#Wellness

A comprehensive review shows that simple, sustainable lifestyle changes can meaningfully reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including for people with a family history of illness. For Thai readers, the takeaway is clear: everyday choices remain powerful shields against heart disease, dementia, and diabetes.

In Thailand, chronic diseases are a rising concern, contributing to a growing share of deaths from cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and kidney conditions. The study demonstrates that small, achievable health changes can alter one’s health trajectory, aligning with Thai hopes for better community health and affordable care.

A new study by leading U.S. researchers shows a sharp rise in ultra-high obesity among children over the past decade and a half. Using nationally representative health data, the study in JAMA Network Open found that the share of children in the most extreme obesity categories more than tripled from 2008 to 2023. With about 73 million Americans under 18, this translates to roughly 825,000 children now in the ultra-high BMI range. Ultra-high obesity is defined as BMI levels well above the 95th percentile, reaching Class 4 or Class 5 levels. The trend raises critical questions for Thailand, where childhood overweight and obesity are also rising.

A recent UK review identifies four dietary supplements with the strongest evidence for easing depressive symptoms: St. John’s wort, probiotics, vitamin D, and saffron. The analysis examined hundreds of trials across 64 over-the-counter products, reflecting growing global interest in self-care for mental wellbeing amid persistent stigma around psychiatric treatment. In Thailand, mental health data highlight the demand for affordable, accessible options. The Department of Mental Health estimates that more than 1.5 million residents experience depressive disorders, with many undiagnosed due to stigma or barriers to care. The global supplements market has surged to roughly 152 billion dollars, driven in part by social media promotion of mood-boosting products, though robust evidence for many supplements remains elusive.

A new review from researchers in the United Kingdom has highlighted four dietary supplements—St. John’s wort, probiotics, vitamin D, and saffron—that present the strongest evidence for easing depressive symptoms, according to an analysis published this week in Health.com (health.com). The study, which assessed hundreds of clinical trials covering 64 different over-the-counter supplements, arrives as Thailand and the world see surging interest in self-care for mental wellbeing amid persistent stigma around psychiatric treatment.

Supplements are often viewed in Thailand as convenient boosters for health, promising better skin, stronger muscles, or a shield against illness. But new research and warnings compiled by international health authorities show that misusing these products—often unwittingly—can quietly damage vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, with consequences that may only become apparent after years of harm (Times of India). As dietary supplement use grows across Thailand—especially among urban consumers, fitness enthusiasts, and the elderly—it is essential for the public to understand the hidden risks behind the glossy marketing claims.

Supplements remain popular in Thailand as quick wellness boosts—from brighter skin to better workouts. New research and warnings from international health authorities show that misuse, even if unintended, can quietly harm the liver and kidneys, with effects that may take years to appear. As supplement use rises among urban residents, fitness enthusiasts, and seniors, readers deserve clear guidance on the hidden risks behind glossy marketing.

In a fast-paced society, many view pills as shortcuts to well-being. Herbal products such as comfrey, kava, and high-dose green tea extracts are marketed as natural solutions. Yet scientific reviews increasingly link some herbal supplements to liver injury. Data from independent studies indicate green tea extracts can contribute to liver damage even in seemingly healthy individuals, underscoring the need for caution.

As fitness trends continue to sweep through gyms and online communities around the world, many Thai fitness enthusiasts are wondering: Does the way you breathe really affect your workout results? A new wave of research, highlighted in a recent feature by The New York Times, offers both scientific clarity and simple advice for those keen to optimize their exercise routines—without getting lost in breathing hype or misinformation (nytimes.com).

In Thailand, where more people are embracing jogging along the Chao Phraya, yoga in Lumpini Park, and HIIT classes in Bangkok’s fitness studios, understanding these breathing insights can help everyday athletes maximize performance and recovery while staying focused on the joys of movement.

Breathing plays a key role in workouts, and new research offers practical guidance for Thai readers. Amid online hype about breathing hacks, scientists emphasize simple, effective strategies that fit everyday routines—from jogs along Bangkok’s rivers to Muay Thai training and office workouts.

In Thailand, more people are jogging along the Chao Phraya, practicing yoga in city parks, and doing HIIT in studios. Understanding breathing techniques can help athletes of all levels improve performance and recovery without overcomplicating training.

