#NutritionTrends

A growing trend among teenagers to pursue what they see as natural, “crunchy” wellness is raising new concerns among health professionals, who warn that teens embracing extreme eating habits in the name of health may be putting themselves at real risk. The so-called “crunchy teen” movement, which promotes natural foods, holistic remedies, and sometimes outright rejection of conventional medicine, is spreading rapidly on social media platforms and affecting adolescent behaviors worldwide, including here in Thailand.

A new wave of social media buzz is touting psyllium husk as “nature’s Ozempic”, a cheaper, natural alternative to prescription weight loss drugs like Ozempic, which has gained global fame for its effectiveness in managing obesity and type 2 diabetes (The Guardian). Experts, however, urge caution and nuance, pointing to both real benefits and critical caveats regarding psyllium husk—not as a miracle weight-loss agent, but as a dietary fiber with distinct physiological effects worthy of attention for Thai health-conscious consumers.

As Thais become increasingly health-conscious—and protein shakes, grilled chicken, and high-protein snacks dominate supermarket aisles—a new wave of research suggests that excess protein consumption may carry more dangers than benefits, contradicting popular trends and social media advice. Recent findings, highlighted by comments from longevity and nutrition experts, warn against overeating protein, especially from animal sources, and offer nuanced advice on the healthiest intake for different age groups (nypost.com).

The latest scientific insights indicate that while protein is crucial for muscle maintenance and basic biological functions, too much of it—particularly from red meat, eggs, and dairy—can significantly elevate levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone involved in cell growth and metabolism regulation. According to the chief executive of an international nutrition company, chronically elevated IGF-1 has been linked to accelerated aging and increased risk of serious diseases, including various cancers, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. For adults, the risks outweigh the short-term muscle gains often encouraged by fitness culture.

A groundbreaking study from the University of Surrey has found that simply cutting out carbohydrates for one day each week could stimulate the body to burn fat just as effectively as intermittent fasting—a popular but challenging weight loss strategy. The new findings suggest an accessible alternative for those reluctant to embrace severe calorie restriction or complicated fasting patterns, opening new doors for individuals in Thailand and elsewhere aiming to improve health without radically altering their daily diets (GB News).

Chia seed water, recently dubbed the “internal shower” on global social media platforms like TikTok, is making headlines for its purported benefits on digestion and overall health. With millions of views and testimonials from enthusiastic users, this simple mixture of chia seeds and water claims to work wonders for gut health. But what does the science actually say, and what should Thai consumers realistically expect from this viral trend? As ever, the truth is nuanced—mixing nutritional promise, practical risks, and plenty of hype.

The consumption of protein has become a widely discussed topic, transforming supermarket aisles with protein-fortified products and dominating wellness conversations across social media. But how much protein do we really need, and are the current recommendations sorely insufficient, as some influencers suggest? A recent investigation by The New York Times has delved into these questions, analyzing numerous studies and consulting experts to demystify some prevalent beliefs about protein intake.

For Thai readers, understanding protein requirements is crucial as the nation embraces modern dietary trends and tackles rising health concerns. Protein is central to both personal health and public nutrition guidelines, which makes it essential to discern fact from fiction amid the cacophony of health advice.

As we embrace the refreshing transition into spring, attention is turning towards reimagining breakfast with anti-inflammatory ingredients that can energize and nurture the body. Inspired by new research into the benefits of anti-inflammatory diets, a series of nutritious and delicious breakfast ideas have become the focal point of conversation among health enthusiasts and nutrition experts alike. These culinary creations are designed not only to tantalize taste buds but also to boost overall wellness by harnessing the power of natural ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory properties.