#Publichealth

A new wave of research shows a troubling consequence of measles: immune amnesia. After a measles infection, the body’s immune memory can be erased, leaving a child more vulnerable to other infections for years. This challenges the belief that catching measles builds broader immunity and reinforces why vaccination matters for Thai families.

The topic is especially relevant as outbreaks persist in various regions. The virus’s danger goes beyond the immediate illness. Studies indicate that measles can erase immune cells that remember past infections, reducing protection against pathogens a child has previously fought. In effect, the immune system’s memory can reset, forcing families to contend with repeated illnesses.

In a recent study within the MetA-Bone Trial, researchers found a concerning rate of vitamin D deficiency among children in South Florida, despite abundant sunshine. The investigation looked at how a dietary fiber supplement affects bone mass and gut health and revealed that 68% of 213 participants, mostly Hispanic and Black, had suboptimal vitamin D levels. This matters beyond bone health, as vitamin D supports immune function and helps maintain a fortified gut barrier, which plays a role in preventing chronic diseases.

A recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that a 4:3 intermittent fasting pattern can outperform daily calorie restriction for weight loss. The findings align with a growing interest in time-restricted eating as a sustainable approach to metabolic health, a topic relevant as obesity rates rise in Thailand and worldwide.

The trial, conducted by researchers at a major medical center, enrolled 165 adults who were overweight or obese. Participants were randomly assigned to either a 4:3 fasting schedule or a traditional daily calorie-restriction plan for 12 months. The 4:3 group limited calories on three days each week to about 20 percent of normal intake and ate normally on the other four days. The calorie-restriction group reduced daily intake by about 34 percent.

A Spanish study suggests that a very low-calorie ketogenic diet could slow biological aging by about six years. The finding is of growing interest to health professionals and people aiming to extend healthspan. As epigenetic aging—where biological age diverges from calendar age—gains attention, this research offers meaningful insights into dietary strategies.

In Thailand, obesity remains a public health challenge. Defined by a body mass index of 30 or higher, obesity is linked to accelerated aging at the epigenetic level, affecting DNA methylation and the body’s internal clock. The Spanish study reports an average reversal of about six years in epigenetic age after 180 days on a ketogenic plan, a result that could inform future Thai health strategies and interventions.

A new study reported in The Lancet Infectious Diseases finds that people who have had COVID-19 face a higher risk of various infections for up to a year after the initial illness. The research suggests lasting changes in the immune system that can leave some individuals more susceptible to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, including sepsis and respiratory illnesses. For Thai readers, the findings emphasize ongoing health considerations after even mild COVID-19 cases and the importance of continued health monitoring.

A measles outbreak that began in Texas earlier this year has spread rapidly. By late March 2025, confirmed U.S. cases stood at 483. The surge raises questions about adult immunity, especially for those unsure about their vaccination history. About 93% of cases are linked to the Texas cluster, with spillover into nearby states where vaccination coverage varies. The outbreak mainly involves unvaccinated individuals, prompting debates on whether adults need a measles booster.

Supplements are gaining popularity in Thailand and around the world. Many people take multivitamins, magnesium, and other products to boost energy or fill dietary gaps. A recent review by Dr. Trisha Pasricha, highlighted in NZ Herald, questions the proven benefits of these popular pills.

Lead with evidence, not hype: Multivitamins are commonly taken with the hope of extending life or reducing cancer and heart disease risk. A large study from the JAMA Network Open followed nearly 400,000 adults and found no meaningful longevity advantage from regular multivitamin use. The US Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend multivitamins for healthy adults; instead, it emphasizes a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. For Thai readers, this message resonates with Thailand’s abundance of fresh produce and diverse culinary traditions.

A new study suggests that a vaccine commonly used to prevent shingles may also lower dementia risk in older adults. Published in Nature, the research found that people vaccinated against shingles had about a 20% lower chance of developing dementia over seven years. The findings add another reason for adults aged 50 and above to consider shingles vaccination, alongside preventing a painful rash and nerve complications.

For Thai readers, the implications are meaningful. Thailand’s population is aging, with more seniors at risk of dementia. If confirmed, the potential brain-health benefits of the shingles vaccine could support public health goals in the country. The Welsh-based study tracked roughly 280,000 medical records, comparing individuals who received the first-generation shingles vaccine with those who did not because of age-based eligibility.

A rising global trend toward higher-protein meals is resonating in Thailand. People are seeking foods that support muscle, metabolism, and overall wellness. Experts caution that protein has clear benefits, but balance remains essential. A senior dietitian warns against overemphasis on protein, noting potential risks such as kidney strain or nutrient gaps if other food groups are neglected.

