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Muscle Weakness

Muscle Weakness           Drooping eyelids, weak arms and legs... These are the symptoms of muscle weakness, or Myasthenia Gravis (MG), a hidden danger caused by the abnormal functioning of the body's immune system. Muscle weakness is more commonly found in women than men, particularly among young adults. On average, it affects 3 people per 100,000 population, making muscle weakness a close and hidden danger. Even though the exterior appearance may still look lively and healthy, the condition of the muscles inside might be gradually weakening. Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is one of the group of motor neuron diseases (MND). It involves the acetylcholine nerve, which is responsible for transmitting neural signals (receptors) that connect with various muscle bundles, allowing them to respond through movement, such as gripping and releasing the hand. In individuals with myasthenia gravis, there is a reduced number of neural receptors (Receptors) compared to the general population. This problem can also involve the thymus, which is related to the immune system in the body, leading to the destruction of the neural receptors themselves. This makes the muscles in that area unable to move normally, often affecting the muscle bundles that are used regularly, such as... (the text seems to cut off here, so please provide the continuation if you need it translated). Eye muscles Muscles around the mouth and neck Facial muscles Muscles in the upper arms and legs Therefore, we often see individuals with myasthenia gravis experiencing symptoms such as drooping eyes, seeing double, gradually abnormal speaking, chewing, swallowing, and sudden weakness in walking or moving. "Weak muscles" know quickly, treat it in time.   Symptoms of muscle weakness in the arms or legs or difficulty swallowing.   Hoarse voice accompanied by muscle twitching and muscle cramps.   Slurred speech, choking, and breathlessness due to weak respiratory muscles.   Weak coughing, unable to perform daily activities normally due to easy fatigue, especially when lying down.   Experience nocturnal awakenings, unable to care for oneself and requiring tube feeding through the nose or stomach, and the use of a ventilator.   Muscle weakness (dangerous) if left untreated can lead to complications!   The severity of the danger of muscle weakness is that the patient may still be able to carry out daily activities or live normally in the early part of the day. However, gradually, muscle weakness may occur. If the patient takes a rest or stops using the affected muscles for a while, it is possible to recover and restore normal muscle function. It is advisable, though, to prevent repeated occurrences of muscle weakness as the severity of the disease may lead to other complications.   For instance, some possible complications include:   Respiratory failure due to abnormalities in the muscles used for breathing Thyroid toxicity resulting from abnormal functioning of the thyroid gland Risk of aspiration due to abnormalities in the muscles of the throat Risk of autoimmune diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).   If you or your loved ones experience any symptoms of muscle weakness, it is recommended to take a break and rest for a while. If you feel better, it is advisable to seek medical diagnosis to initiate appropriate treatment and prevent potential complications that may arise.   References : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3iiPoiJBOY https://siamrath.co.th/n/180731 https://absolute-health.org/th/blog/post/autoimmune-disease1.html

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Taken from an interview on the Happy&Healthy show, during the Health Talk FM.102 segment, every Saturday from 09.00 - 10.00 AM, about liver cancer.

