Thailand’s Department of Medical Services is highlighting the importance of colorectal cancer awareness throughout March, joining a global effort to promote prevention, dietary adjustments, and early screening for the disease. Colorectal cancer is a significant global health concern, with over 1.9 million new cases and approximately 900,000 deaths annually, according to Dr. Skant Bunnag, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services.
Thailand is experiencing a rising incidence of the disease, particularly in urban areas where dietary habits are changing. However, officials emphasize that colorectal cancer is often preventable and treatable, frequently beginning as polyps in the colon that can take 7-10 years to develop into cancerous tumors.
Recognizing the crucial role of gut health, the National Cancer Institute of the Department of Medical Services has developed a prototype menu centered around the concept of “The gut… remembers everything you eat.” This initiative underscores the idea that long-term gut health is built through consistent dietary choices, not isolated meals. The result is “Somtum Synbiotic: SS NCI,” a synbiotic somtum (papaya salad).
The Somtum Synbiotic: SS NCI is based on synbiotic nutrition, combining prebiotics – dietary fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria – with probiotics, the beneficial bacteria themselves, to support a balanced gut microbiome. According to Air Commodore Dr. Somchai Thanasittichai, Director of the National Cancer Institute, a key component of the dish is traditional Thai fermented vegetables, a source of beneficial microorganisms like Lactobacillus.
When consumed alongside plant-based ingredients such as raw papaya, peanuts, and a variety of fresh vegetables – all sources of dietary fiber – the dish creates a synergistic effect of prebiotics and probiotics in a single meal. Nuttasaran Wongtecha, a specialist nutritionist and head of nutritional services at the National Cancer Institute, recommends that individuals consume at least 400 grams, or 4-5 servings, of fruits and vegetables daily, and obtain 25-30 grams of fiber per day.
However, national nutritional surveys indicate that Thai citizens typically consume only 10-15 grams of fiber daily, falling significantly short of recommended levels. Dietary fiber plays a vital role in stimulating bowel function, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria, and reducing inflammation in the digestive system. The Somtum Synbiotic: SS NCI aims to demonstrate that readily available Thai cuisine can be adapted using modern nutritional knowledge to promote gut health and reduce the risk of diseases, including colorectal cancer.
The menu serves not only as a model for healthy eating but also illustrates the integration of traditional Thai food with scientific knowledge to foster accessible health education and practical application in daily life. The National Cancer Institute emphasizes that gut health is a cumulative result of daily eating habits, not just a single meal.