Thailand’s rich culinary heritage already centers on fresh ingredients and balanced meals. The traditional Thai diet features ample fish, poultry, tofu, legumes, and a colorful array of vegetables, providing solid protein alongside vitamins and minerals. Thai households often blend flavors, textures, and nutrition in harmony, which makes the shift toward higher-protein planning a natural evolution when paired with vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Public health guidance emphasizes tailoring protein choices to individual needs while preserving culinary identity.

A growing body of research suggests vitamin D may influence gut health, with potential implications for dietary guidance in Thailand and beyond. While the nutrient is best known for supporting calcium absorption and bone health, emerging studies indicate it also affects the gut’s cellular structure and immune defenses.

Vitamin D helps protect the intestinal barrier. Receptors for vitamin D in the gut appear to support the lining that keeps harmful pathogens out while allowing nutrient absorption. Strengthening this barrier may reduce gut permeability, sometimes called “leaky gut,” which has been linked to various inflammatory conditions. Early findings suggest vitamin D supplementation can encourage tighter junctions between gut cells, contributing to better digestive health.

A new international study shows clear differences in heart disease risk between rural and urban populations, challenging the idea that rural life is automatically healthier because of lower pollution. For Thai readers, the findings highlight how rural socio-economic factors shape health outcomes in areas with similar dynamics.

Researchers supported by national health institutes evaluated risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cholesterol. The data indicate rural populations have a 19% higher risk of hypertension, a 27% higher risk of obesity, and a 36% higher overall risk of heart disease compared with urban residents. The study also notes greater vulnerability to diabetes and elevated lipid levels among rural communities.

Streblus asper, known locally as Khoi, has long been a steadfast companion in Thai homes and communities. Revered in traditional healing, embedded in folklore, and tied to early Siamese literacy, the tree is more than a plant — it is a cultural symbol. Today, researchers are reexamining Khoi to understand its real potential in modern health while honoring its heritage.

In Isan and other rural regions, Khoi twigs were once chewed as a daily dental care practice. Murals in Ayutthaya even depict children using Khoi bark, illustrating its enduring place in daily life and ritual. The wood’s bitter aroma and distinctive texture have made it a go-to for personal care for generations. But what does current science say about Khoi’s safety and effectiveness?

Khlú, known scientifically as Pluchea indica, has long been a staple in Thai traditional medicine. Across Isan to the southern provinces, it appears in folk remedies for joint inflammation and urinary concerns, with local names such as หนาดงั่ว, หนวดงิ้ว, เพี้ยฟาน, ขลู, คลู, and ขี้ป้าน. Today, researchers are exploring whether this hardy plant’s age-old wisdom holds up under scientific scrutiny, and what it means for health-conscious Thais.

Khlú thrives in Thailand’s marshes, tidal flats, and roadside ditches. It is more than a weed in Thai households: stems ground for kidney stones, bark used for hemorrhoids, and especially the leaves brewed as a tea to ease inflammation, urinary discomfort, or minor infections. The plant’s enduring presence in rural and peri-urban life highlights a cultural belief in healing drawn from the immediate environment.

A recent health article warns that global experts are increasingly concerned about four “shortfall nutrients”—fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium—that many populations fail to meet. These nutrients matter beyond digestion; they help prevent chronic diseases and support overall well-being. In Thailand, these gaps resonate with local dietary patterns and public health priorities.

Thailand’s rich food culture faces a nutrition challenge similar to international trends: the spread of processed foods amid a traditional emphasis on fresh produce. Data from public health analyses show that many Thai adults fall short of daily targets for fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. This shortfall is not just about supplements; it reflects how everyday meals shape long-term health outcomes.

Across Thai kitchens from Chiang Mai’s busy markets to quiet household pantries near Nakhon Si Thammarat, garlic’s sharp aroma is a familiar staple. Beyond flavor, krathiam—Allium sativum L.—carries a long history of healing beliefs and now sits at the crossroads of tradition and scientific inquiry. In Thailand, garlic is both a folk remedy and a subject of global medical research.

In Thai traditional healing, garlic has been used as a carminative to ease digestive upset, reduce bloating, and address wind (lom) in the body. Practitioners view it as a tonic that supports lung and heart function, and its diuretic effects are noted in historic manuscripts. Modern dialogue often frames these uses within a broader wellness approach. Research by Thai scholars and practitioners highlights how crushing or mincing garlic activates enzymes that release beneficial compounds, underscoring a bridge between heritage and laboratory findings.

