#Healthyliving

As probiotics continue to line the shelves of Bangkok supermarkets and pharmacies, more Thai consumers—สุขภาพดีอยู่แล้ว—are asking: should I be adding these “good bacteria” to my daily routine, or is a fibre-rich ผักและผลไม้ diet enough for a healthy gut? The newest research, including a comprehensive 2024 review in Advances in Nutrition, brings clarity to the probiotic puzzle, offering practical advice amidst the booming global wellness trend.

For Thailand, where fermented foods like น้ำพริก, เต้าเจี้ยว, and yogurt-based drinks are everyday staples, the appeal of packaged probiotics is both a product of globalization and increased health consciousness. Advertisements promise improved digestion, better immunity, enhanced mood, and even weight management, but what does the science say about real benefits for already healthy people? And how does this apply to the Thai lifestyle, richly intertwined with traditional diets and home remedies?

In a world where stress is omnipresent—from financial concerns to work-life balance—food can often become another source of anxiety. Kylie Sakaida, a registered dietitian and TikTok influencer with a robust following and author of the cookbook “So Easy So Good,” advocates for a lifestyle of “stress-free eating.” This approach, she argues, seeks to dismantle the stress associated with food choices that many people experience. As she shares with CNBC, making meal preparation simpler and rejecting the “all or nothing” mentality in diet can significantly ease food-related stress.

Recent research conducted by Katerina Johnson and Laura Steenbergen at Leiden University has unveiled the potential benefits of probiotics in reducing negative emotions, a finding that could pave the way for novel mental health interventions. Published in the journal npj Mental Health Research, the study highlights the impact of these “good” bacteria on mood regulation, particularly through their interaction with the gut-brain axis.

Probiotics, often available in supermarkets as drinks or tablets and naturally found in foods like yogurt, fermented cheese, and sauerkraut, are primarily celebrated for enhancing gut health. However, this study suggests they may also play a significant role in mental well-being. The gut-brain connection, as explained by Johnson, involves pathways where gut bacteria influence feelings and behavior via the vagus nerve, immune system, and hormones.

In an era where medical advancements constantly vie for public attention, Dr. John Scharffenberg, a 101-year-old physician and adjunct professor at Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health, offers simple yet timeless health advice: live longer through lifestyle changes. Known for driving his red Toyota Prius and sharing wisdom on YouTube, Dr. Scharffenberg’s practical guidance is influencing a global audience, including recent lectures in Madagascar and across Europe.

Despite lacking a genetic predisposition for longevity—his mother succumbed to Alzheimer’s in her 60s, and his father died of a heart attack at 76—Dr. Scharffenberg attributes his century-plus life to his active lifestyle and unique dietary choices.

With its signature refreshing aroma and a presence in Thai cuisine, teas, and traditional healing, saranae (สะระแหน่, Mentha × cordifolia) is more than a culinary flourish—it’s a living link between ancient wisdom and modern herbal science. The story of saranae weaves through Thai kitchens, bustling markets, and the annals of both folk medicine and laboratories worldwide, showing how a humble herb continues to captivate health-conscious Thais with its potent, versatile properties.

In an age where the pursuit of longevity is often weighed down by the complexities of modern life, a centenarian nutrition professor offers a refreshingly straightforward formula: simplicity. Dr. John Scharffenberg, a 101-year-old adjunct professor at Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health, champions a lifestyle rooted in basic yet profound principles of health. Despite a family history devoid of remarkable longevity—his parents succumbed to cardiovascular and neurological diseases in their later years—Scharffenberg attributes his extended life to actionable lifestyle choices rather than genetics.

Within the vibrant kitchens and bustling markets of Thailand, the humble blood cockle—known locally as หอยแครง (hoi kraeng)—holds not only a cherished place at the dining table but also a deeper, centuries-old role in the realm of healing. While many Thais relish this mollusk in spicy salads and street food delicacies, few realize that the shell of Anadara granosa, the scientific name for this ark clam, also occupies a storied position in Thai traditional medicine. As scientific curiosity grows about natural remedies, Anadara granosa has become the subject of intense investigation, raising compelling questions about the intersection between ancestral knowledge and contemporary health research.

A recent article from USA Today highlights a nutritional issue that is not just limited to the United States: the insufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are crucial for maintaining various aspects of health, including heart function, cognitive health, and reducing inflammation. However, research indicates that more than 95% of American children and roughly two-thirds of adults are consuming less than the recommended amounts. This dietary gap is not unique to the U.S., and it could have significant implications for Thailand as well.

In the quest for adequate daily vitamin intake, consumers increasingly turn to gummy vitamins, touted as a convenient and palatable alternative to traditional vitamin pills. This trend highlights a multibillion-dollar industry eager to make vitamin consumption easier for adults and children alike. Recently, Shyla Davis-Cadogan, a registered dietitian at the Virtual Nutrition Service Culina Health, discussed this topic in detail, shedding light on the comparative efficacy of gummy vitamins versus traditional tablets.

In kitchens across Thailand, black pepper is a ubiquitous spice that adds warmth and depth to a multitude of dishes. However, recent research highlights that its benefits extend beyond its culinary appeal. Regular consumption of black pepper, often overlooked, is linked to a host of health benefits, a revelation that’s gradually garnering attention in the scientific and health communities.

Black pepper’s allure lies not in its energy or macronutrient content—there’s little to show there—but rather in its richness in antioxidants and piperine, a powerful plant compound. The compound has been associated with significant health improvements, including better cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation, blood sugar regulation, and improved digestion.

Recent insights from Vogue highlight key protein-rich foods that should be on everyone’s radar, especially for those looking to enhance their dietary intake and overall health. The article underscores the myriad benefits of consuming an ample amount of protein, which aids in satiety, blood sugar management, mood regulation, and muscle growth. As explained by Dr. David Luu, a renowned surgeon, proteins are fundamental to our body’s make-up, making their consumption crucial, particularly as we age Vogue.

For centuries, the spicy, peppery seeds known as เทียนแดง—identified botanically as Lepidium sativum L. or garden cress—have quietly held a place in apothecaries and family kitchens alike. Revered in Thai traditional medicine and culinary practice, these tiny seeds have been championed as both a healing tonic and a nutritious food source. Today, the legacy of เทียนแดง is being newly explored through the lens of modern pharmacological research, uncovering scientific clues that illuminate ancient wisdom while also highlighting the importance of safe, informed usage in our wellness routines.

Few herbal medicines echo across as many generations and regions as chùm hèt thét (ชุมเห็ดเทศ), known to scientists as Cassia alata L. or Senna alata. Recognized in Thai as ขุมเห็ดเทศ, and by names such as chùm hèt yài, lúp mạn lûang, chî khàak, màak kà-líng thét, and sôm hèt, this striking “candle bush” is both common roadside greenery and a staple of traditional household pharmacies. Its yellow, candle-like flowers catch the eye, but it is the fresh and dried leaves—harvested in villages throughout the Kingdom—that have solidified its central role in herbal practice. Today, chùm hèt thét’s journey from ancient remedy for skin diseases and constipation to evidence-based pharmaceutical candidate reveals a fascinating intersection of culture, folk wisdom, and modern science—one vital to Thai readers seeking a bridge between old and new approaches to health.