#Health

A striking revelation has emerged from a study published in 2024, identifying six commonly consumed herbal supplements linked to potential liver damage. As highlighted by a recent AARP article, these supplements include Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea Extract, Red Yeast Rice, and Turmeric/Curcumin. While these botanicals are often praised for their purported health benefits, their association with liver toxicity raises significant health alarms, especially for older adults who are frequent users of such products.

A puzzling health pattern has prompted an in-depth review at a Boston-area hospital where five nurses from the same maternity unit floor were diagnosed with benign brain tumors. The cluster emerged among 11 employees on the hospital’s fifth floor, triggering scrutiny by hospital officials in partnership with government health and safety agencies. Early findings show no clear environmental cause within the facility.

Hospital leaders, including the Associate Chief Medical Officer, say disposable masks, the water supply, and proximity to medical technologies such as X-ray equipment and chemotherapy facilities were thoroughly evaluated and found not to pose risks. Staff and patients were assured that no environmental hazard within the hospital has been identified at this stage.

A groundbreaking study recently published in “Nutrients” has unveiled intriguing possibilities for those seeking to reverse biological aging: a very low-calorie ketogenic diet. This research, conducted in Spain, finds that such diets might turn back the biological clock, measured at the molecular level, by over six years.

The study centers on epigenetic aging, a concept that acknowledges the variance between an individual’s biological and chronological age. Epigenetic aging is pivotal because a higher biological age compared to one’s chronological age is often linked to increased health risks, such as chronic illnesses and a reduced lifespan. This cutting-edge investigation examined individuals suffering from obesity, a condition affecting over 40% of U.S. adults, and discovered that those adhering to a low-calorie ketogenic diet for 180 days reduced their biological age by more than six years.

Across the rice fields and riverbanks of Thailand’s Northeast, stories spin about a curious plant whose roots are as twisted as the folklore surrounding them. Known as “ปลาไหลเผือกน้อย” (pla lai phueak noi) or regionally as “เอี่ยนด่อน,” Eurycoma harmandiana Pierre has woven itself into the medicinal traditions of Thai and neighboring Lao communities for generations. Bearing a name that translates to “white eel” in local dialects—“เอียน” meaning eel and “ด่อน” denoting the white color—this small but potent shrub holds a revered place in Isan folk practice as a source of wellness, vitality, and resilience, cherished particularly for its powerful roots.

In a groundbreaking study published by researchers at the University of Colorado, the intermittent fasting method known as the 4:3 routine has proven to be more effective for weight loss than traditional daily calorie restriction. The study offers a fresh perspective for those seeking sustainable and efficient weight loss solutions, an area of keen interest as obesity levels continue to rise globally.

The 4:3 intermittent fasting schedule involves eating normally for four days a week and limiting caloric intake by 80 percent for three days. The researchers conducted a year-long study involving 165 participants aged between 18 and 60, all classified as overweight or obese. This cohort was divided into two groups: one following the 4:3 intermittent fasting strategy and the other adhering to a daily caloric restriction diet, reducing their intake by 34 percent each day. The study reported that participants practicing intermittent fasting lost an average of 7.6 percent of their body weight, equivalent to 7.7 kilograms (17 pounds), compared to the 5 percent weight loss (4.8 kilograms, or 11 pounds) achieved by the daily dieting group source.

A recent study published in Nutrition investigates whether a very low-calorie ketogenic diet can influence biological aging. Conducted in Spain, the research suggests that this dietary approach may slow aging at the molecular level by more than six years.

The study focuses on epigenetic aging—the difference between a person’s biological age and calendar age. Epigenetic aging is important because a higher biological age is linked to greater health risks and shorter lifespan. In this trial, obese adults followed a low-calorie ketogenic diet for 180 days. Researchers observed a substantial reduction in biological age, exceeding six years.

In a puzzling development, five nurses working on the same floor of a Boston-area hospital, Massachusetts General Brigham Newton-Wellesley, have been diagnosed with benign brain tumors. This worrisome cluster of health issues was identified among 11 employees from the hospital’s fifth-floor maternity unit, prompting an in-depth investigation by the hospital in collaboration with governmental health and safety bodies. Despite thorough scrutiny, the investigation has not identified any environmental factors within the hospital that could explain this phenomenon.

A recent edition of the Chasing Life podcast, hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, spotlighted mobility as a core pillar of health. The show features Dr. Kelly Starrett, a leading advocate in the mobility movement, urging people to weave movement into daily routines to boost longevity. According to research summarized on the program, mobility goes beyond traditional workouts to support lasting well-being.

