#Thaihealth

Constipation affects many people and can disrupt daily life. Recent guidance from a gastroenterology expert highlights five accessible remedies, spanning dietary supplements and everyday foods, that may help relieve symptoms for adults in Thai communities navigating changing diets and busy urban living.

About 16% of adults in the United States experience constipation, a statistic that underscores its pervasiveness. In Thailand, where urban lifestyles and Western-influenced diets are common in cities like Bangkok, similar concerns are increasingly relevant. The five remedies highlighted include psyllium husk, select probiotic strains, magnesium oxide, polyethylene glycol, and prunes or prune juice.

A recent article from USA Today highlights a nutritional issue that is not just limited to the United States: the insufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are crucial for maintaining various aspects of health, including heart function, cognitive health, and reducing inflammation. However, research indicates that more than 95% of American children and roughly two-thirds of adults are consuming less than the recommended amounts. This dietary gap is not unique to the U.S., and it could have significant implications for Thailand as well.

New research from a leading medical institution highlights how diet changes can strengthen the brain’s resilience, potentially delaying dementia, stroke, and other neurodegenerative conditions. The findings offer practical implications for older adults aiming to preserve mental sharpness and independence.

Cognitive reserve is the brain’s capacity to adapt and find alternate pathways when faced with challenges. It reflects a lifetime of learning, curiosity, and engagement. The concept gained prominence in the 1980s when some people showed no symptoms of brain disease despite changes in brain tissue, suggesting a protective buffer built up over years of intellectual activity.

In a groundbreaking revelation, researchers from Harvard Medical School have underscored the significant role of dietary changes in enhancing cognitive reserve, thereby helping to stave off conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. This research holds substantial promise for individuals seeking to prolong mental acuity and autonomy into their later years.

Cognitive reserve refers to the brain’s ability to creatively improvise and adapt when faced with challenges, effectively ‘finding another way’ to accomplish tasks. This ability is often credited to a lifetime of education and intellectual curiosity. The concept gained traction in the 1980s when researchers observed that some individuals, despite having brain changes indicative of Alzheimer’s disease, displayed no symptoms during their lifetime. This anomaly was attributed to their substantial cognitive reserves, which compensated for the neurological damages.

A new study highlights a simpler path to weight loss: the 4:3 intermittent fasting (IMF) routine. Researchers found IMF may outperform traditional daily caloric restriction, offering a practical option for steady progress. Participants restricted calories on three non-consecutive days each week and ate normally on the other days, prioritizing healthier choices.

The findings suggest IMF can support long-term weight management. On average, participants following the 4:3 IMF lost about 7.6% of body weight over a year, compared with about 5% for daily caloric restriction. Beyond the numbers, IMF appeared more sustainable for many, thanks to its less rigid structure and easier weekly rhythm.

A new study identifies brain circuits that regulate how intensely people engage with politics, without altering their beliefs. Researchers from Northwestern University and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab show that the prefrontal cortex and amygdala influence political fervor rather than ideology. The findings could guide efforts to promote calmer public dialogue and improve neuropsychiatric assessments by revealing the neurological roots of political passion.

In a study involving Vietnam War veterans with various brain injuries, researchers found that damage to the prefrontal cortex heightened political intensity by reducing cognitive control. In contrast, lesions to the amygdala tended to lessen fervor by dampening emotional responses. The team notes these circuits affect political engagement across the ideological spectrum, reinforcing that intensity—not content—is shaped by brain activity. Thai readers will appreciate how this research speaks to everyday debates that can become emotionally charged, underscoring the value of emotional awareness in discussions.

A new study from Swansea University examines whether brief, disciplined swims in cold seas can complement existing PTSD treatments. The research explores how cold water exposure might support traditional therapies and medications for trauma-related stress. As mental health care seeks diverse options, these findings could influence approaches for patients in Thailand and around the world.

PTSD affects about one in ten people in the United Kingdom, with triggers ranging from road accidents to combat experiences. In Thailand, where mental health resources are expanding, researchers see potential for culturally mindful adaptations of this therapy. Led by associate professor Denise Hill, the study investigates whether cold water exposure could be integrated into current treatment plans in addition to talking therapies and medications.

