Immunity Starts in the Gut

Your gut is home to a diverse community of microorganisms called the gut microbiota, which includes both good and bad bacteria. Bifidobacteria naturally inhabits the gastrointestinal tract, primarily the colon. These good bacteria are important for maintaining a population of healthy colonic intestinal bacteria while reducing those that can be harmful or pathogenic. Boost your defence with Probio-Dfenz Bolster the good bacteria in your gut for optimal defence with VitaHealth Probio-Dfenz, a premium probiotic formula featuring 2 billion CFU of live probiotic Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and vitamin D3. In convenient, single-serve sachets Refreshing yogurt flavour No refrigeration required Can be consumed directly Suitable for adults & kids No flavouring, colouring & preservatives What’s in Probio-Dfenz? Bifidobacterium breve M-16V Commercially available in Japan since 1976, Bifidobacterium breve M-16V is supported by over 40 published studies. As one of the pioneering colonisers of the gut microbiota, Bifidobacterium breve resides within the gastrointestinal tract from birth and throughout the life course, conferring a myriad of health benefits. Recognised for its safety and effectiveness, this proprietary strain is used in more than 100 neonatal intensive care units in hospitals throughout Japan. It has been granted FDA GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe) status for food applications and infant formulas. Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) GOS is a type of prebiotic, a non-digestible dietary fiber which stimulate the growth and activity of the good bacteria and simultaneously inhibits the potentially deleterious bacteria in the gut. It is the fuel probiotics need to flourish and thrive. The synergetic combination of M-16V and GOS, known as synbiotic, offers greater health benefits than what probiotic or prebiotic could achieve alone. Vitamin D3 Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is the preferred form of vitamin D, identical to the type naturally made by the body. It assists in the absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus, beneficial for the formation of healthy bones and teeth. In addition, vitamin D3 helps strengthen the immune system. How can Probio-Dfenz help? Allergy relief Mounting evidence shows that probiotics are useful in supporting the body’s natural defence. M-16V has been proven to prevent or reduce the severity of allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema. Characterised by severe itching, redness and scaly rashes, this inflammatory skin condition usually starts during infancy or childhood. Moreover, it helps reduce the risk of developing asthma and prevents asthma-like symptoms in infants with atopic dermatitis. Immune defence Your gut and your immune system are closely linked. Housing 80% of your body’s immune cells, your gut plays a vital role as the first line of defence against infections. Probiotics reinforce the integrity of the gut barrier, providing an extra level of defence against infectious bacteria and other triggers from entering the bloodstream. By establishing colonies of good bacteria in the gut, probiotics help discourage the less friendly bugs which otherwise the immune system would have to deal with. Gastrointestinal health The synbiotic combination of M-16V and GOS helps maintain healthy intestinal microflora for digestive and colon health improvement. A Bifidobacterium-dominant intestinal flora is especially important to reduce the adverse effects of antibiotics on the microbiota. educes the adverse effects of antibiotics on intestinal microflora. In addition, M-16V has been demonstrated to offer protection from developing the devastating digestive disease such as necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a condition where a portion of the bowel dies.

How Does Low Testosterone Affect Your Health?

Low testosterone levels, or “low T” usually occur in men as they get older. The older men get, the lower their testosterone levels and it is normal. Low T can sometimes cause serious long-term implications to men’s health and well-being. If you experience low T, you may notice some of the following symptoms. Low energy Men with low T have reported a decrease in energy levels and extreme lethargy. Getting enough sleep can help you feel more energised. It is best to get at least 7 to 8 hours each night. You might have trouble with insomnia and restlessness at night when your testosterone levels are low. Muscle changes Testosterone is a hormone that is necessary for muscular development and masculinity. With low T, you may lose your muscle mass and strength, and oftentimes, self-esteem. Increased body fat Low T can lead to an increase in body fat in men. If you are not building muscle with the calories you take in and the physical activity you do, your body will convert the calories to fat. Low libido Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. Declining levels can affect your sex drive as it plays a crucial role in libido in men. As you get older, you may notice that your desire for sex also decreases. Mood changes Men with low T may experience changes in mood. Nothing seems to make you happy anymore and you are no longer interested in doing things you used to enjoy. Men often say they feel like themselves again when testosterone levels are back to normal.   Increased risk of osteoporosis Osteoporosis has been linked to low testosterone levels. Testosterone aids in the formation and strengthening of bone. As a result, men with low T, particularly older men, have less bone volume and are more prone to fractures. Thinning body hair Testosterone plays an important role in hair growth. Low T can cause you to lose some facial hair, pubic hair, and hair on your arms and lower legs. You may notice that your body hair does not grow as much as it used to.

