#Wellnessinthailand

New research in Obesity Science and Practice shows that boosting protein and fiber intake alongside moderate calorie reduction may be the most effective approach for sustainable weight loss. The findings offer practical guidance for health-conscious Thais seeking balanced strategies to manage their weight.

The study centers on the Individualized Diet Improvement Program, or iDip, which involved 22 adults over 12 months across 19 educational sessions. Rather than strict restrictions, participants were encouraged to eat roughly 80 grams of protein and 20 grams of fiber daily while keeping total calories to 1,500 or fewer. By year’s end, about 41% of participants lost nearly 13% of their body weight, while others who struggled to adjust their diets saw around a 2% reduction. The key takeaway: flexibility and personal choice matter.

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.