A new study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine suggests intermittent fasting (IMF) may outperform traditional calorie-restricted diets for weight loss. Over 12 months, participants following a 4:3 fasting pattern lost an average 7.6% of their body weight, compared with a 5% average loss in the calorie restriction group.

For Thai readers navigating a crowded weight-loss landscape, IMF offers a practical alternative. The 4:3 plan allows unrestricted meals on four days each week and significantly reduced calories on three non-consecutive days. Beyond weight loss, the regimen improved cardiometabolic markers, including systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and fasting glucose.

A new health advisory warns that some widely used herbal supplements can harm the liver, especially among older adults who take them for joint pain or general well-being. While these products are marketed as natural solutions, they can provoke serious liver reactions that may progress to liver failure in rare cases.

The JAMA Network Open study from 2024 identifies six botanicals most often linked to liver toxicity: Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea Extract, Red Yeast Rice, and Turmeric/Curcumin. The research notes that middle-aged and older adults are particularly at risk because aging can alter how the liver processes substances, increasing susceptibility to adverse effects.

A major study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, with collaborators in Copenhagen and Montreal, confirms a clear message: mid-life eating habits influence how we age. Published in Nature Medicine, the research followed more than 105,000 adults for 14 years. It found that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes are linked to healthier aging. For Thai families focused on longevity, the finding echoes the local wisdom that good food sustains long life and strong health.

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 wave of recent studies suggests intermittent fasting (IF) could be more effective for weight loss than traditional daily calorie restriction. Researchers report greater average weight reduction and higher long-term adherence with IF, offering fresh insights for obesity management that resonate with Thai audiences.

In a 12-month comparison, participants following an intermittent fasting plan lost an average 7.7 kilograms, compared with about 4.8 kilograms for those on continuous calorie restriction. Dropout rates were notably lower in the IF group, with fewer than one in five participants leaving the study versus about three in ten in the calorie-restriction cohort.

A new study from researchers at a major U.S. medical school demonstrates that strengthening the brain’s waste-clearing system can improve memory in aging mice. The approach targets the meningeal lymphatic vessels surrounding the brain, which drain waste to the body’s lymph nodes. By enhancing this clearance, older mice showed clearer memory and curiosity toward new objects, suggesting a potential pathway for human therapies against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

A National Nutrition Month 2025 emphasis highlights how everyday meals shape health. The theme, Food Connects Us, frames eating together as a learning moment about cooking, ingredients, and origins, underscoring nutrition as a means to prevent disease.

A practical demonstration featured a registered dietitian and a Bangkok-area family visiting a local farm, showcasing simple, nourishing approaches that many households can adopt. The takeaway is clear: informed food choices can be practical and beneficial for all. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides a curated list of 20 food, nutrition, and health tips through its official channels.

Colon cancer is a global concern, and Thailand is increasingly affected. Recent findings from reputable health institutes show a rising trend in younger adults and a persistent burden among older adults, underscoring the need for targeted prevention and early detection across the country. While rates among seniors remain a major focus, health experts warn that a 2.4% yearly increase among people under 55 in recent years calls for proactive community strategies in Thailand.

A balanced look at low-carb eating explores potential health benefits alongside practical challenges. As health research evolves, low-carb approaches remain popular for weight management and wellness improvements.

A recent review clarifies how carbohydrates work in the body, distinguishing simple from complex carbohydrates and their role as the body’s main energy source. Diets that restrict carbs to very low levels—often around 20 grams daily—tend to emphasize protein-rich foods and low-glycemic fruits and vegetables. Nutrition experts stress that proteins and fats can promote fullness and support weight control when balanced correctly.

A large, long-term study shows that what people eat in midlife significantly affects health and independence in later years. Tracking more than 105,000 Americans over three decades, researchers found that healthier midlife diets are associated with better mental, physical, and cognitive well-being in older age.

Leading researchers from a prominent university advocate a holistic view of diet. Rather than tying food to specific diseases, the study examines how eating patterns influence the ability to live independently and enjoy a high quality of life as people age. The team notes that increasing vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains is linked to lower risks of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

A new study shows that non-caloric sweeteners interact with the brain’s hunger signals in complex ways. Rather than a universal effect, responses vary across individuals. The research followed people with different weights and used modern brain imaging to see how sweeteners might influence hunger and fullness. The findings matter in Thailand, where sugary drinks and sweet flavors are deeply woven into daily life.