Vitamins K2 & D3: The Perfect Duo for a Healthy Heart & Bones

Heart disease: top killer in Malaysia The most common type of heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by plaque build-up in the wall of the arteries that supply blood to your heart. Plaque is made up of fats, cholesterol, calcium and other substances. Over time, it narrows and hardens the arteries, reducing blood flow to your heart. In severe cases, it may cause a heart attack, stroke or even death. How do vitamins K2 & D3 help? Emerging research highlights the synergistic link between vitamins K2 and D3 in regulating calcium deposition in the bones and out of the arteries, for lifelong bone and heart health. Bone health Vitamin D3 enhances the intestinal absorption of calcium and maintains healthy levels of calcium in your blood. Vitamin K2 is crucial for the calcification of bone. It activates osteocalcin, a protein which promotes the accumulation of calcium into your bones, while reducing its accumulation in soft tissues. It works in synergy with vitamin D3 to ensure calcium reaches your bone to maintain optimal bone density and lessen fracture risk. Heart health Vitamins D3 and K2 and work together to promote the production and activation of matrix GLA protein (MGP), to bind with excess calcium in your blood, preventing it from being deposited in arteries. This helps reduce the risk for arterial calcification and stiffening, therefore protecting against cardiovascular disease. Why choose vitamins K2 & D3? For optimal health benefits, look out for a formulation made with a combination of high-strength vitamins K2 and D3. Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) Synthesised by gut flora and found in fermented foods Found in green leafy vegetables, dairy products and vegetable oils. Vitamin K2 in the form of MK-7 has been shown to be a bioactive compound in regulating osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and inflammatory diseases. Primarily involved in the process of blood coagulation in the liver. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) Made by the skin upon sun exposure; found in fatty fish, liver, egg yolks, etc. Made from mushrooms and fortified foods. Effectively raises vitamin D levels in the blood for a longer period Inferior in raising vitamin D levels in the blood.

The Essential Nutrients Every Growing Kid Need

Kids are growing, learning and developing rapidly. A healthy diet with proper nutrition is essential to support their rapidly growing bodies and brains. It sets a strong foundation to grow up healthy and strong. Besides, proper nutrition can also improve your little ones’ cognitive performance during their key learning years. It fuels their brain, helping them to stay focused, sharp, more alert and perform better while learning. Take a look at the essential nutrients that your children need in their rapid-growth stage. Protein Protein is crucial for your kids’ growth and development, as it is the building block of body tissues. It helps to build, repair and maintain muscles and other tissues. Food source: Poultry, fish, eggs, milk, etc. Vitamin A Vitamin A is the key vitamin for good eyesight, preventing myopia. Sufficient vitamin A intake allows your little ones to see well at night, as it helps their eyes to adjust to light changes. Food source: Carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, etc. Vitamin C Vitamin C is well-known of its ability to strengthen immune defence, leaving less sick days. It is important to help your little ones replenish their vitamin C every day as this water-soluble vitamin will not be stored in their body. Food source: citrus fruits, mangos, tomatoes, etc. Calcium Calcium is essential in building healthy bones and teeth for your kids as they grow. It helps build a strong foundation for their lifelong skeletal health, which helps guard against osteoporosis in the future. Food source: Milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli, etc. DHA As the building block of brain cell membranes, DHA supports brain growth and development. It empowers your children’s journey of discovery by boosting their brain power and enhancing memory. Food source: Fish, nuts, vegetable oils, etc. Dietary fibre Other than keeping your kids full, dietary fibre helps promote healthy bowel functions. It keeps the food moving in their digestive tract, which helps in preventing constipation. Food source: Oats, wholegrains, vegetables, fruits, etc. Start providing your kids with healthy balanced meals to ensure that they are getting all the essential nutrients that they need in their peak developmental years.

What is Your Biggest Hair Concern?