Taken from an interview on the Happy&Healthy show, during the Health Talk FM.102 segment, every Saturday from 09.00 - 10.00 AM, about liver cancer.   Liver cancer: What is it, and is it more common in women or men?   Liver cancer can be divided into two types:   Primary liver cancer: This is cancer that originates in the liver tissue or bile ducts in the liver. Secondary liver cancer: This is cancer that has spread from other areas, such as lung cancer or breast cancer that has metastasized to the liver. Primary liver cancer is the 5th most common cancer worldwide. In Thailand, according to data from the National Cancer Institute, it is the number one cancer in men and ranks second in women. Mostly it occurs as primary rather than secondary, but secondary cases do occur. Regardless of the type of cancer or its stage, if it is in stage 4, there is often a considerable spread to the liver, such as secondary liver cancer.   Causes of Liver Cancer The causes depend on the region, such as Asia or specifically Thailand. Most cases are due to hepatitis B virus infection, which becomes chronic, and the main cause is mother-to-child transmission. This accounts for 60% of liver cancer cases in Thai people. Thai statistics indicate that approximately 6,000,000 people are infected with the hepatitis B virus. The result of infection with hepatitis B is chronic inflammation of the liver tissue that leads to liver scarring, hardening, and ultimately liver cancer.   In medical terms, a "carrier" means that the virus is present at a low level, but there are no symptoms of the disease, yet there is a chance of transmitting from mother to child. However, most hepatitis B virus carriers in Thailand have the virus in their bodies, but it's in the dormant phase of the disease, leading to the misunderstanding that carriers don't get sick. But if one day the body's defenses weaken, the hidden virus in the liver cells may increase in number, leading to the disease.   The primary ways to prevent this include vaccination against hepatitis B and screening in high-risk patients. Lastly, if the disease is detected, antiviral medication against hepatitis B can help reduce the chances of developing liver cancer.   The text explains various aspects related to hepatitis B and C viruses in Thailand and their relationship to liver cancer. It also details the vaccination strategies and other risks like alcohol consumption and obesity that might contribute to liver disease. Here's the translation:   For the hepatitis B vaccination in Thailand, newborns are vaccinated, achieving 100% coverage. If immunity does not develop after several years, a booster shot is not necessary every year. Only a single booster shot is usually enough, except in the case of patients with low immunity, such as those receiving steroids, cancer patients, or patients infected with HIV with a low white blood cell count (CD4). In these cases, the immunity might decrease, requiring more attention.   Besides hepatitis B, there is also hepatitis C, which is more common in Western regions but is found in about 10-20% of people in Thailand. Those at risk include intravenous drug users, those with unclean tattoo needles, and unprotected sexual intercourse among men who have sex with men. Current treatments for hepatitis C are quite effective, curing 95-98% within three months. However, hepatitis B is harder to eliminate from the body because the virus can hide in the DNA, making eradication difficult.   Another common cause is regular alcohol consumption, leading to chronic inflammation of the liver, hardening, and eventually liver cancer. Two other factors include fatty liver disease, becoming more common with obesity, and exposure to aflatoxins in food, such as in dried chilies or contaminated beans, which can also increase the risk of liver cancer.   So, to answer your question specifically, regarding the hepatitis B vaccine in Thailand, booster shots are not generally required every year. A single booster shot is usually sufficient unless specific conditions lower the body's immunity.   Liver cancer is similar to general cancer, where in the initial or mostly treatable stage, there are no symptoms. And in patients with symptoms, the majority who come for treatment may already be past the stage where complete cure is possible. It is recommended to screen using ultrasound combined with blood tests, such as in patients with cirrhosis, regardless of the cause, they should be screened for liver cancer every 6-12 months. For men aged 40 who are infected with Hepatitis B virus, they should be screened for liver cancer every 6 months. For women, screening starts at age 50, but family history must be considered. If the family has a history, screening should start earlier than usual. If in a later stage, symptoms may include right abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice, swollen legs. The stages of liver cancer are 4, namely: Stage 1 (Early): Small cancerous lump, and only one lump. Stage 2 (Intermediate): Proliferation of the lump into the liver's blood vessels, and/or several small lumps. Stage 3 (Advanced): Large cancerous lump, and/or spread to adjacent liver tissue, and/or into large veins in the abdomen, and/or spreading to nearby gallbladder. Stage 4 (Final): Cancer spreads through the bloodstream, often to other liver lobes and lungs, but may enter other organs such as the brain, and/or bones, or spread to gallbladders far from the liver, such as in the abdominal cavity or pelvic area. The early and intermediate stages, which are these first two stages, are in the range that can be completely cured. But if in the advanced or final stage, treatment is usually aimed at improving life to live longer, but the chance of complete cure is difficult. Therefore, for prevention, it is recommended to check every 6 months or 1 year. Most general hospital health check-up programs already include this examination, but patients who are not in the risk group may not get screened. The main ones that need to be checked are patients with a history of cirrhosis, Hepatitis B virus infection. These patients must be specifically examined. The current treatment does not focus on medication. For the group diagnosed with fatty liver, it is recommended that patients lose about 7-10% of their weight, which can help reduce liver inflammation and damage. However, the main guideline recommended by liver associations worldwide is for patients to exercise in conjunction with changing behavior and eating a healthy diet.   Currently, the risk is high, but there are 2 ways to detect fatty liver. In the case where fatty liver is present at 30%, an ultrasound of the liver can detect it. If a more detailed examination is needed, a Fibro Scan can be performed. This test is able to measure the fat in the liver and can also evaluate the extent of liver fibrosis.   Treatment involves a collaborative care approach among internists, surgeons, and radiologists to determine the best option for the patient. If the tumor is small, surgery is the first option, which may offer the patient a chance of complete recovery. However, the size of the tumor or nodule must not exceed 5 centimeters, there must be no cancer spreading to nearby blood vessels, and the liver's function must still be good. If the liver's function is poor, the remaining liver might not be sufficient for survival, or the liver might not function properly.   Normally, the surgeon will evaluate whether surgery is feasible. If the patient has cirrhosis and liver cancer, the best treatment option in this case, if the tumor is not too large and has not spread, and if within the defined criteria, is a liver transplant. This involves removing the old liver that has cancer and replacing it with a new liver that is cancer-free. But currently, this is relatively rare and is only performed in major hospitals or medical schools. The current problem is a shortage of organ donors, so the number of patients in need and the number of available livers are limited. The average cost of a liver transplant is about 1,000,000 THB. Government-funded surgeries cover only civil servants and those with social security, not yet including patients with a gold card. Plans are underway to expand access to treatment more widely. Currently, surgeries can be performed for 100-200 patients per year due to limited resources.   Another method for small tumors, not exceeding 2 centimeters, commonly used is high-frequency electrical waves. The high frequency converts to heat energy to destroy the liver cancer cells, with proven curative results, no different from liver surgery, for tumors no larger than 2 centimeters. This method is more popular abroad because hospital stays and surgeries are quite expensive, and many patients who do not want surgery or are at a higher risk for surgery may choose this method.   However, the choice of treatment method must be assessed individually, as the location of the tumor will affect the treatment. Another stage, when it has already spread, cannot be treated by liver transplantation or electric zapping, so there will be another treatment method called "TACE," which involves directly injecting chemotherapy into the cancer nodule, along with injecting Gelfoam to block the blood vessels feeding the cancer nodule. However, this treatment does not cure cancer but can improve the quality of life and prolong the life of the patient.   Preventing and taking care of liver health for the general public or individuals at higher risk for liver cancer is extremely important. Below are some additional recommendations for self-care:   Dietary Care: Consume nutritious and balanced foods such as vegetables, fruits, and foods low in saturated fats to promote good liver health.   Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent fatty liver disease.   Avoiding Toxins: Be cautious with chemicals and drugs that might impact the liver, such as pain relievers, alcohol, or certain prescription medications.   Liver Health Screening: Consider regular liver check-ups to monitor the condition and function of the liver, especially if there are higher risk factors.   Avoiding Infections: Be careful with behaviors that risk infection, such as sharing needles for tattoos, having unprotected sex, or using injectable drugs.   Vaccination: If you have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis B or C, consider these vaccinations to prevent infection.   Alcohol Prevention: Consume alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether if there are other risk factors.   Taking care of yourself and regularly monitoring liver health can reduce the risk of liver cancer and promote better overall health. Consulting with doctors or health professionals about appropriate liver care based on your health status is a good and beneficial step in the long run.

