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Digestive Health

Are you frequently suffering from bloating, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence and indigestion?

A well-studied probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v is clinically proven to:
● promote a healthy digestion
● reduce bloating and gassiness
● relieve abdominal discomfort
● normalize bowel movement

Is there any solution that able to help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Lactobacillus plantarum 299v provides a one-off solution for IBS. Just take one capsule a day and you may see the improvement as early as within 1 week time

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

If any of these symptoms below are present at least 3 days a month in the past 3 months, you may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The symptoms include:

often experience stomach pain with the urge to go to the toilet
constipation
diarrhea
altering of constipation and diarrhea
bloated stomach

How good gut boost your immune system

70% of the immune cells are located in your gut. Probiotics as friendly live bacteria are able to fight against harmful bacteria in your gut. Most importantly, they communicate with your immune cells to trigger body’s immune mechanism to rev up your body’s immunity. Give your child BiO-LiFE AB Junior Pre & Pro. You may notice that your child falls sick less often over time.

I am Peter from Malacca. I am not sure if it is due to food contaminations, but whenever I travel for work, I tend to suffer from diarrhoea during these trips.

You might be suffering from traveler’s diarrhea. Traveler’s diarrhea affects about 20-50% of travelers and the most common source of exposure to disease-causing microorganisms is ingestion of contaminated drinking water and food. This will disrupt the gut microflora balance, resulting in an increased frequency of bowel movement accompanied by abdominal cramps, nausea and fever.

The onset of traveler’s diarrhea is usually within the first week of travel but can occur at any time during the trip or after returning home. You can reduce the risk of traveler’s diarrhea by practicing good hygiene and take preventive measures while traveling. Drink bottled water that is in sealed, tamper-proof container instead of self-prepared beverages at restaurants. Well cooked and packed foods are usually safe and avoid eating raw or undercooked meat.

A more sensible way to maintain a healthy gut is by taking probiotics. Scientific studies have demonstrated that probiotics may prevent gastrointestinal problems. During the onset of traveler’s diarrhea, probiotics help to reduce symptoms and improve the condition by replenishing friendly bacteria in the gut. For those taking antibiotics, the use of probiotics helps restore the gut microflora balance.

Thus, you may consider carrying probiotics along when you travel the next time. Choose one with the right strain (Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM) that has been clinically proven and refrigerate for maximum potency. However, you are still able to enjoy the refrigerated probiotics protection while traveling by bringing them separately in a small container. They are able to withstand at room temperature up to 7-10 days.

My husband is tested positive for Helicobacter pylori. Is it vital to treat it as he does not have any abdominal discomfort?

H. pylori infection is a condition that occurs when the bacterium, Helicobacter pylori thrive in the stomach or the first part of small intestine, duodenum. This infection can cause chronic gastritis and lead to peptic ulcer disease by damaging the protective mucous lining of the stomach and duodenum. Therefore, adequate therapy for patients with H. pylori is important in the treatment and prevention of peptic ulcers.

The primary goal of therapy for H. pylori infection is to eradicate or destroy the bacterium and antibiotics are usually prescribed for this reason. Apart from prescribed antibiotics, current researchers also suggest that probiotics (friendly bacteria) such as Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 may be included as part of the standard therapy for H.pylori infection. These probiotics are playing a role in replenishing the gut microflora balance after an antibiotic treatment to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Frequent consumption of fruit and vegetables appears to protect against infection with H.pylori. In contrast, contaminated food and poor sanitary conditions may increase the risk of infection. Thus, individuals with H.pylori infection must practice good personal hygiene and consume food that is prepared in a clean and hygienic environment. Home-cooked food is the ideal choice for them to prevent the infection.

I am trying to raise my 4-year-old daughter as a vegan. What sort of non-meat food should I include in her diet to ensure that she doesn't miss out on the nutrients vital for growth?

Vegan refers to a vegetarian who does not consume foods of animal origin including eggs, dairy products and processed foods.

Parents who want to raise their children on a vegan diet should consult a pediatrician/dietician first as there may be concerns about the nutritional status of the child. Children should get enough calories, protein, iron, calcium, zinc and vitamins. Sufficient sources of protein such as legumes, tofu and soymilk must be present in the diet for proper growth and development. Calcium is another important nutrient for healthy bones and teeth. Green leafy vegetables and fortified soy milk are some of the sources of calcium. However, the best sources are still animal products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt. The daily requirement of calcium for a 4-year-old child is about 600mg/day and it is hard to get this amount from a vegan diet.

Although these essential nutrients still can be obtained from plant sources, it will be best to give your child a variety of foods including meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. A healthy, varied diet will provide a sound nutritional base which is critical in the formative years. It will be beneficial to incorporate organic spirulina in your child’s diet.

Organic spirulina is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals. Apart from that, supplementation with probiotics specifically Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 combined with prebiotic, chicory inulin help improve gut health and immune system. A healthy gut will promote better absorption of nutrients and ultimately better growth and protection against infections.

Is it true that refrigeration is important to ensure the optimal potency of probiotics?

Yes, refrigeration creates an ambient condition of low temperature and humidity which is critical for the survival of the living friendly bacteria (probiotics).

What is Probiotic?

According to WHO guidelines, probiotics are defined as live migroorganisms which administered in adequate amounts to confer health benefits on the host.

Lactobacillus acidophillus or Bifidobacterium lactis are both classified to the species level, not as strains. Clinically proven strains are those such as below with its strain-specific indication:

(i) Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (BiO-LiFE Probi 299v) for improving all Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms

(ii) Lactobacillus acidophillus LA-5 & Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 (BiO-LiFE A.B Junior Pre & Pro) for improving immunity and bowel movements in children

(iii) Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 & Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 (BiO-LiFE Pro-UTIx) for women urogenital infections

(iv) Lactobacillus acidophillus NCFM (BiO-LiFE Advanced Multiblend Probiotix) for gastrointestinal problems

According to WHO guidelines, probiotics are defined as live migroorganisms which administered in adequate amounts to confer health benefits on the host.

(i) Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (BiO-LiFE Probi 299v) for improving all Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms

(ii) Lactobacillus acidophillus LA-5 & Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 (BiO-LiFE A.B Junior Pre & Pro) for improving immunity and bowel movements in children

(iii) Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 & Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 (BiO-LiFE Pro-UTIx) for women urogenital infections

(iv) Lactobacillus acidophillus NCFM (BiO-LiFE Advanced Multiblend Probiotix) for gastrointestinal problems