diagnosing his cardiac struggles. The diagnosis only came after his admission to Qilu Hospital’s emergency department, where doctors identified the rupture likely precipitated by “strenuous exercise” following his alcohol consumption, according to their publication in the Journal of Medical Case Reports.

A 33-year-old man in Qingdao, China, woke after a night of heavy drinking with facial swelling and puffy eyes, mistaking these symptoms for a hangover. In reality, he was experiencing a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSOVA), a rare and potentially deadly heart abnormality.

Over three months, his condition worsened. Facial swelling spread to his entire body, his chest tightened, and abdominal swelling appeared. Initial tests showed high protein in the urine, which misled clinicians away from a cardiac diagnosis. The breakthrough came after his admission to the emergency department at Qilu Hospital, where doctors linked the rupture to strenuous exercise following alcohol use. The finding was reported in the Journal of Medical Case Reports.

A growing global conversation on the Planetary Health Diet (PHD) could reshape what we eat for longer, healthier lives and a healthier planet. Developed by the EAT-Lancet Commission, the PHD emphasizes more vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and plant-based proteins while reducing meat and dairy. Originating from the 2019 report Food in the Anthropocene, the plan resonates with Thailand’s rising interest in sustainable, health-focused living.

Historically, the Mediterranean diet has stood as a benchmark for well-being. Now, the PHD is gaining momentum for its potential to cut dietary-related emissions and prevent millions of deaths. Research from Harvard Chan School indicates the diet is linked to about a 30% lower risk of premature death among those who follow it, based on a long-term study of more than 200,000 participants who began without chronic disease and were followed for 34 years. The findings show lower mortality from major illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, underscoring both health and environmental benefits.

A new study highlights the potential brain health risks of heavy drinking. Researchers report that consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week is associated with brain lesions called hyaline arteriolosclerosis, which reflect damaged blood vessels and reduced blood flow that can affect memory and thinking.

The findings also point to an increased presence of tau tangles, a biomarker connected to Alzheimer’s disease, among heavy drinkers and those with a history of heavy drinking. The research further suggests that former drinkers may have lower brain mass and poorer cognitive performance, while heavy drinkers showed a higher likelihood of earlier mortality compared with those who abstain.

In a concerning revelation for public health, recent research has established a link between heavy alcohol consumption and increased risk of brain lesions along with heightened odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease. According to a study published online in Neurology, consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week is associated with brain lesions known as hyaline arteriolosclerosis—indicative of damaged blood vessels that restrict blood flow, potentially impairing memory and cognitive abilities.

The recent focus on the Planetary Health Diet (PHD) could redefine dietary habits around the globe, promising not just longevity but also ecological well-being. Developed by the EAT-Lancet Commission, this diet highlights the need for a shift towards plant-based foods, simultaneously promoting human health and environmental sustainability. With its roots in the 2019 report “Food in the Anthropocene,” the PHD encourages a diet abundant in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and plant proteins, while advising reduced consumption of meat and dairy. This development is especially pertinent for Thailand as it aligns with the nation’s increasing interest in sustainable and healthy living.

Yanang, a deep-green climbing vine known as bai yanang in the Northeast, sits at the crossroads of Thai tradition and scientific inquiry. For generations, Thai kitchens and folk apothecaries have valued yanang for its cooling energy, fever relief, and cleansing properties. Today, researchers are interpreting these old beliefs through modern methods, confirming several health-promoting properties of yanang and its potential as a bridge between heritage and evidence-based medicine.

Yanang is native to mainland Southeast Asia and a staple in Isan and Lao cuisines. In Thailand, it goes by many regional names, such as Chiangs Mai’s chiang mai names and Central Thailand’s green vine, but its reputation as a cooling, detoxifying, fever-reducing remedy remains widely shared. The leaves are often boiled into a green juice that adds depth to dishes like Isan bamboo soup. Behind this everyday presence lies a history steeped in Southeast Asian healing traditions, where yanang was believed to draw out poisons, ease fevers, calm inflammation, and assist recovery after alcohol consumption.

In a world increasingly obsessed with healthful eating, snacks often come under scrutiny. Recent insights from a gut-health expert reveal that our perceptions of what constitutes a “healthier” snack may not always align with nutritional reality. Dr. Megan Rossi, a renowned dietitian, highlights that baked potato chips, traditionally deemed the healthier option compared to regular potato chips, may not be as beneficial as previously thought.

While the allure of lower calories and reduced fat content makes baked chips an attractive choice for the health-conscious, Rossi explains that they may come up short in other nutritional aspects. Unlike regular chips made from whole potatoes, baked versions often use potato flakes—a form of ultra-processed potato that can strip away vital nutrients such as potassium and vitamin C.

New insights from a gut-health expert challenge the idea that baked potato chips are a healthier choice. Research from a leading dietitian suggests that baked versions may not deliver the nutritional benefits many assume. The takeaway for Thai readers is simple: look beyond calories and fat when judging a snack’s healthiness.

The appeal of baked chips lies in their lower fat and fewer calories. Yet, processing can offset these advantages. Many baked chips are made from potato flakes rather than whole potatoes, which can reduce minerals such as potassium and vitamin C. In addition, processing may introduce extra flavors and sometimes sugar, blurring the line between healthful snacking and indulgence. For better choices, seek snacks with a short, recognizable ingredient list.