#Probiotics

A growing number of Thais and health-conscious individuals worldwide are investing in dietary supplements marketed for gut health, seeking promises of improved digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. However, recent research and expert advice suggest that many popular gut health supplements may not provide the benefits they claim—and, in some cases, could even be harmful. According to registered dietitians featured in a June 2025 analysis by EatingWell, widely consumed products such as over-the-counter probiotics, greens powders, digestive enzymes, and antacids should generally be approached with caution—or skipped altogether—in favor of a wholesome, fiber-rich diet and lifestyle changes (EatingWell).

A global study indicates certain gut microbes can absorb and store PFAS, a group of persistent pollutants often called forever chemicals. Researchers say this microbial behavior could lead to probiotic approaches that help the body excrete these toxins. PFAS contamination is a concern in Thailand, found in groundwater near industrial sites and in the broader food chain, underscoring the potential relevance of this science for Thai public health.

PFAS are used in waterproofing, packaging, cosmetics, and firefighting foams. Their chemical stability causes accumulation in soil, water, and living beings, with links to cancers, kidney damage, developmental issues, and hormonal disruption. In Thailand, groundwater near industrial areas has shown PFAS presence, raising concerns about daily exposure and the safety of food and consumer products. Public health authorities advocate tighter controls and cleaner environments.

A growing number of health-conscious Thai residents chase easier digestion and stronger immunity through gut-health supplements. Yet expert guidance and recent reviews suggest many popular products offer limited benefit and can even cause harm. Dietitians highlighted in a June 2025 analysis by EatingWell urge caution with over-the-counter probiotics, greens powders, digestive enzymes, and antacids, recommending a fiber-rich diet and healthy lifestyle as the foundation.

The topic hits home in Thailand, where the wellness market is expanding rapidly. Social media and aggressive marketing push consumers toward pills and powders as quick fixes for digestive concerns. The shift toward food-first strategies aligns with traditional Thai eating patterns, helping readers understand what works and what does not while protecting health and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

A groundbreaking international study has found that certain human gut bacteria are capable of soaking up and storing toxic “forever chemicals,” a class of persistent pollutants known formally as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Researchers believe this unexpected microbial ability could form the basis of innovative probiotic therapies to help the human body rid itself of these hazardous substances, which are already widespread in Thailand’s environment and food chain. The findings offer new hope in the urgent battle against PFAS, which have been linked to a wide range of health risks worldwide.

A growing number of Thais are seeking dietary supplements and over-the-counter remedies for gut health—a trend that mirrors shifts in global wellness culture. But leading nutrition experts caution that certain popular supplements may deliver more hype than actual benefit, and in some cases, could even be harmful. Based on a new review published by EatingWell and recent research from dietitians, Thai consumers are urged to think critically and prioritize proven dietary approaches over costly, often-unregulated products.

A growing focus on gut health is reshaping wellness conversations in Thailand. Leading dietitians caution that many popular supplements offer limited benefit and can pose risks. They urge Thai readers to prioritize proven dietary strategies over costly, lightly regulated products.

Interest in gut health has spurred a wave of supplements and detox products in Thai pharmacies and online marketplaces. The concept of the gut microbiome—the trillions of bacteria in the intestines—and its links to heart health, immunity, and brain function has driven demand. While lifestyle choices influence gut health, relying on supplements alone can be risky and often ineffective.

A personal experiment by a writer who consumed fermented foods daily for eight weeks has gone viral, claiming a striking 73% reduction in anxiety levels. As more Thais struggle with mental health challenges amid rapid urbanisation and lingering pandemic stress, this claim invites deeper scrutiny from the scientific community and public health professionals journee-mondiale.com.

Fermented foods like kimchi, yogurt, miso, and Thai favourites such as som tam with pla ra (fermented fish), sai krok Isan (fermented sausage), and nam phrik pla too regularly appear on local plates. But can these tangy staples really calm the mind? The report’s headline promises hope for many Thais, especially as surveys indicate a rising prevalence of anxiety disorders. According to the Department of Mental Health, over 1.5 million Thais suffered from diagnosed anxiety conditions by 2024, a figure likely underestimated due to ongoing stigma.

A personal experiment claiming a 73% reduction in anxiety after eight weeks of daily fermented foods has sparked widespread attention in Thailand. As urban stress and post-pandemic pressures weigh on many, health professionals urge careful interpretation. While intriguing, this self-reported result is not a clinical finding and should be understood in context.