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Various causes of the occurrence of leukorrhea, which is something every woman should know.

"Leukorrhea" or "vaginal discharge" is a condition that most women experience. It is any kind of fluid that flows out from the vagina other than blood. The characteristics of leukorrhea can vary depending on bodily changes, whether in a normal state or during illness. Normally in reproductive-age women, hormonal changes occur in accordance with the menstrual cycle, affecting the nature of the fluid produced by various organs in the female reproductive system. Normal leukorrhea does not itch, does not smell, and has a milky, paste-like color. If these characteristics are present, it is considered normal. Each woman has a different amount of leukorrhea. Evidence shows that hormones play a significant role in maintaining the integrity of cells in the vaginal canal and in the production of a starch-like substance called glycogen. A certain type of bacteria transforms this glycogen into a mild acid. This condition helps protect against invasion from other disease-causing organisms that can cause abnormalities. Abnormal vaginal discharge can be caused by both infectious and non-infectious reasons. Infections can be due to viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites in the vagina, often characterized by abnormal color, odor, and itching. Non-infectious causes may be irritation, allergic reactions to chemicals, or gynecological cancers. If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge, it is recommended to see an obstetrician-gynecologist for examination and proper treatment according to the cause. If it's due to a sexually transmitted disease, your partner should also be examined and treated to prevent recurrence of the disease. Abnormal vaginal discharge can be caused by both infectious and non-infectious reasons. Infections can be due to viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites in the vagina, often characterized by abnormal color, odor, and itching. Non-infectious causes may be irritation, allergic reactions to chemicals, or gynecological cancers. If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge, it is recommended to see an obstetrician-gynecologist for examination and proper treatment according to the cause. If it's due to a sexually transmitted disease, your partner should also be examined and treated to prevent recurrence of the disease. Also, both spouses must be examined and treated to prevent complications and recurrence of the disease for both you and your spouse in the future. With best wishes, Women's Health Center, Vibhavadi Hospital.                    

