#Publichealth

A new study points to the promise of a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) for people living with type 2 diabetes in Thailand and beyond. This approach aims to reproduce fasting’s metabolic benefits while allowing limited nutrient intake, offering a non-drug option to help improve blood sugar control.

Type 2 diabetes is a growing public health challenge in Thailand. Sedentary lifestyles and changes in diet contribute to rising cases. Effective blood sugar management is essential to prevent kidney disease, nerve damage, and heart problems. A dietary strategy that complements medical care could be especially valuable in Thai communities where meals commonly feature rice and noodles.

A new study has brought hope to millions living with type 2 diabetes globally and in Thailand, revealing that a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) may significantly improve blood sugar control. The latest findings, detailed in Medical News Today, suggest that adopting an eating pattern that simulates the effects of fasting without total food deprivation could play a valuable role in diabetes management.

Type 2 diabetes is a mounting concern in Thailand, where shifting dietary habits and increasingly sedentary lifestyles contribute to rising rates of the condition. Blood sugar regulation remains the cornerstone of diabetes treatment, with poorly controlled glucose levels linked to complications such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and cardiovascular issues. The possibility that a non-pharmaceutical dietary approach can help ease this burden is particularly relevant for Thai patients navigating both medical and cultural food practices.

As Thailand continues to embrace health-conscious eating, a buzz has emerged around one question: which berry truly packs the greatest nutritional punch? From the tangy strawberry fields of Samoeng to imported blueberries lining Bangkok’s supermarket shelves, berries have become a local staple and a symbol of premium nutrition. A recent wave of research and international dietitian commentary suggests that while all common berries—blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries—offer unique health supershots, choosing the “healthiest” is not as simple as picking a single berry from the basket. With varying concentrations of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, each berry brings its own strengths. So, what does the latest research say, and how does it matter for Thai consumers seeking optimal wellbeing through diet?

Tiny plastic particles, no wider than a human hair, have made their way into an alarming new corner of human biology: the fluids surrounding eggs in women and sperm in men. The latest research, unveiled at the 2025 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference and published in the journal Human Reproduction, provides the clearest evidence yet of microplastics’ persistent ability to infiltrate the most sensitive aspects of our bodies—raising serious questions about fertility, long-term health, and the true cost of our reliance on plastics (Earth.com; CNN).

A growing body of evidence and discussion is reframing exercise as more than a tool for weight loss. Research and everyday experience show that physical activity supports mental health, brain function, social connection, and overall well-being—often without measurable changes on the scale.

The conversation now centers on why people move and what keeps them engaged. Many grew up equating activity with losing weight, facing discouragement when results lagged. New voices encourage seeing movement as a source of joy, personal agency, and stress relief—not merely a means to sculpt the body. For some, this means swapping grueling routines for enjoyable options like pet-friendly jogs, weight training, group classes, or simple nature walks. The focus is on personal exploration and a friendlier relationship with one’s body.

A wave of new research and cultural conversation is challenging the long-standing assumption that exercise’s primary purpose is to achieve physical ideals. Instead, experts and individuals are finding that the true benefits of moving our bodies reach far deeper—improving mental health, brain function, community connection, and overall well-being—regardless of changes on the bathroom scale.

The most recent discussion, highlighted in The Atlantic’s July 2025 newsletter by Isabel Fattal, asks why people move their bodies and what motivates them to keep going. As noted by contributors such as Xochitl Gonzalez and Julie Beck, many grew up linking exercise exclusively with weight loss, often battling cycles of discouragement. However, emerging thought leaders argue that reframing movement as a source of joy, agency, and mental relief—rather than simply a tool to sculpt bodies—opens the door for more sustainable and self-affirming habits. For some, this means trading high-intensity workouts for the pleasures of running with a pet, weight lifting, group classes, or even simple nature hikes. The emphasis is personal exploration and finding what fosters comfort and connection to one’s body (The Atlantic).

A groundbreaking new study has captured international attention, suggesting that what humans perceive in the present moment is actually a snapshot from up to 15 seconds in the past. This fascinating finding challenges longstanding assumptions about how the brain processes visual information and could have far-reaching implications for cognitive science, education, and even the design of safety protocols in everyday life (Times of India).

