The College of Integrative Medicine (CIMw), Dhurakij Pundit University (DPU), hosted the 7th National SMART Conference under the theme “Wellness and Aesthetic Revolution” at the Pridi Banomyong Conference Hall from July 29–30, 2025. The event aimed to promote proactive healthcare practices and improve long-term quality of life through knowledge-sharing in anti-aging medicine, Thai traditional medicine, alternative medicine, and aesthetic medicine.

This year’s objective was to advance public understanding of health through integration of wellness practices into modern lifestyles—at the personal, household, and national policy levels. The conference brought together around 600 participants, including faculty, students, alumni, researchers, and medical professionals from public and private sectors nationwide.

‘Functional Food’: A Key Mechanism for Daily Wellness

Following the opening ceremony, the conference delivered a series of in-depth presentations. One of the highlights was a talk titled “Functional Food for Health & Well-Being”, which emphasized food’s role as a holistic health tool. The key idea: functional foods, which offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, are central to everyday well-being.

Rather than focusing solely on nutrient intake, the speaker urged attendees to consider how food interacts with physiological systems. “Using food as medicine” means choosing daily meals that support health and prevent disease. This concept connects food with proactive self-care integrated into daily life.

An example is the use of cooking oils as household staples that support cardiovascular health. Oils like olive oil and tea seed oil, rich in omega-9 (up to 80%) and polyphenols, help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

New Choices for Fried Food Lovers

Health-conscious eating doesn't mean giving up fried food. Innovations in "functional oils" now help reduce health risks typically associated with fried foods—such as obesity, inflammation, and carcinogen exposure from reused oils.

Studies show that blending just 5% functional oil into conventional frying oil can cut fat absorption in fried food by up to 30% and reduce the formation of free radicals after frying. These findings are currently undergoing patent registration.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods for Everyday Health

In addition to oil innovations, the speaker highlighted accessible antioxidant-rich foods like:

- Green tea (unsweetened and without dairy) – maximizes catechin absorption

- Apple skins – high in quercetin, which supports immunity and lung health

- Berries (including Thai mulberries) – rich in anthocyanins for brain, vision, heart, and skin health

- Dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa) – boosts immunity with just 30g per day

- Turmeric – contains curcumin, which reduces inflammation; best absorbed with black pepper or healthy fats

- Eringi and shiitake mushrooms – high in beta-glucans that reduce respiratory infections

- Onions – rich in quercetin, which helps eliminate “zombie cells” and supports cardiovascular health

- Light-roast black coffee – provides chlorogenic acid, supporting autophagy and potentially reducing Alzheimer’s risk

- Unlocking the Power of Microbiota for Vitality

Another speaker discussed the crucial role of gut microbiota in overall health, affecting everything from metabolism and liver function to the immune and nervous systems. Imbalances in gut microbes have been linked to a wide range of conditions—from mental health issues and autism to cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, and even cancer treatment outcomes.

Maintaining gut health through probiotics and diverse phytochemical-rich diets is essential for holistic wellness.

Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Sexual Health

Nutrition and lifestyle also play a critical role in sexual health—an essential aspect of overall well-being and longevity. Key nutrients include omega-3s, zinc, selenium, vitamin E, carotenoids, vitamin D, and folic acid—all of which support hormone function and reproductive systems.

Adequate sleep supports healthy hormone levels, while processed foods, alcohol, smoking, and sugary beverages undermine sexual and general health. For women, maintaining vaginal microbiome balance with probiotics is especially important when consuming processed or strong-smelling foods.

Toward Holistic Well-Being

The SMART Conference was not only a forum for knowledge-sharing but also a reflection of DPU’s commitment to sustainable quality of life through integrative health sciences. Senior university administrators were present to support the event, reinforcing the institution’s dedication to advancing health education and innovation.

In closing, a key speaker summarized the essence of holistic health:
“This is just one important piece of the puzzle in taking care of our health. There are many more pieces to fit together. Achieving good health means integrating knowledge and self-care practices in a comprehensive and balanced way.”

 

For more information and updates on future activities from the College of Integrative Medicine at DPU, visit:
 www.dpu.ac.th/th/college-of-health-and-wellness
 Facebook Page: College of Integrative Medicine CIMw DPU