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The Benefits of Invisalign Clear Aligners

The Benefits of Invisalign Clear Aligners In every profession, at any age, clear aligners are available without limitations, making Invisalign a popular choice. Benefits of Invisalign Clear Aligners: Comfort: The first benefit is the comfort of wearing clear Invisalign aligners. Sometimes, you may even forget you're wearing them, unlike traditional braces that may cause discomfort and require adjustments every month, often leading to pain and a 2-3 day diet of soft foods. With Invisalign, you can eat anything without experiencing pain. Easy to Clean: The next advantage is the ease of cleaning. Regular tooth brushing suffices, unlike traditional braces that require special care. There's no need to worry about food getting stuck in the braces, which can be embarrassing. You can even use dental floss as usual. Aesthetically Pleasing: Have you ever noticed yourself looking at someone's braces while talking to them? It can distract you from the conversation. With Invisalign clear aligners, most people you talk to won't even realize you're undergoing orthodontic treatment. This significant advantage means your conversational partner will focus more on what you're saying, not being distracted by metal braces. Age Considerations: Generally, people wearing traditional braces are children or teenagers. If you're a working adult, wearing braces might feel somewhat awkward or unusual to those who see you. That's why more working adults are showing interest in clear aligners like Invisalign. Invisalign provides a comfortable, easy-to-maintain, and discreet option for teeth alignment, appealing to all ages and professions.

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The benefits of swimming for the elderly are as follows!

The problems faced by the elderly are often related to poor health. The leading causes of death among them are heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing these diseases and improve overall health. Another issue for the elderly is physical limitations, such as muscle weakness and joint problems. Activities like weightlifting, running, or vigorous exercise may pose risks. Swimming, on the other hand, is a beneficial form of exercise that helps improve muscle strength and doesn't put excessive strain on weight-bearing joints like the back, hips, and knees. Before starting swimming for the first time, it is essential to undergo a medical check-up and get advice from a doctor, especially if there are any skin conditions, open wounds, heart issues, chlorine allergies, eye problems, pierced eardrums, or ear infections. Following safety guidelines for swimming is crucial. These include showering before entering the pool, wearing appropriate swimwear, using swim caps and goggles, and using earplugs to prevent water from entering the ears. Swimming should always be done under supervision to ensure safety. In summary, swimming is a great form of exercise for the elderly, as it improves health and muscle strength while reducing the risk of injury to weight-bearing joints. However, it is essential to take necessary precautions and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.

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10 Complications from the Dangers of Electronic Cigarettes.