The research, conducted by a team of neuroscientists and recently highlighted in the international press, explores the mechanics of the brain’s ‘visual buffer’—a mental process where the brain accumulates and merges visual stimuli over a period of time. According to the study, rather than updating our internal picture of the world from instant to instant, our brains synthesize the last several seconds of visual inputs to create a stable, coherent scene. As a result, our conscious perception lags behind real-time events by approximately 15 seconds.

A recent study in Evolutionary Psychological Science shows that everyday illness-related noises—such as coughing and sniffling—can hinder learning even when they are not overtly distracting. The brain may be hardwired to detect illness signals, pulling attention away from tasks that require memory and problem solving. While the experiment took place with U.S. undergraduates, its implications are clear for Thai classrooms, offices, and study spaces as Thailand strengthens public health awareness and aims for better learning environments.

Depression changes how people connect, and in Thai communities it can strain long-standing friendships. A recent global reflection about a decade-old friendship tested by withdrawal highlights a common challenge: sustaining bonds when mental health reshapes interaction. The story reminds readers that depression is not just private pain; its effects ripple through social circles and test even the strongest relationships.

Depression alters social engagement. In the case discussed, one friend gradually stops meeting, stops replying, and becomes harder to reach. The narrative acknowledges the sadness and confusion friends feel and shows that withdrawal is both a symptom and a consequence of depression. For Thai readers, this points to the importance of recognizing early signs and offering steady, non-judgmental support.

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 mere three minutes of slow, controlled breathing can significantly enhance a person’s ability to manage their emotional reactions, according to groundbreaking research published in Psychological Reports. The study, detailed in a recent report by PsyPost, demonstrates that this brief breathing exercise not only soothes negative feelings in the moment but also makes it easier for individuals to consciously regulate their emotional responses—offering potential benefits for mental health and daily stress management PsyPost.

A naturally occurring compound, spermidine, is emerging as a powerful ally in the quest for a longer and healthier life, with recent research and expert opinions highlighting its potential benefits for the brain, heart, immune system, and even hair growth. Described as the “Swiss army knife of longevity” by leading figures in wellness research, spermidine’s allure comes from both scientific evidence and its availability in a range of foods that are familiar to Thai households.

Spermidine is gaining attention as a potential ally for longer, healthier living. Experts point to its possible benefits for the brain, heart, immune system, and even hair health. Wellbeing researchers call it a “Swiss army knife of longevity,” noting its presence in familiar foods and its growing scientific basis.

A longevity specialist from Oxford emphasizes spermidine’s role in cellular maintenance. The nutrient activates autophagy, a recycling process that clears damaged cells and may reduce aging and inflammation. As people age, natural production of spermidine declines, making dietary sources and supplements a topic of interest. Data from reputable studies suggests dietary intake can support long-term health goals.

A viral TikTok trend claiming that a large Coke and fries from McDonald’s can “cure” migraines has ignited widespread debate among doctors and health authorities, prompting new warnings about the dangers of relying on fast food as a health remedy. The so-called ‘McMigraine Meal’ first gained mainstream traction in May 2025, after a US-based neurologist described the fast-food fix as a “miraculous” solution for her chronic migraines. Her video, which has amassed nearly 10 million views, has spurred countless social media testimonials from migraine sufferers who say the combination offers at least temporary relief. However, medical experts have strongly cautioned that while some elements of the meal may have a short-lived impact, the overall approach could be risky—and for many, ultimately counterproductive.

A viral TikTok claim that a large Coke and fries from McDonald’s can cure migraines has sparked concern among Thai doctors and health officials. The trend surged in May 2025 after a U.S. neurologist described the fast-food fix as “miraculous.” With millions viewing the clip and numerous testimonials claiming temporary relief, experts warn that while some elements may offer brief respite, using fast food as medicine is risky and counterproductive.

A European study presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference and published in Human Reproduction reports microplastics in fluids around eggs and sperm. The findings raise urgent questions about fertility, long-term health, and the hidden costs of plastic dependence. For Thai audiences, the implications are especially relevant given rapid urban growth, Western-style diets, and widespread use of plastic containers.

