Khun Aim, a leading health consultant in Bangkok, shares insights on improving healthspan through balanced nutrition and holistic wellness.
In an age where longevity is pursued with fervour, few take the time to consider the quality of those extended years. Health, after all, is not just about living longer, but about living well. This is precisely the approach taken by Khun Ananya Hemvijitraphan – affectionately known as “Aim” – a leading Nutrition and Healthspan Consultant based in Bangkok. On this week’s episode of Trends, hosted by David Barrett, Khun Aim discusses her mission to revolutionise the way we view health through the lens of nutrition and holistic wellness.
Founder of Wellness Club Thailand, Khun Aim has cultivated a thriving community dedicated to improving quality of life by addressing the root causes of health issues. Her philosophy goes beyond short-term solutions, advocating for a “food as medicine” approach that is as practical as it is profound. And at the heart of her work is the concept of healthspan – the years one spends in good health, free from chronic disease and frailty.
“Living a long life is one thing,” she explains, “but enjoying that life, free from the burdens of illness, is another.” It’s a truth that resonates deeply as more people are now grappling with the challenges of aging populations, particularly in Thailand with a growing aging population, where life expectancy is high, yet many spend their final years in declining health.
A key part of Khun Aim’s work is addressing food sensitivities, which have skyrocketed in recent years. The gluten-free trend, for instance, has been a topic of much debate, and in her interview, Khun Aim brings nuance to the discussion.
“The gluten-free lifestyle is not for everyone,” she asserts. “In fact, for those without an intolerance, it may offer no real benefit.” She points to Thailand as a nation where gluten-free products are becoming more widely available, with spas, resorts and restaurants offering dietary options. But gluten, she reminds us, is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye that contributes to the texture and structure of baked goods. “For those without a true gluten intolerance or coeliac disease, the avoidance of gluten might not be necessary—and may even be misguided.”
What truly sets Khun Aim’s philosophy apart is her insistence on looking beyond single nutrients to focus on the larger picture: the symphony of nutrients working together to affect our mood, energy levels and overall well-being. “People are starting to realise that how they feel, whether sluggish, anxious, or low, often begins with what they eat,” she says.
In this Trends episode, she shares her strategies for maintaining high energy levels and emotional balance through diet. Aim highlights the importance of balancing your meals with the right nutrients – plenty of protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates, you can sustain vitality throughout the day.
As for mental health, Khun Aim’s advice is refreshingly simple. “Food can be your ally in combating stress and anxiety,” she says. Certain healthy dietary choices are proven to enhance emotional resilience. In a world full of quick fixes, her approach is grounded in science, yet deeply holistic.
Perhaps the most compelling takeaway from her interview is the concept of healthspan – the idea that how we live today affects how we age tomorrow. Khun Aim underscores that it’s never too late to make changes. “While genetics play a role in our longevity, how we live, what we eat, how we move, and how we manage stress, has an equally significant impact on our quality of life as we age,” she notes.
As Khun Aim puts it, healthspan is about ensuring that our golden years are not tarnished by chronic disease or diminished mobility. By taking control of our diet and lifestyle, we can not only achieve longevity but also the years we spend in good health.
At a time when health and longevity have become both a personal and societal goal, Khun Aim’s work stands as a beacon of hope and practicality. Her message is clear: the journey to a healthier, happier you begins with the choices we make today, especially at the dinner table.
For those eager to explore the connection between food and mood, and to extend their healthspan, Khun Aim’s guidance offers a transformative path forward. Tune in to this episode of Trends on YouTube and take the first step toward a longer, healthier life.
Read the full schedule of Trends interviews.
David Barrett is a MICE Consultant, Marketing Strategist and digital video advocate. Founder of DBC Group, Member of Institute of Place Management (MIMP) his motto is “Everybody has a story to tell. Let me tell yours.”
David is a long-term resident of Bangkok having lived and worked in the Thai capital for more than 32 years. He is recognised in the Thai tourism and hospitality industry for his passion for promoting Thailand, his love of Thai food, and his creative approach to marketing.
64 years young, David is a Brit in Bangkok. Born in St Helier, UK, he returned to the UK and set up home in Cornwall during the COVID pandemic. With business back as usual, David has returned to Thailand. He’s a man on a mission to interview leaders and trend-setters in business, sustainability, the arts and entertainment. You can watch his weekly conversations on Trends YouTube channel.