What is an Electronic Cigarette? An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is a type of smoking device that uses an electrical mechanism to generate heat and vapor. It consists of three main components: a battery, an atomizer that produces smoke and heat, and a liquid. Unlike traditional cigarettes, it does not produce smoke from burning, making it seem less harmful to the body. Smoke from Electronic Cigarettes Smoke from e-cigarettes contains nicotine, an addictive substance similar to regular cigarettes. Nicotine affects blood circulation in various parts of the body, reducing it. E-cigarettes also contain other toxic substances harmful to the body, causing coughing, lung irritation, and increased risk of asthma. The vapor particles of e-cigarettes are smaller than traditional cigarettes, absorbing faster into the bloodstream. The metal coils in e-cigarettes can also release heavy metals. Long-term smoking can cause abnormalities in the sensory nerves responsible for smell. As the sense of smell decreases, e-cigarette users may choose stronger-flavored liquids, causing more irritation and damage to the nose, lungs, and respiratory system. Dangers from Electronic Cigarettes Although e-cigarettes are not currently legal, their use is increasingly widespread, with smokers turning to them as a replacement for traditional cigarettes, believing in their safety for both themselves and those around them. Moreover, there is an increase in new smokers, especially among women, children, and teenagers. Therefore, to stop the various impacts of e-cigarettes, there must be monitoring, prevention, and intervention, providing accurate information, and promoting public awareness of the onslaught of this type of smoking device. According to research centers, there are reports of complications from e-cigarettes in the respiratory system (49%), heart and blood vessels (13%), mouth and teeth (18%), brain (7%), liver (2.9%), skin (2.9%), and other systems (19%). Electronic cigarettes increase the risk of ischemic heart disease by 1.8 times, cause lung inflammation, increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by 49%, increase asthma risk by 39%, and reduce brain performance in children and adolescents. They also cause severe damage to fetal development. Currently, in Thailand, there are no statistics on the number of patients or deaths from using e-cigarettes, but cases of pneumonia from e-cigarettes have been reported since 2019. Nowadays, there is still a debate about whether e-cigarettes are genuinely an aid or a better alternative for those who want to quit smoking. E-cigarettes and Youth E-cigarettes have become more accessible to children and adolescents through social media. “E-cigarettes” on social media tend to be on the rise. Sellers attract young people with modern, new looks, beautiful shapes, small sizes that are easy to carry, and conceal. Unlike conventional cigarettes, they provide one-sided information and are easy to buy, thus reaching more children and teenagers gradually. In children and adolescents whose brains have not fully developed, the toxicity of nicotine in e-cigarettes can lead to symptoms such as irritability, inability to concentrate on studies, memory decline, headaches, mood swings, short attention span, and depression. Flavor and Taste E-cigarettes invade the new smoker market through flavor and taste, a crucial strategy to entice customers. There are approximately 20,000 types of flavored liquids, mostly chemicals that easily vaporize. They may be safe when ingested as food but may not be safe when transformed into smoke to be inhaled. The mixing of flavorings can mask the undesired effects of e-cigarette smoke containing nicotine, heavy metals, formaldehyde, etc., which are both irritating and dangerous. Flavorings reduce the user's sensory warning signals and defensive reactions. Research has shown that flavoring substances cause irritants in the respiratory system, long-term exposure may cause chronic coughing, inflammation in the respiratory tract, and sudden lung damage. The rapidly increasing use of e-cigarettes among young adults, children, and adolescents requires close monitoring, intervention, and prevention to reduce e-cigarette use, protect children, teenagers, and young adults from lifelong nicotine addiction, and other subsequent problems. Everyone must work together, from family and community levels to healthcare professionals, relevant health care organizations, and the government, including other stakeholders.                

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) It is an abnormal condition in which acid from the stomach flows back into the upper part of the esophagus and may cause inflammation and ulcers in the esophagus. This condition may also cause problems with the respiratory system and lungs. Symptoms may include a feeling of a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, frequent belching, and burning pain in the chest. Treatment is done by modifying behavior, using acid-reducing medications, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary. Techniques to reduce GERD often focus on lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms and prevent the recurrence of the disease. Avoid harmful foods and drinks such as tea, coffee, soda, fried foods, and milk (low-fat milk is acceptable). Be careful not to gain too much weight. Avoid alcohol and smoking, especially in the evening. Do not lie flat after eating, especially within the first 3 hours. Avoid tight clothing around the waist. Elevate the head of the bed by at least 6 inches. Exercise regularly and avoid stress. Keep a calm and cheerful mind. Treatment may last from 6 weeks to 6 months; symptoms may disappear completely or recur. If you suspect GERD, please consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist. Please let me know if there's anything else you need!

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Colorectal cancer screening.

Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer is an increasingly common and significant global issue. In Thailand, it ranks third among males and fifth among females. Risk increases after age 50, and one in three patients may have a family history. Increased biological understanding leads to early prevention through screening, improving survival rates over the past decade. For screening, several methods exist, each with pros and cons. One common method is the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), widely used in Europe and the U.S. It has a 1-2.6% positive result, indicating a chance of colorectal cancer. However, this method's limitations include low sensitivity, high false positives, and dietary restrictions, making it inconvenient for many patients. Colorectal examination can be done in several ways, such as: Double-Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE): Utilizing barium enema inserted through the rectum, this method is not definitively effective and requires experienced physicians. Colonoscopy: The most effective method, it can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer but is expensive. CT Colonography: Using Helical CT, this method is quick and safe but not highly sensitive or specific. Fecal DNA Testing: More sensitive than FOBT by up to 4 times, it may be a tool for screening in the future. The general limitations of colorectal examination are differing sensitivity and specificity, costs, and the comfort of the examinee. The choice of examination method for each individual should be considered from various factors. With best wishes from, Gastrointestinal System Center, Vibhavadi Hospital

