When it comes to a person's general state of health, it's the state of someone's heart, lungs or liver that usually comes to mind. However, there is another part of your body that significantly contributes to your overall health and wellness - our gut.   In fact, various studies in the past decades have proven the link between a person's gut health and their immune system. This is much in contrast to what was once thought as a mere digestive system that simply comprises of a long tube to pass our food along to be absorbed and excreted.   Today, you'll often hear the term “gut microbiome" used to describe the beneficial bacteria and various microorganisms living within your digestive system. It's now a known fact that a healthy person would have 300 to 500 different types of bacteria in their digestive tract at any one time, though most of them are beneficial and even necessary to have a healthy body!   That's why it's important to maintain and protect the health of your digestive system by having a healthy variety of good bacteria within your gut. This not only enhances your immune system, it helps to lift your overall health, fight against obesity and much more.     What are the symptoms of an unhealthy gut?   Apart from various physiological factors, there are often psychological matters that start affecting your gut health as well. Factors such as excessively high stress levels, lack of sleep, or even taking a wrong dosage of antibiotics could damage our gut microbiome.   From there, you can often spot the different ways that an unhealthy gut might show itself. Here are some common symptoms of an unhealthy gut:     1. You have an upset stomach   If you have a noticeable discomfort with your stomach in the likes of gas, bloating or constipation, chances are your gut is in an unhealthy state. A happy, healthy and balanced gut will little difficulty in ensuring your digestive parts feel comfortable when processing food and eliminating waste.     2. You're experiencing unexpected weight change   A sudden change of weight (either losing or gaining) without any reasonable explanation of dieting or exercising can be a sign of an unhealthy gut.   This is because the weight change is often due to your body's impaired ability to absorb nutrients or store fat.      3. You have trouble sleeping or are in constant lethargy   Another sign of an unhealthy gut is difficulty sleeping, insomnia or chronic fatigue even after a period of rest. The reason? Serotonin, a hormone that affects your sleeping mechanism, is produced in the gut!   That's why an unhealthy gut can often bring about sleep disturbances and difficulty in getting your body rested and energised.       Ways to improve your body's gut health     1. Try and ease up your stress levels   While there might be plenty of things to be worried about, you can always try managing your stress level to get your gut health back up to normal.   This can include activities such as taking time to walk off pressure, spending time with family or even meditation with the help of essential oils!     2. Make time for relaxation and sleep    Apart from making significant improvements with your gut health, good quality and a healthy quantity of sleep can positively impact many areas of your health in general!   Try capping off a minimum of 7 hours of sleep every night to ensure your body gets its rest after a long day of work and pressure.     3. Try boosting your gut health with nutrition and supplements   While there are plenty of other ways you can boost your gut health, one of the best ways you can supercharge your gut microbiome is with Stolle's ImmNuPlus, one of the best supplements for gut health out there in the market.     ImmNuPlus gives you a hard-to-find complex bioactive factors that are clinically proven to improve your gut health for a stronger immune system.   Some of the reasons why Stolle is the best booster for your immune system include:   Over 60 years of research have resulted in more than 20 published scientific studies, 200 awarded patents and international quality awards   Patented bioactive factors such as specific IgG, secretory IgA, lactoferrin and anti-inflammatory factors directly support the immune system by balancing immune responses   Our exclusive milk protein concentrate ingredient enhances the immune effects 1.5 times   Multiple health care functions to meet nutritional needs of every life stage while also meeting the health needs of the entire family   Manufactured by the largest dairy company in New Zealand, assuring the highest product quality   Cows are fed year-round on all-natural New Zealand pastures that are scientifically managed, thereby ensuring the highest nutritional value     If you're looking to boost your gut health, give Stolle ImmNuPlus a try   With Stolle ImmNuPlus, you can ensure your gut health is always at their fighting fit to keep illnesses at bay. Try it now - download our brochure at https://www.stolle.com.my/en/.  