Daily use of pre-workout supplements—commonplace among fitness-minded Thais and athletes—may not be as risk-free or effective as many believe, according to recent research and expert guidance. While these supplements are marketed for energy, strength, and performance, relying on them daily can cause diminishing returns, potential health risks, and a dependency that shifts the very nature of exercise motivation, new studies and international experts caution (Verywell Health).

Thailand’s booming fitness culture is mirrored in Bangkok’s bustling gyms and the popularity of national sporting events, making the latest international research highly relevant locally. Many Thais use pre-workouts as powder, drinks, or pills to enhance workouts—sometimes without fully considering the risks or regulations. As global sports nutrition finds its place in the Thai urban landscape, understanding the safety and effectiveness of supplement routines has never been more important.

A growing number of Thai gym-goers rely on pre-workout products to boost energy and performance. New research and expert guidance suggest daily use may not be as safe or effective as many think, and it can affect motivation and training quality over time.

Thailand’s vibrant fitness scene—from Bangkok studios to regional competitions—makes these findings highly relevant. Many Thais use powders, drinks, or pills before training, but awareness of risks and regulatory details remains uneven. As sports nutrition becomes more common in urban life, understanding how to use these products safely is increasingly important.

A University of Oregon study raises important questions about antihistamines and how they affect recovery and muscle gains after endurance exercise. Published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, the research suggests a trade-off between allergy relief and athletic adaptation. For Thai readers, it invites a closer look at how allergy medications might influence fitness goals amid Thailand’s active outdoor culture.

In Thailand, allergy relief is vital during peak dust and pollen seasons in Bangkok and agricultural periods. Many people rely on antihistamines to ease symptoms like runny noses and itchy eyes. The latest findings add nuance to this reliance, indicating that higher-dose antihistamines could interfere with the body’s natural recovery after intense training. As outdoor activities grow in popularity—from cycling routes near historic sites to community runs around urban parks—understanding how medications interact with training becomes increasingly relevant.

Artificial lighting shapes daily life across Thailand, from bustling Bangkok streets to quiet rural towns. New findings from a leading U.S. neuroscience center show that nighttime light exposure can alter the brain, affecting immune function, metabolism, mood, and even the reliability of scientific results.

Long-term studies indicate that light at night disrupts the body’s master clock. These circadian changes can trigger neuroinflammation, mood fluctuations, and metabolic issues such as diabetes. The research matters for Thai workers who perform night shifts, residents in neon-lit urban areas, and anyone relying on screens after dark.

The resurgence of vibration plates in gyms and homes across Thailand and worldwide is sparking curiosity among fitness enthusiasts eager for faster results. Social media influencers present these shaking platforms as an effortless route to shedding weight and building muscle, but fresh research and expert opinion suggest that the truth behind the buzz is far more nuanced (CNET).

Interest in vibration plates, which were once a fringe curiosity, has grown dramatically following endorsements by overseas celebrities and the proliferation of viral workout reels. But are these machines a shortcut to better health, or are they simply the latest fitness fad? For Thai readers navigating a crowded health market, understanding the specifics is vital, both for avoiding disappointment and for pursuing improved well-being.

In Thailand’s bustling cities and illuminated rural corners, the glow of artificial light around the clock has become an inseparable part of daily life—sometimes at the expense of our own biology. New research led by a senior neuroscientist in the United States underscores the profound impact of nighttime artificial light on the human brain, linking modern lighting habits to disruptions in immune function, metabolism, mood, and even the accuracy of scientific studies themselves (StudyFinds).

Muscle pain is a growing concern among Thailand’s middle-aged and elderly population, with new research revealing that up to 60 percent of older adults globally endure persistent aches and strains. As Thailand’s society becomes increasingly aged, understanding effective and safe remedies for muscle pain is more crucial than ever. The latest findings, recently reported by Consumer Reports and published via The Washington Post, offer evidence-based solutions for the aches and strains that often come with aging, everyday activity, or sudden illness (Washington Post).

A recent University of Oregon study has raised important questions about the widespread use of antihistamines among active individuals, revealing that common medications for allergies could significantly impair recovery and muscle growth following endurance exercise. Published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, the research highlights a potential trade-off for Thai readers balancing allergy management with fitness goals, as these medications may hinder the very process the body relies on to heal and adapt from exercise-induced stress (KLCC).