Researchers used neuroimaging to observe the hypothalamus, the brain’s hub for appetite control. They found that neural responses to non-nutritive sweeteners such as sucralose and aspartame differ by body mass index and metabolic health. In some participants, these sweeteners heightened appetite-related activity; in others, the response was more muted. This suggests that a person’s health context shapes how sugar substitutes affect desire for food.

A global rise in depression and anxiety has intensified questions about the roots of today’s mental health challenges. In a provocative analysis, a writer argues that shifting cultural norms over the past decades have reshaped how societies understand and respond to mental well-being.

In the Netherlands, health authorities report a notable rise in euthanasia requests tied to psychological suffering. Among Dutch patients who chose euthanasia in 2024, mental distress accounted for about one-tenth of cases. This signals a broader public health challenge that crosses borders and calls for thoughtful, long‑term solutions. Data from Dutch health authorities show that emotional suffering is an increasingly important factor in end‑of‑life decisions, underscoring the need for accessible mental health care and compassionate support.

A recent discussion from a major news podcast raises concerns about ultraprocessed foods and their potential impact on health. The host points out that nearly three-quarters of American adults are overweight or obese, with ultraprocessed items increasingly linked to this trend.

Ultraprocessed foods dominate a large portion of the U.S. food supply. These are factory-made products that are difficult to reproduce at home due to complex ingredients and processing methods. They typically feature long ingredient lists with additives and artificial substances. The trend toward higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods is mirrored by rising obesity rates around the world.

A recent study in Nature Medicine shows diet matters more for aging healthfully than many people realize. The research followed over 105,000 participants for three decades, examining how eating patterns influence cognitive, physical, and mental well-being in later life. The take-away: sticking to certain dietary patterns can significantly increase the chances of aging with fewer chronic diseases.

For Thailand, the findings are particularly relevant. The country is aging quickly, with forecasts suggesting nearly 30% of the population will be 60 or older by 2040. Understanding which foods support healthy aging can inform national dietary guidelines, policy decisions, and everyday choices, contributing to a resilient health system.

A busy world challenges mental well-being, and Thailand’s vibrant urban life makes stress a common concern. Recent studies reinforce cortisol as the body’s primary stress hormone—useful in short bursts but potentially harmful when elevated for long periods. A registered dietitian notes that high cortisol can disrupt sleep, accelerate aging, and raise cardiovascular risk, underscoring the need for balanced stress management.

For Thai audiences, practical strategies center on reducing triggers and embracing calm practices. Meditation resonates with the country’s Buddhist heritage and can be integrated into daily routines. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and increased social interaction are recommended to help regulate cortisol levels. Outdoor activities and mindfulness routines offer culturally familiar paths to peace, or “สงบ,” during hectic days.

Recent mood shifts in spring align with growing evidence that what we eat can affect mental well-being. A large study highlighted by reputable outlets shows a clear link between diet and mental health, encouraging readers to consider their meals with renewed intention.

Researchers identify a notable connection between ultra-processed foods and mental distress. Regular consumption of fast food, packaged snacks, and sugary treats associates with higher anxiety and an increased risk of depression. Experts explain that such eating patterns may trigger neuroinflammation, potentially affecting mood, motivation, memory, and clarity of thought. This underscores how daily nutrition and mental health are intertwined.

A new study in Human Brain Mapping shows that nostalgic songs activate a distinct brain network linked to memory, self-reflection, and emotion. The findings point to potential therapeutic uses for memory support in older adults, including those living with Alzheimer’s disease. For Thai readers, the research highlights how culturally resonant music can support mental wellness in an aging society.

Across ages, nostalgic melodies elicited stronger brain responses than familiar non-nostalgic tunes and unfamiliar songs. Older adults displayed particularly robust activation in nostalgia-related regions, underscoring music’s promise to support memory and emotional processing as people age. The work also suggests a culturally grounded approach to mental health in Thailand, where traditional and contemporary music shape daily life and wellbeing.