  Do you consider yourself a healthy person? Well, if you don't, you're not alone - Malaysians are increasingly unhealthy and our level of nutrition and health has been dropping for the past 20 years!   In fact, the 2019 National Health Morbidity Survey (NHMS) report by the Health Ministry has shown a worrying result of Malaysia's general health - over 50% of our adults are either overweight or obese!   What's worse - over 18% of all adults are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and over 38% of all adults have high blood cholesterol. More worryingly, these are double the levels of a survey done in 1996!   This has majorly affected the immune systems of Malaysians in general. As our immune system is highly dependent on the level of function of our organs (think liver, lungs, etc) to generate the right parts to fight infection. They include the likes of white blood cells and antibodies that are the main front liners that fight infection.   Therefore, if you've noticed that you're prone to falling sick easily with minor illnesses such as coughs, fevers and flu, or you constantly feel fatigued and weak, it's a warning sign that it's time to give your immune system a boost.     Common signs of a weak immune system   Before we delve into what are the best immune support products out there, here are some common signs that your immune system is weakened and needs strengthening:     1. Your flu comes and goes very often   While it's a common thing to see adults experiencing colds and flu a few times a year, it is a worrying sign if your flu symptoms often fail to disappear completely and come back worse than before.   This suggests that our immune system isn't fighting back against the cold completely, and it's a good indicator that your immune system is struggling to fight off the infection completely.     2. You face frequent stomach issues   This might not be common knowledge, but your digestive system is a major part that affects your immune system significantly.   Experiencing constant digestive issues such as high frequent diarrhea, bloating or constipation could be a sign that your immune system isn't working as it should be. This is due to an imbalance in the bacteria and microorganisms in your gut that supports your immune system.     3. You are always fighting off infections, one after another   A never-ending episode of illness or unwell symptoms is a red flag from your immune system, saying that you might have deficiencies in your body's immune system.   Some of the common symptoms are: Reoccurring ear infections multiple times yearly  Falling ill to pneumonia more than once within a year Experiencing chronic or bacterial sinusitis on a frequent basis Requiring multiple courses of antibiotics within the year     4. You are constantly lethargic and out of energy   If you're experiencing tiredness all the time even when you've been getting plenty of sleep and rest, it's time to acknowledge that your immune system has been severely compromised.   Why? It's a sign that your body is attempting to preserve energy and redirect it to your immune system to make up for its weakness!     How to boost your immune system   For most of us, the best way to boost your immune system is to actively choose and practice a healthy lifestyle. While it's easier said than done, a healthy lifestyle can be argued to be one of the most effective ways to strengthen your immune system naturally.   By following these general guidelines on maintaining good health, your immune system will be in fighting form naturally and be ready to protect you from most illnesses. They are:   Quitting the habit of smoking  Have a moderate diet that's rich in fruits and vegetables Regular exercise and maintenance of a healthy weight Enjoy alcohol in moderation with less frequency Ensure you're always getting enough sleep and minimize your daily stress   However, with Covid-19 on our doorstep, sometimes it simply isn't enough to strengthen your body's immune system naturally. Be one step ahead and protect your family's health with ImmNuPlus, one of the best immune support products out there in the market.   In case you're not aware, ImmNuPlus by Stolle isn't merely a nutrient-rich product that contains the needed nutrition for your body's immune system.    ImmNuPlus gives you a hard-to-find complex bioactive factors that are clinically proven to improve your quality of life and balance your body's immune system.   Some of the reasons why Stolle is the best booster for your immune system include:   Over 60 years of research have resulted in more than 20 published scientific studies, 200 awarded patents and international quality awards   Patented bioactive factors such as specific IgG, secretory IgA, lactoferrin and anti-inflammatory factors directly support the immune system by balancing immune responses   Our exclusive milk protein concentrate ingredient enhances the immune effects 1.5 times   Multiple health care functions that meet nutritional needs of every life stage while also meeting the health needs of the entire family   Manufactured by the largest dairy company in New Zealand, assuring the highest product quality   Cow are fed year-round on all-natural New Zealand pastures that are scientifically managed, thereby ensuring the highest nutritional value   As one of the best immune support products in the market right