Hair comes in a variety of lengths, styles, colours and textures, each with its share of challenges. Here are some of the most common hair dilemmas.  Hair Loss Hair loss is a common problem for both men and women, despite the fact that some hair is shed every day. Losing 50 to 100 strands of hair in a day is normal. Hair thinning and loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, hormone imbalance and improper hair care. Dandruff Dandruff causes your scalp to produce white flakes. Dandruff, while harmless, can be a real pain to deal with. Not only are flakes considered eyesores that can hamper your confidence, but they also lead to uncomfortable scalp itching. Grey hair Melanin, a pigment produced by melanocyte cells in hair follicles, is responsible for the colour of hair. Researchers have discovered that melanocytes endure cumulative damage over the years, which eventually leaves them unable to produce melanin. The new hair that grows in without melanin lacks colour, making it seem grey, white, or silver. Greasy Hair Your scalp contains a natural oil called sebum, which helps keep the skin lubricated. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands. Sometimes these glands work overtime and produce too much oil, leading to a greasy scalp. Hair that is greasy can appear dull, limp and lifeless, and it can be difficult to manage. Frizzy hair Frizz happens when your hair’s outermost layer, the cuticle, is not sealed all the way, causing moisture to seep in. This could be for several reasons, including dryness, damage, sun exposure, or a bad blowout. Split ends Split ends happen when the ends of your hair become dry, brittle and frayed. They may resemble the end of an unravelled rope. Exposure to extreme weather conditions, and hair care techniques such as blow-drying, straightening and curling may cause split ends. Unlike the skin, hair cannot repair itself, but damaged hair can be replaced with new hair. Get the right balance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytonutrients to revive your hair’s natural health and shine.

Tips Elakkan Pedih Ulu Hati pada Bulan Ramadan

Pedih ulu hati ialah rasa pedih pada bahagian dada. Ia juga boleh disertai dengan kembung perut, gas, loya, sesak nafas dan rasa masam berasid di tekak. Pedih ulu hati ialah simptom biasa. Namun, sesetengah orang kerap mengalaminya terutamanya pada bulan Ramadan. Berikut merupakan tips untuk mengelakkan pedih ulu hati ketika berpuasa. Makan dalam kuantiti sederhana Anda digalakkan untuk berbuka puasa dengan makanan yang ringan dan kaya dengan serat seperti kurma, sayur-sayuran dan buah-buahan. Elakkan makanan yang mengandungi karbohidrat ringkas yang tinggi dan makanan terproses. Jangan makan sehingga terlalu kenyang kerana ia boleh merangsang pengeluaran asid yang lebih banyak ke dalam perut. Minum air yang mencukupi Ambil 8 gelas air sehari seperti yang disarankan terutamanya pada bulan puasa. Pengambilan air memberi kesan kepada kepekatan asid di dalam perut. Kepekatan asid ini boleh mengganggu sistem penghadaman anda. Elakkan juga minuman yang terlalu manis atau berkarbonat.   Elakkan makanan perangsang Elakkan makanan yang digoreng, berempah, pedas dan masam ketika bersahur dan berbuka puasa. Minuman yang mengandungi kafein juga perlu diambil dalam kuantiti yang berpada-pada. Elakkan tidur selepas sahur Anda digalakkan untuk tunggu selama dua hingga tiga jam sebelum kembali tidur. Badan anda memerlukan masa untuk meghadamkan makanan. Apabila tubuh anda berada dalam keadaan berbaring, asid perut boleh naik ke esofagus dan menyebabkan pedih ulu hati.   Ambil remedi semula jadi Cubalah VitaHealth CHARGE-UP™ GUSTOCALM untuk melegakan pedih ulu hati dengan segera dan menyembuhkan lapisan perut. Rumusan unik ini mengandungi Gastro-AD® dan GutGard® dalam tablet kunyahan  berperisa pudina yang menyegarkan.

How To Practise Self-Love?