Researchers analyzed follicular fluid from 29 women and semen from 22 men. Microplastics appeared in 69% of the women’s samples and 55% of the men’s samples. Detected materials included PTFE, polypropylene, polystyrene, and PET—items once common in nonstick cookware, packaging, and synthetic textiles. The study highlights how pervasive microplastics can be inside the human body.

A viral wellness trend on TikTok has popularized an alcohol-free drink called the cortisol cocktail. Followers mix coconut water, orange juice, lemon, magnesium powder, sea salt, and sometimes sparkling water. Creators claim the beverage lowers cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, and improves sleep, relaxation, and even weight management. Medical experts urge caution and point to the lack of solid clinical evidence.

In Thailand, creators have adapted the recipe with regional twists—different citrus varieties and Thai coconut water brands—sharing personal stories of calmer days after drinking it. The trend mirrors a broader concern: stress is widespread in fast-paced urban life, from Bangkok to smaller towns. Data from mental health authorities show rising reports of stress and burnout among workers and students, underscoring the need for safe, evidence-based coping strategies.

A new study reveals that what we perceive as the present may lag real-time events by up to 15 seconds. This challenges traditional views of vision and has implications for education, safety, and cognitive science. Neuroscience researchers describe the brain’s visual buffer as merging recent stimuli into a stable image, creating a natural lag between events and conscious experience. The mind effectively uses a rolling average of input to maintain continuity, but this comes at the cost of precise timing.

A new wellness trend known as the “cortisol cocktail” has taken TikTok by storm, with users around the world — including in Thailand — mixing up alcohol-free mocktails touted to reduce stress and lower the body’s main stress hormone, cortisol. But while influencers and wellness bloggers swear by the drink’s benefits, medical experts remain skeptical, emphasizing the lack of robust clinical evidence supporting these claims and urging caution for certain groups of people.

A new study published in Evolutionary Psychological Science has discovered that everyday sounds—such as coughing and sniffling—could significantly undermine one’s ability to learn, even when these noises are not perceived as especially distracting. This research highlights how the human brain is evolutionarily wired to detect potential signs of illness, potentially drawing attention away from important academic or professional tasks. Conducted among undergraduates in the United States, the findings are being discussed worldwide and may have profound implications for classrooms, offices, and other shared environments in Thailand, especially as the nation grapples with evolving public health awareness and the demands for effective learning environments (psypost.org).

Recent research has highlighted some of the most perplexing mysteries of human anatomy that evolutionary science still grapples to explain, sparking animated discussions among biologists worldwide. While Darwin’s theory eloquently describes the gradual adaptation of organisms, certain quirky features of the human body—such as our unique chin or the puzzlingly intermediate size of male reproductive organs—still defy straightforward evolutionary rationales. A new article by a University College London professor, published by the BBC, summarizes current thinking and lingering questions, offering Thai readers a fascinating window into the ongoing detective work of evolutionary biology (BBC Future).

As Thai households move toward healthier eating, the question remains: which berry truly offers the most health benefits? From Samoeng strawberry fields to berries sold in Bangkok markets, berries are now a common feature in Thai diets. Experts agree that blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries all provide strong health advantages, but no single berry stands out as the ultimate. Each variety brings a unique mix of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which Thai readers can leverage by choosing a diverse handful of berries.

A brief, three-minute session of slow, guided breathing can significantly enhance emotional regulation, new research shows. The study in Psychological Reports demonstrates that box breathing not only tempers negative feelings in the moment but also helps individuals apply cognitive strategies to manage emotions. The finding points to a practical, scalable tool for mental health and daily stress management in Thailand’s fast-paced environment.

Emotional regulation is key to well-being. Difficulties in managing feelings are linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. In Thailand, academic pressure, rapid urban growth, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 era have heightened stress. Accessible self-regulation techniques are especially valuable. National surveys indicate rising anxiety and depression among Thai youth and working adults, underscoring the relevance of simple coping tools.

A fresh evolutionary science perspective sheds light on some of the body’s most puzzling features and the questions researchers are still pursuing. While Darwinian theory explains broad adaptation patterns, quirks such as the human chin and the nuanced size of male testicles invite ongoing study. A recent analysis summarized from a University College London piece and BBC Future offers current thinking and remaining gaps, providing Thai readers with insight into how scientists investigate our shared human past.