Fermented staples are already common in Thai meals—yogurt, miso, kimchi, and regional favourites such as som tam with pla ra, sai krok Isan, and nam phrik pla too. The question for readers: can these tangy dishes influence mood? Official data from Thailand’s Department of Mental Health show more than 1.5 million Thais diagnosed with anxiety conditions by 2024, underscoring a significant public health concern. Stigma around mental health may mean the true numbers are higher.

A new review published in the journal Gastroenterology highlights a rapidly-growing field of research: the crucial connection between physical exercise and the health of the gut microbiome, the vast ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms living in the human digestive tract. For Thai readers passionate about fitness, wellbeing, and science-based health guidance, this emerging evidence suggests that taking care of more than just your muscles could be the key to maximising your training results and long-term health (smh.com.au).

A new study in Frontiers in Physiology has revealed promising results for college students seeking to improve their recovery and performance after intense exercise: the combined use of probiotic supplements and regular aerobic exercise markedly enhances the body’s antioxidant capacity, reducing exercise-induced stress and boosting aerobic fitness. The findings point to a practical, science-backed strategy for young people in Thailand and beyond who face the demands of academic and physical activities, potentially reshaping future training and recovery habits among university populations.

A new study in Frontiers in Physiology highlights a practical path for Thai students to support recovery and performance after intense workouts. The research shows that combining probiotic supplements with regular aerobic exercise significantly strengthens the body’s antioxidant defenses, reducing exercise-related stress and improving aerobic capacity. The findings offer a science-backed approach for young people juggling academics, work, and sport.

Around the world, college students face demanding schedules that leave little time for recovery. High-intensity training can raise reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress and fatigue that may hamper performance. Safe strategies to enhance the body’s natural defenses are especially valuable for student athletes and active youths aiming for peak wellness.

As Thai consumers increasingly reach for probiotic supplements in the pursuit of gut health and general wellness, a wave of new international research is challenging the value of these products—and warning of potential risks for some individuals. The probiotic market, which ballooned to an estimated US$87.7 billion (about 3 trillion baht) globally in 2023, is projected to be worth even more in Asia, with Thailand among the countries seeing swift growth in sales at pharmacies, supermarkets, and online shops. But according to a recent investigation spotlighted by Fortune, many probiotic supplements may not offer meaningful health benefits, and under certain circumstances, they could even backfire for the consumer (fortune.com; msn.com).

As Thai consumers increasingly reach for probiotic supplements in pursuit of gut health, fresh international research is raising questions about their value and possible risks. The global probiotic market reached an estimated $87.7 billion in 2023 and is growing fast in Asia, including Thailand, where shelf time at pharmacies, supermarkets, and online platforms is expanding. Yet a recent Fortune investigation suggests many probiotic products may offer limited benefits and could pose risks for some individuals.

The idea that probiotics, known primarily for supporting gut health, may also offer benefits for mood and emotional wellbeing is gaining scientific traction. A recent wave of compelling studies, including a landmark clinical trial published in April 2025 in the journal npj Mental Health Research, suggests that probiotics can help reduce negative mood—even in generally healthy individuals—highlighting a promising new frontier in the quest for practical mental health support Nature.com, News Medical, Healthline, scitechdaily.com.

New studies suggest that probiotics, best known for gut health, may also support mood and emotional wellbeing. A 2025 clinical trial published in npj Mental Health Research indicates that daily probiotic intake can reduce negative mood in healthy adults. This finding adds to growing interest in practical, low-risk ways to support mental health.

As Thailand faces rising mental health challenges alongside global trends, researchers are exploring options that do not require prescription drugs. In Thai society, where stigma around psychiatric help persists and urban life brings high stress, these findings resonate with everyday needs. The potential of probiotics as a preventive measure fits with many Thai expectations for accessible self-care.

Yoghurt has become a talking point in health circles, with new studies reinforcing its potential benefits. While many praise its probiotics, protein, and vitamins, experts warn that not all yoghurts are equal. For Thais seeking reliable dietary guidance in a post-pandemic era, understanding yoghurt’s role can support public health and daily wellbeing.

Yoghurt is produced by fermenting milk with lactic acid bacteria. The result is a tangy, creamy product that contains live probiotic cultures believed to support gut health. Global interest in fermented foods has grown in recent years as nutrition science highlights their potential advantages for digestion and overall wellness. According to research reported by leading nutrition scientists, regular yoghurt consumption is associated with several health benefits.