Self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support one’s physical, psychological, and spiritual growth. Loving yourself gives you a deep sense of inner worth.  How can you expect others to love you if you do not love yourself? It is also a crucial step in loving other people. Here are some ways you can do yourself a favour. Set boundaries Learn to say no. Setting boundaries is a crucial aspect of mental well-being. Consider what you can tolerate and accept your comfort levels. Recognise and give a voice to those limits. Neither right nor wrong, they are yours. Take time away from social media Cut down on the time you spent scrolling through endless feeds of vacations, job promotions, engagements, etc. Taking some time away or limiting technology can help boost your mental and physical health. It is a great way to find more time for yourself and to get more of those lost moments back. Forgive yourself Forgiveness is important as it allows you to let go of all sorts of feelings you may be experiencing. Be less hard on yourself when you make a mistake. Remember, you cannot change the things you have done in the past but you can control your future. You will begin to see how freeing forgiveness can be. Create a regular sleep routine Pay more attention to your sleep routine. It is not just about how much sleep you get; it is the quality that matters. Make your bedroom a sleeping sanctuary so your brain and body can wind down and get ready to drift off into dreamland. Ditch bad habits Bad habits such as comparing yourself to others, overspending, complaining, hitting snooze too many times, or trying to please someone, can interrupt your life and jeopardise your mental wellness. Identify your bad habits, eliminate the triggers behind your habitual behaviours and swap them for better ones. Appreciate your body The human body is truly a wonderful, beautiful and amazing thing. When you appreciate your body, you acknowledge all the vital things your body does for you every day that keeps you alive and healthy. Everyone has their flaws and insecurities. Let’s not compare yourself to other people.

Eat to Sleep

Trouble falling asleep at night? Waking in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep? That’s really tiring!  The good news: there are plenty of foods and drinks you can include in your diet to help you sleep better! Ready to eat right for good ZZZs? Here are some food choices to get you started on the path to slumber. Passionflower tea Passionflower tea has long been used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia and restlessness at night. It boosts the levels of GABA, a chemical messenger in your brain which calms the neuron activity, so you can relax and sleep better. Walnuts A handful of walnuts can make you feel more relaxed and sleep better through the night. They are a great source of melatonin, often referred to as the sleep hormone, which plays a central role in your body’s sleep-wake cycle.   Warm milk Drinking a warm glass of milk before bedtime is a long-standing tradition. Scientific evidence suggests that there are several sleep-promoting nutrients in milk that may help you sleep. It contains a variety of amino acids that may promote sleep in different ways. Dark chocolate Eating dark chocolate may help you sleep better. It contains tryptophan which helps produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter which is known to improve mood and enhance sleep quality. High magnesium levels in dark chocolate help you relax and ease into a restful sleep. Banana Bananas are a nutritional powerhouse packed with sleep-inducing nutrients like magnesium and potassium. These minerals work in harmony to regulate blood pressure, relax muscles, and improve sleep quality. Bananas also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that your body needs to produce serotonin.

Home Remedies for Healthy Hair

Your hair is the crown that you never take off – so style it like a king, or queen! It does not matter whether you have straight, curly, or wavy hair, there is one thing nearly everyone wants: hair that is healthy and strong from root to tip. A good hair day can be the key to self-confidence. The volume and lustre you have always wanted for your tresses can be achieved with the following home remedies. Green tea Green tea is well known for being rich in antioxidants. It will help to stimulate blood circulation in your scalp, preventing hair loss and improving hair health. Here is how:Mix green tea with water, and then apply it to the hair. Wrap the head with a warm towel for 20 minutes. Then rinse with clean water. Coconut milk Coconut milk is rich in essential oils, vitamins, minerals and protein beneficial for hair growth. Here is how:Apply coconut milk on the scalp and hair. Leave it on overnight to nourish the scalp and to strengthen hair roots. After that rinse with water. Onions High in sulphur, onions can strengthen hair roots and reduce breakage. Here is how:Cut the onion, and then squeeze it on the scalp. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse with clean water. Olive oil Olive oil is a sure-shot method for improving the lustre and softness of dull locks. Here is how:Apply and spread olive oil on the scalp and massage gently. Leave it on for 1 hour then rinse. Aloe vera Aloe vera contains vitamins C, E, B12, folic acid and choline which may help nourish the hair and soothe the scalp. Here is how:Rub and massage aloe vera mucus on the scalp evenly. Leave on for 15-20 minutes then rinse with clean water. Egg whites Egg whites are high in protein which is essential to promote healthy tresses. Here is how:Apply on hair for 15 minutes and then rinse with clean water. It can also be mixed with olive oil for more satisfying results. Hair nutrition Like any other parts of your body, hair requires a variety of nutrients to grow stronger and healthier. Supply your hair with the key nutrients it needs to enhance the lustre, strength and shine of your mane.

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