A growing share of Thais are in midlife and beyond, and muscle pain is a common challenge. Global data show up to 60% of older adults experience persistent aches. With Thailand’s demographics shifting, practical, evidence-based remedies are essential. Recent summaries for major outlets highlight strategies to manage muscle discomfort linked to aging, everyday activity, or illness, tailored for Thai readers.

In Thailand, muscle pain affects daily life and can ripple through families, especially in multi-generational households where caregiving is a cultural priority. Projections indicate seniors will form a significant part of the population in the coming years, making effective pain management a public health priority for communities nationwide.

A growing number of gyms and home setups in Thailand are spinning up vibration plates. Social media buzz, celebrity endorsements, and viral workouts have sparked questions about quick weight loss and muscle gains. New expert insights, however, show a more nuanced picture.

Vibration plates generate rapid oscillations at roughly 25–50 cycles per second. Muscles contract and relax more often than in ordinary standing, potentially engaging more muscle fibers when combined with movements. A physical therapist from a leading university explains that this can enhance muscle activation, especially when paired with purposeful exercises. Advocates, including a respected personal trainer affiliated with a global fitness network, point to benefits for muscle tone, balance, flexibility, circulation, and lymphatic flow as part of a broader wellness plan.

Should you hit the gym after work or save that late-night jog for another day? New research, along with expert insights, is bringing welcome clarity to the perennial question of whether exercising before bedtime is a boon or a bane for a good night’s sleep. As work and family obligations push many Thais to use evenings for fitness, understanding how timing and intensity of exercise impact sleep is increasingly relevant across the nation.

Urban Thais juggle long workdays, traffic, and family life, leaving evenings for exercise. New research and expert insights clarify how timing and intensity affect sleep, offering practical guidance for busy lifestyles in Thailand.

Early guidance warned that vigorous activity late at night disrupts sleep and suggested finishing workouts three hours before bed. Sleep science is evolving, and experts now emphasize that the impact of evening exercise depends on type, intensity, and consistency. The core message: regular activity pattern and overall lifestyle matter more than a single timing rule.

Thailand is witnessing a rapid rise in dietary supplements sold in Bangkok pharmacies and online. The growth mirrors a global wellness trend and reflects rising urbanization, digital marketing, and a growing middle class seeking proactive health options. This piece analyzes the market dynamics, health realities, and implications for Thai consumers and policymakers.

Globally, a large share of adults uses supplements daily, contributing to a multibillion-dollar industry with thousands of products. In Thailand, the nutritional supplement sector surpassed US$4.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach about US$5.5 billion by 2030, according to industry analysts. The momentum is driven by convenience, accessibility, and a desire to support preventive health alongside traditional medicine and nutrition.

Dietary supplements have become an omnipresent feature of modern wellness culture, with shelves in drugstores, supermarkets, and online platforms crowded by an ever-expanding array of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal extracts. While the United States remains a major hub of the supplement industry, this rapid growth is mirrored in Thailand, where the sector has seen unprecedented expansion over the past decade. This news report investigates the forces powering the supplement surge, the health realities behind the claims, and what these trends mean for Thai consumers, health regulators, and policymakers.

Should Thai health enthusiasts reconsider their daily fish oil supplements in favour of krill oil? The question has sparked debate as both products compete for attention in the growing wellness market. Recent research and expert opinion highlight significant similarities and key differences between these two omega-3 powerhouses, leaving many to ponder their best choice for heart, brain, and overall health Verywell Health.

For years, fish oil has been the most popular source of omega-3 fatty acids, hailed for helping to prevent and manage heart disease, high blood pressure, and inflammation. Now, krill oil—derived from tiny crustaceans found in Antarctic waters—is being marketed as a more bioavailable and antioxidant-rich alternative. With Thais increasingly concerned about diet-related illnesses and eager to adopt science-backed preventive health trends, these claims matter deeply. But does the science support making the switch?

A growing wellness conversation in Thailand asks whether daily fish oil supplements should be swapped for krill oil. Health experts note that both products deliver omega-3s, but differences in absorption, cost, and contamination risk matter for Thai consumers focused on heart and brain health.

Omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA, are essential for cardiovascular function and reducing inflammation. Both fish oil and krill oil provide these nutrients, but krill oil is marketed as potentially more bioavailable and enriched with the antioxidant astaxanthin. In practice, when dosages of EPA and DHA are matched, absorption and cardiovascular benefits appear similar. A pharmacist from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health stresses the importance of choosing high-quality, pure supplements.