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Tapeworm Infestation and Raw Meat

Tapeworm Infestation and Raw Meat Tapeworms Tapeworms have a flat appearance, a milky white color, and can be several meters long. They may live up to 30 years and are commonly found in two types: Beef Tapeworm (Taenia Saginata) and Pork Tapeworm (Taenia Solium). They reside in the muscles of pigs, cows, and buffaloes, entering the body through contaminated water or food with eggs or larvae, as well as improperly cooked food. Once the larvae implant themselves, they grow into adult worms in the intestines, causing disease. They can move out of the intestines and create cysts in various organs such as the brain, eyes, heart, lungs, and muscles. Symptoms of Infestation         • If located in the "brain/spinal cord," it may cause neurological symptoms, seizures, severe consequences, or even death.         • If located in the "eyes," it may lead to blindness.         • Some cases may have symptoms like fever, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, malnutrition, weight loss, allergies, bacterial infections, headaches, or blurred vision. Types of Anti-Parasitic Medication         Albendazole acts against roundworms and tapeworms, as well as several types of liver flukes. Side effects include headaches, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or drug allergy.         Not to be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers. Prevention Wash hands before or after eating and after using the bathroom. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked food, and thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before consumption. Choose fresh and clean food. Refrain from consuming meat that is infested with tapeworm larvae, which may appear as rice-like grains. Do not eat anything that has fallen on the floor.

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8 ways to eat durian safely without harming your health:

8 ways to eat durian safely without harming your health: Durian is classified as a fruit that contains various vitamins and minerals, as well as a source of carbohydrates. If you want to enjoy the benefits and nutritional value of durian, you should not eat more than 2 medium-sized pieces per day (about 80 grams), avoid eating it frequently, and reduce 1 portion of rice, flour, and sweets in the meal that you eat durian. But if you love durian a lot and consume about 2-3 segments or 4-6 pieces, your body will receive up to 520 – 780 kilocalories, equivalent to eating 2 main meals. Different varieties of durian provide different energy levels per 100 grams, such as Long-stalk Durian providing 181 kilocalories, Durian Cluster 157 kilocalories, Golden Pillow Durian 156 kilocalories, Durian Chanee 139 kilocalories, and Durian Button providing 129 kilocalories. For mashed durian, it will provide even more energy, that is, 340 kilocalories. In addition, you should exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week, to burn off excess energy. 8 ways to eat durian safely are: Consume in a moderate quantity, not exceeding 1 segment or 2 pieces per day, as it may cause heatiness, sore throat, or weight gain. Consume fresh durian, and choose durian that is not overly ripe, as the riper it is, the sweeter it becomes, and the more starch and sugar it contains. Consume durian in the morning or during the day, and avoid eating it before bed. As you approach sleep, your body will not use much energy. Eating durian, a high-calorie fruit, will further cause fat accumulation in the body as the body doesn’t burn all the energy. So to avoid consuming too much energy in the evening, eat durian in the morning and afternoon instead, so that the body can burn the energy in time. And if you eat durian, reduce the amount of starch and sugar in other meals. Do not consume it with high-energy foods such as glutinous rice with coconut milk, as it will increase the calories even more. Do not consume with alcohol or soda, as durian is a food that is high in fat and carbohydrates. Alcoholic beverages also provide high energy. When eating durian with alcohol, the body receives too much energy, causing blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. This leads to increased waste disposal processes. Drinking plenty of plain water can help cool down after eating durian, or eating durian with mangosteen can reduce the heat. Exercise. Knowing that eating durian can easily lead to weight gain, it is advisable to take time to exercise after eating to help burn off energy, leaving nothing stored as fat. If done in conjunction with limited eating, it can help control weight during the durian season. If you have a chronic disease, eat as little as possible. People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, should be cautious in eating. It is recommended to eat no more than one small seed per day or consult a doctor first. “For those with chronic diseases, such as kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, caution should be taken with durian consumption more than the general population. They can eat it, but in smaller quantities and not too frequently. Eating too much durian or too often can affect blood sugar and fat levels. Additionally, the sulfuric acid in durian may reduce the enzymes that eliminate toxins from metabolism. If there are health problems or chronic diseases, symptoms such as red face, numbness, dizziness, and vomiting may occur. If not taken to the hospital in time, it could be fatal.” Information from: Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health.        

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