For Thai readers juggling busy schedules and family commitments, incorporating mobility can be a practical, high-impact habit. Simple actions—like opting to sit on the floor while watching television—can improve joint health and normalize frequent movement, a point emphasized by Dr. Starrett.

NAD supplements have risen as a notable wellness topic, promising boosts in energy, metabolism, and longevity. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a molecule key to cellular energy production and renewal. As researchers explore its potential, the conversation balances optimism with careful scrutiny.

NAD operates as NAD+ and NADH, transforming food into usable energy. A seasoned nurse practitioner notes its vital role in cellular health, supporting energy production, DNA repair, and immune function. Since NAD+ levels tend to decline with age, interest in supplementation grows, particularly among adults over 30 who seek to maintain vitality.

For generations, the peka tree—known in Thai as เพกา (Central), ลิ้นฟ้า (Isan), and มะลิดไม้ (North)—has been a quiet staple in kitchens and traditional medicine across Thailand. Its long, sword-shaped pods appear in rural curries, while the bark and seeds underpin many folk remedies. Today, researchers are exploring whether Oroxylum indicum bark can live up to its long-standing reputation, bridging ancient practice with contemporary science.

Thai households and their Asian neighbors have long relied on peka for a range of ailments. The inner bark is central to folk medicine, used in decoctions and pastes to ease fevers, treat skin conditions, calm digestive issues, and even repel livestock pests. This knowledge travels through generations, woven into Thai traditional medicine and Ayurveda texts. Peka embodies resilience, resourcefulness, and cultural identity in rural and indigenous communities across the country.

Across Thailand’s Northeast, locals tell of a small shrub whose roots are said to renew strength and vitality. Known as ปลาไหลเผือกน้อย (pla lai phueak noi) or “เอี่ยนด่อน” in some regions, Eurycoma harmandiana Pierre has long featured in Isan and Lao healing traditions. The name, literally describing a “white eel,” underscores the plant’s place in local folklore and its honored status as a tonic with powerful roots.

This piece traces Eurycoma harmandiana from ancient practice to contemporary science. Rural healers, village stories, and modern laboratories converge as researchers examine whether traditional claims hold up under today’s standards. Thailand’s renewed interest in botanical heritage highlights the potential of this humble root to inspire both cultural pride and new health insights.

Nutritional health is a growing concern worldwide, and Thailand is not immune to the trends driving poor intake of essential vitamins and minerals. International health experts warn that only a small share of people meet daily targets for fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Data from research projects indicate that fewer than 10% of people meet recommended vegetable intake and about 20% reach fruit guidelines, signaling widespread gaps in nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

A new study in a leading scientific journal suggests the shingles vaccine may offer protection against dementia. The finding could influence health policy, elder care, and individual choices as Thailand’s population ages.

Dementia remains a major global health challenge, with cognitive decline affecting millions. As Thailand’s elderly population is set to grow, strategies to reduce dementia risk are increasingly important. The latest research indicates that a widely used vaccine could contribute to this effort.

In groundbreaking research recently published in the prestigious journal Nature, scientists have discovered that the common shingles vaccine may offer substantial protection against dementia. This revelation has significant implications for health policy, elder care, and personal health strategies, particularly for Thailand’s aging population.

Dementia, a condition marked by cognitive decline and memory loss, has long been a challenge for health systems worldwide. As Thailand gradually becomes an aging society with the elderly population expected to double over the next decade, strategies to mitigate dementia become critical. The new findings suggest that a widely used vaccine could play a role in this effort.

For generations, the “peka” tree, known by its many Thai names—เพกา (Central), ลิ้นฟ้า (Isan), มะลิดไม้ (North), among others—has been quietly revered in kitchens and medicine cupboards across Thailand. Its long, sword-shaped pods often grace rural soups and curries, while the bark and seeds underpin numerous folk remedies. But what lies beneath these centuries-old rituals? Can the bark of Oroxylum indicum, the scientific identity of “peka,” truly live up to its enduring status? Modern research is now beginning to shed light on the potent intersection of tradition and science found within the rough, unassuming bark of this native tree.

In a recent episode of the “Chasing Life” podcast, hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the focus was on the often overlooked but critical aspect of fitness: mobility. The episode highlighted the expertise of Dr. Kelly Starrett, a leading voice in the mobility movement, who advocates for incorporating movement into daily routines as a key to longevity and overall well-being (CNN Audio).

