#StrokeRisk

A new study presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit has reignited concerns over the safety of artificial sweeteners—specifically erythritol, a popular sugar substitute found in countless sugar-free and “diet” products worldwide. Researchers report that erythritol may trigger cellular changes that heighten the risk of stroke and heart attack—an alarming development for consumers and health officials alike as the use of sugar substitutes remains widespread, including in Thailand’s urban and health-conscious communities.

Chronic stress is more than just a feeling—recent research highlights how persistent stress acts as a silent saboteur, disrupting not only mental health but also impairing nearly every system in the body, according to a report by WBAL-TV quoting Dr. Kim Anderson, regional clinical director at the Eating Recovery Center/Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center. As we live through increasingly stressful times, understanding these effects is essential for safeguarding long-term health, especially for Thai readers who face unique cultural and socioeconomic pressures (WBALTV).

In a landmark study that carries significant implications for public health, researchers at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham have identified 17 lifestyle changes that can simultaneously reduce the risk of dementia, stroke, and late-life depression. Published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, this research highlights the interconnectedness of lifestyle factors and age-related brain diseases, offering a unique preventive approach.

For Thai readers and the global community alike, the significance of this study lies in its actionable insights. Recognizing that conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity are prevalent concerns in Thailand, the study emphasizes manageable lifestyle adjustments rather than overwhelming medical interventions. The research underscores that even improving a single lifestyle factor, such as reducing alcohol consumption—a habit linked to weight management and preventing liver disease—can lower the risk of multiple age-related conditions simultaneously.