now, Stolle ImmNuPlus can effectively optimize and rejuvenate your body's immune system to protect your health throughout this pandemic! In fact, it is highly recommended for anyone with these symptoms to give ImmNuPlus by Stolle a try:   Those who fall sick easily due to weakened immunity after surgery and during influenza season Allergy sufferers Those who frequently experience gut problems Those who have high blood pressure or heart problems Those who suffer from high stress and poor sleep quality which can cause imbalance in their gut microbiome Lack of exercise or problems with cholesterol and high blood lipids Over 40 years of age with reduced physical function     In times of Covid-19, it's important to boost and strengthen your body's immune system   If you're facing uncertainty in times of Covid-19, a strong and healthy immune system is your best bet to protect yourself from any illnesses that might lead to susceptibility to Covid-19 and its similar conditions.   With Stolle ImmNuPlus, you can ensure you and your loved ones are kept one step ahead of any illnesses by boosting your immune system through a healthy lifestyle and nutrient-rich products! Try it now - download our brochure at https://www.stolle.com.my/en/

  Sarcopenia is a type of muscle loss condition related to aging. In our 40 years of age, our muscle mass tends to reduce 8% in every 10 years, followed by reduction of up to 24% after 70 years of age. This condition can lead to difficulties in performing daily tasks, affecting quality of life as well as causing disability in elderly.   Malaysia is currently approaching to becoming an ageing nation by 2030, in which the percentage of Malaysians over 65 years of age is estimated to increase by 15% on that year. To live a healthy life as you age, maintaining muscle mass is one of the many essentials.     5 Signs of Sarcopenia     Sarcopenia, if left unnoticed, can lead to various complications, ranging from feeling physically weak, unable to lift heavy objects, get tired easily, to increasing risked of falling, causing disability in elderly. If you have elderly at home, watch out for these signs:   1. Walking more slowly 2. Hard to grab objects 3. Moving difficulties 4. Falls easily 5. Unintentional weight loss     Preventing Sarcopenia: Pair Nutrition with Exercise     The rate of muscle loss varies from person to person. Sarcopenia is mainly caused by an unbalanced diet and lack of physical activity. But through proper nutrition and exercise, sarcopenia can be reversed and prevented.     1. Eat enough protein (and food)   Many elderly tend to eat a lot less as they age due to the ‘you should eat lesser as you age’ mindset, decreased appetite or practice restricted eating due to chronic diseases. This causes them to be protein and calorie-deficient, leading to decreased muscle mass.   Protein is one of the macronutrients crucial for maintaining and repairing muscles. The elderly are recommended to consume 1g of protein per kg body weight. Choose high-quality protein sources such as skim milk, egg, lean meat and beans to obtain essential amino acids, which is ideal to maintain muscle mass. In addition, eat three full meals a day and prioritize a balanced and nutritious diet to prevent muscle loss.     2. Resistance training   Make exercise a habit and do at least 2-3 times of weight training a week to maintain muscle mass and strengthen muscle. Get started by walking first, with gradual increase of distance on each session. Not to mention that nowadays, sarcopenia also affects the young due to sedentary lifestyle, so start young in preserving and strengthening muscle mass.   Reference: Healthline

  The faster your metabolism, the more calories your body needs, which helps you to achieve healthy weight loss. However, our metabolism tends to slow down with age, which makes you gain weight easier than losing, in which your body has more leftover calories, which tends to be stored as fat. Fat, essentially stored at the abdominal area, organs and liver can increase the risk of getting chronic diseases such as heart diseases, hypertension and diabetes. The rate of metabolism varies from person to person, the most common factors of a reduced metabolism include the reduction of muscle mass, lack of physical activity and natural aging processes as a result of age.     5 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism     1. Eat adequately   Starving yourself or have a heavily restricted diet can make you lose weight fast, but in the long-term, your metabolism tends to slow down due to calorie deficiency, which can cause you to regain the weight easily. To achieve a healthy and sustainable weight loss, eating enough is the key to boost your metabolism.     2. Eat enough protein   Protein is one of the most essential macronutrients for the build, repair and maintenance of muscle tissue, which is crucial for you to maintain a high metabolism. Besides, eating enough protein also helps to temporarily increase your metabolic rate, known as thermic effect of food (TEF), in which the amount of calories burned for digesting and absorbing protein is higher compared to carbs and fat. Hence, consume enough high-quality protein such as dairy, eggs, chicken and fish to give your metabolism a boost.     