Eating yoghurt daily has earned substantial attention in recent years as new research continues to unveil an expanding list of health benefits. Proponents praise yoghurt for its probiotics, protein, and vitamins, but experts warn that not all varieties are created equal – and making the right choice is crucial. With Thais increasingly seeking dietary guidance in a post-pandemic era, understanding yoghurt’s role can help improve public health and well-being.

Yoghurt, a staple in healthy diets worldwide, is produced through the bacterial fermentation of milk, most often using cultures of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. The end product delivers a tangy flavor and creamy texture, but more importantly, it carries a host of live beneficial bacteria – probiotics – which are known to support gut health. Over the past decade, global consumption of yoghurt and other fermented foods has surged, largely owing to recommendations from nutritionists and mounting scientific evidence connecting its consumption to numerous health improvements (Wikipedia; Frontiers).

A recent study signals potential mental health benefits from probiotics, showing that daily supplementation can noticeably lessen stress, anxiety, and fatigue in healthy adults within about two weeks. Conducted by researchers at Leiden University and published in npj Mental Health Research, the study tracks mood changes daily rather than relying on infrequent questionnaires. The results suggest a targeted reduction in negative mood states without dampening positive emotions, highlighting the gut–brain connection as a practical area for everyday well-being.

A new study has brought fresh optimism to the field of mental health, revealing that taking probiotics—commonly known for their gut health benefits—can also significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue within as little as two weeks. The research, led by scientists at Leiden University and published in the journal npj Mental Health Research, offers compelling evidence that daily probiotic supplementation can swiftly improve negative mood in healthy adults, sparking interest in the gut-brain connection and its relevance for everyday well-being (scitechdaily.com, nature.com).

Probiotics are stepping beyond gut health into the realm of fitness. A new meta-analysis suggests that regular probiotic use may improve body composition and physical performance, offering potential benefits for Thai health enthusiasts and athletes.

The review aggregated data from multiple studies and found that participants taking probiotics showed gains in muscle mass, reduced fat percentage, and enhanced endurance compared with non-users. While the connection between gut bacteria and exercise outcomes is gaining traction, experts caution that probiotics should complement—not replace—core fitness foundations such as balanced nutrition and consistent training.

A growing body of research is now placing probiotics—often marketed for digestive health—at the centre of discussions about fitness, muscle gain, and overall exercise performance. According to a newly published meta-analysis, regularly consuming probiotic supplements may help improve body composition and boost physical performance, findings that could have significant implications for Thai health enthusiasts and athletes alike (nutraingredients.com).

The latest review pooled data from numerous studies, discovering that participants who consumed probiotics experienced notable improvements in metrics like muscle mass, fat percentage, and endurance, compared to control groups. While probiotics are most commonly associated with supporting a healthy gut microbiome, these results signal a broader impact, hinting that the “good bacteria” found in fermented foods and supplements could play a valuable role in supporting physical goals.

Scientists have uncovered a potential natural alternative to Ozempic, the popular diabetes and weight-loss medication, by tapping into the power of gut microbes that can regulate blood sugar levels and curb sugar cravings. The latest research, led by a team from Jiangnan University in China and published in Nature Microbiology, points to the gut bacterium Bacteroides vulgatus and its metabolites as key players in stimulating the body’s natural production of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone crucial for maintaining healthy blood sugar and satiety. While initial results are based on animal studies, this discovery raises fresh hope for safer, more accessible strategies to treat diabetes—potentially transforming the landscape for millions of people in Thailand and around the globe who struggle with blood sugar management and sugar cravings [ScienceAlert].

A new line of research suggests that gut bacteria may offer a natural approach to managing blood sugar and reducing sugar cravings. In a study led by researchers at Jiangnan University in China and published in Nature Microbiology, the gut bacterium Bacteroides vulgatus and its byproducts appear to stimulate the body’s own GLP-1 production, a hormone that promotes fullness and helps regulate glucose. While findings are preliminary and based on animal studies, they point toward future dietary or probiotic strategies that could complement or reduce reliance on medications like Ozempic. The research also raises hopes for Thailand and other countries facing rising diabetes rates, where accessible, lifestyle-based options are highly valued by patients and clinicians.

As the Thai saying goes, “กินข้าวเช้า กินดี มีเรี่ยวแรง”—eat well at breakfast and you’ll have energy for the day. But with busy modern routines, many Thais skip or rush through breakfasts, often reaching for sugary drinks or convenience foods. Yet, recent research and nutritionist advice spotlight just how essential it is to start the day with meals that fuel our bodies and support gut health—two pillars for all-day energy and long-term wellness.