In Thai kitchens large and small, from spirited street corners in Chiang Mai to family tables on the outskirts of Nakhon Si Thammarat, the hot, sharp aroma of garlic is so familiar as to be invisible. But behind every clove of Allium sativum L.—known across Thailand as krathiam, or by regional names such as hua thiam and hom khaw—is a legacy spanning centuries of healing, belief, and now, modern medical research. Far from being a mere flavouring, garlic sits proudly at the intersection of heritage and laboratory, as both folk remedy and subject of global clinical inquiry.

A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine explores how specific sleep patterns relate to brain health and early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers followed 270 participants, using polysomnography and brain imaging to examine sleep stages and brain volume changes. The results indicate that reductions in slow-wave sleep and REM sleep correlate with brain regions commonly affected early in Alzheimer’s, suggesting sleep quality could be a modifiable risk factor.

A growing number of colorectal cancer cases are appearing in adults under 50. This trend is gaining attention from a leading medical center and highlights rectal cancer’s swift rise among younger people. The news underscores the need for increased awareness, timely screening, and healthier lifestyle choices.

A senior gastroenterologist emphasizes that recognizing symptoms can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes. Common warning signs include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in stool, and iron-deficiency anemia. Anemia may indicate hidden blood loss in the digestive tract, so prompt medical consultation is essential when these signs appear.

A Bangkok resident’s 2023 decision to undergo bariatric surgery began with a simple goal: improve health through weight loss. After shedding 130 pounds, Emma Roma Jayne experienced a mix of expected and surprising changes. Her story highlights both hopeful outcomes and the less visible shifts that can accompany weight-loss surgery.

Obesity remains a growing public health challenge in Thailand, drawing interest in bariatric procedures. Yet adoption is lower here than in many Western countries, influenced by cultural views and access barriers. Thailand’s medical community, including the Thai Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, is pushing for broader awareness and more accessible options for healthier living.

A Spanish study investigates whether a very low-calorie ketogenic diet can slow aging at the molecular level, focusing on individuals with obesity. Published in Nutrients, the study suggests that about six months on this diet may influence markers of biological age. Researchers tracked DNA methylation and other epigenetic changes, finding that overweight participants starting with signs of accelerated aging showed improvements indicative of a younger biological age after 180 days on the regimen.

A new study links drinking from plastic bottles to potential health effects, including blood pressure and heart-related concerns. With plastic use pervasive in Thailand and worldwide, the findings prompt readers to reconsider everyday habits that may carry hidden risks.

Researchers from a private Austrian university published their work in Microplastics, examining microplastics— particles smaller than 5 millimeters—and how they might influence cardiovascular health. Microplastics come from the breakdown of larger plastics and are found in air, food, and drinking water we encounter daily.

A growing body of research suggests that placing breakfast as the day’s largest meal can align with the body’s natural rhythms, potentially boosting digestion and daytime energy. Nutrition experts note that morning metabolism and insulin sensitivity are higher, making a substantial, balanced breakfast strategically beneficial.

In Thailand, breakfast habits range from hearty staples like khao tom to lighter starts, reflecting cultural emphasis on wholesome, protein- and fiber-rich options to power busy mornings. In Bangkok and other urban centers, there is a rising demand for quick yet nourishing morning meals that fit fast-paced lifestyles.

Magnesium matters for health, and its benefits are drawing increasing attention in Thailand. Markets and research alike highlight its role in everyday wellbeing, making it a timely topic for Thai audiences seeking practical health guidance.

Magnesium powers more than 300 bodily processes. It supports the heart and blood vessels, nerves, and muscles, helping with energy, stress management, sleep, and the prevention of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and osteoporosis. It helps regulate blood pressure, supports bone density, and assists in blood sugar control, which can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. It also aids in muscle recovery and nerve function, may reduce migraine frequency, and contributes to overall cardiovascular health.

A large international study shows that midlife eating patterns influence health in later years. About 105,000 adults aged 39 to 69 were followed for up to three decades, with contributions from the T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the University of Copenhagen, and the University of Montreal. The findings indicate that a plant-based diet with moderate meat intake can reduce the risk of chronic diseases in old age.

For Thai audiences, the message aligns with traditional eating values: plenty of vegetables, herbs, and balanced portions of animal protein. Thai cuisine already emphasizes fresh produce and robust flavors, offering a practical framework to apply these insights at home. Modern shifts toward highly processed foods threaten these gains, underscoring the need for mindful choices.