The podcast delves into how movement, beyond traditional strength and cardio exercises, can be integral to living a long and healthy life. For Thai listeners, who may juggle busy schedules and family responsibilities, finding time to incorporate mobility can be a manageable change with profound impacts. Sitting on the floor while watching TV, for instance, is a simple way to improve joint health and make daily movement natural again, according to Dr. Starrett.

A new study from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) introduces a brain organoid model that includes microglia, the brain’s immune cells. This addition enhances the model’s ability to simulate inflammation and improves prospects for safer pharmaceutical testing during pregnancy. The development is timely for global health and aligns with Thai prenatal care policy ambitions to refine safe medication guidelines for expectant mothers.

Historically, brain organoid models lacked microglia, limiting their accuracy in mimicking how the human brain responds to infections. By incorporating microglia, researchers can better understand how the developing nervous system reacts to infections such as Rubella, a concern for pregnant women due to potential fetal complications. In Thailand, where maternal and neonatal health remains a policy priority, this research supports national efforts to reduce congenital risks and strengthen prenatal care.

A rising wave of seasonal allergies is shaping health conversations as spring arrives in Thailand. In 2025, new treatment approaches and smarter prevention offer Thai communities practical ways to reduce symptoms, especially as climate change lengthens pollen seasons. Health experts emphasize planning and targeted therapies to ease daily life.

Pollen from flowering plants remains the main trigger for spring allergies. When inhaled, it can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. Leading medical guidance confirms that over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids remain effective foundations. These are now complemented by newer strategies that improve control and comfort for many sufferers.

A new study by MIT researchers, including Evelina Fedorenko, reveals that language processing relies on specialized brain regions. The findings offer practical lessons for education, health, and policy in Thailand.

Language matters beyond scholars. For Thai educators and policymakers, these insights can shape how language is taught and assessed. Using advanced imaging, researchers separated language-specific areas from other cognitive functions. They found that core language regions sit mainly in the left frontal and temporal lobes and are dedicated to language tasks rather than functions like coding or recognizing facial expressions. This supports the idea that language operates as a distinct system with limited overlap with other skills.

Across the kitchens and folk medicine chests of Thailand lies a knobby, curious tuber known as บุก (elephant foot yam), cherished as much for its culinary versatility as for its reputation in traditional healing. Recognizable under its scientific name, Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, this plant’s massive underground corm has been both a staple food and respected herbal remedy throughout Southeast Asia for centuries. As Thai people continue to draw on local herbal wisdom for wellness, modern research increasingly turns its gaze on this peculiar plant, investigating whether the old tales of บุก’s healing power hold up to scientific scrutiny.

A new wave of guidance from neurologists emphasizes simple, practical steps to preserve cognitive function. With dementia on the rise among aging populations, early lifestyle changes can yield meaningful impact. Research suggests that as many as 45% of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented with timely interventions.

In Thailand, multi-generational households make dementia awareness a communal concern. Preventive measures support individuals and ease caregiver burdens. Start with safety: wearing helmets during sports or motorcycling reduces traumatic brain injuries that can have lasting cognitive effects.

A groundbreaking study from Princeton University has illuminated the intricate ways in which our brains develop aversions to foods following episodes of food poisoning. This research, published in Nature, reveals how illness-induced signals from the gut communicate with the brain through specific neural pathways, altering memory and decision-making processes. Such insights not only advance our understanding of the brain but also hold potential for treating conditions if the gut-brain communication is disrupted.

A Jersey teenager’s choice to unplug from social media sparks a global conversation about teen mental health that resonates with Thai readers. Marina Jennings, who began using platforms like TikTok and Instagram at age 12, recently deleted TikTok and took a break from Instagram to protect her well-being. Her experience highlights how online life can affect anxiety and self-esteem, prompting calls for stronger online safety and youth welfare measures.

For Thailand, the issue is particularly timely. Smartphones are everyday tools, and social media often shapes how young people communicate and view themselves. In Thai culture, where community, respect, and social harmony matter greatly, digital interactions can both strengthen connections and intensify pressure to curate an ideal image. The rapid tech expansion brings these dynamics to both urban centers and rural communities across the country.

A new health advisory warns that some widely used herbal supplements can harm the liver, especially among older adults who take them for joint pain or general well-being. While these products are marketed as natural solutions, they can provoke serious liver reactions that may progress to liver failure in rare cases.

The JAMA Network Open study from 2024 identifies six botanicals most often linked to liver toxicity: Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea Extract, Red Yeast Rice, and Turmeric/Curcumin. The research notes that middle-aged and older adults are particularly at risk because aging can alter how the liver processes substances, increasing susceptibility to adverse effects.