3. Stay active   All body movements, from standing, walking to doing chores requires energy or calories. The more active you are, the higher your metabolism. Hence, increase your physical activity and exercise regularly to help boost your metabolism for weight loss.     4. Resistance Training   One study conducted among 50-60 years old men showed that, having resistance training or lifting weights at least 3 times per week helps to boost resting metabolic rate by 7.7% in 16 weeks. As muscle is more metabolically active than fat, having a higher lean body mass helps to increase metabolism.     5. Get enough sleep   Not getting enough sleep affects your energy, concentration and health in general, including reducing your metabolic rate, which makes you gain weight more easily. One study has shown that healthy adults who slept for 4 hours for five consecutive days had average reduction of metabolic rate by 2.6%. Hence, ensure getting at least 8 hours of sleep per day is essential to maintain a high metabolism.   Reference： Healthline

  We all face stress in life. Common activities such as preparing for finals or giving a speech can cause some level of stress. Stressful situation can temporarily boost your bodily functions at first, but long-term stress such as those that are mental (anxiety) and physical (fatigue) can affect both mood and physical health, causing a range of health problems, espcially your immune system. In Malaysia, about 51% of the young people are stressed at work. Studies have shown that the negative effects stress can cause to our body include anxiety, fatigue, sore muscle and even health problems such as infections and chronic diseases.     Five harmful effects of stress     1. Imbalance immune system- gets sick easily, higher risk of infection   A balanced immune system protects you against health threat and diseases. However, long-term stress can cause high levels of cortisol, which can inhibit the function of immune system, causing the body to lose ability in defending you against pathogens, increasing the risk of infections, as well as worsen allergic reactions. Such an imbalance in the immune system can weaken your body’s defense against diseases.     2. Obesity   Stress can cause the body to release high levels of cortisol, in which causes the body to release glucose into the bloodstream in order to supply quick energy. This can increase sugar cravings, causing you to overeat and gain weight. Studies have also found that high levels of cortisol can decrease your metabolism, which makes you difficult to lose weight and increase insulin levels, making you store fat more easily.     3. Mental disorders   Long-term stress can affect your sleep as well as making you lose memory and focus. Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety are found to be closely-related to mental stress. Scientists found that high levels of cortisol can affect the brain’s functioning in terms of memory and emotion regulation. Long-term stress can reduce nerve cells and change the brain’s response to stress, increasing the risk of developing mental disorders.     4. Gut problems   A balanced gut microbiota with higher amount of beneficial bacteria can ensure proper functioning of the digestive system. However, studies shown that stress can cause an imbalance in the gut microbiota, which can lead to gut problems such as constipation, bloating and indigestion, as well as increasing the risk of infections.     5. Cardiovascular diseases   Studies suggest that high levels of cortisol from long-terms stress can increase blood cholesterol, blood sugar levels and blood pressure and promote atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.   Reference： Healthline

  Due to the pandemic, many people have started to work out at home. However, whether it is for health or to lose weight, diet plays a huge role in shedding those extra weights in combination with exercise. Apparently, pairing weight training with cardio is the best strategy for weight loss. Gaining lean muscle helps boosting your resting metabolism, which makes you burn more calories even when you’re sitting; and pairing it with at least 30 minutes of cardio exercises after, such as running, cycling helps you to effectively burn calories.    However, exercising too much can lead to muscle fatigue, increasing the risk of injury and even causing production of free radicals in the body, in which when in excessive can damage our body cells and accelerate aging. Studies have shown that not only long-term oxidative stress can accelerate skin aging, these free radicals can also affect our immune system, leading to higher risk of infection.   You are what you eat. Eating the right food before and after exercise not only helps to boost your workout performance, but to also help you to recover faster, loss weight effectively and prevent oxidative damage.     Before workout: Eat enough carbs to improve performance     Eat a 1:1 ratio of carbs, such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, fruits and vegetables and protein two hours before a workout helps your body to store energy and enhance performance in your workout by delaying fatigue.     After workout: Eat enough carbs, protein and antioxidant-rich food     Eating right after an exercise is the key to faster recovery and building lean muscle. Eating enough carbs such as sweet potato, fruits, oats and rice helps to stimulate insulin, which helps in increasing muscle protein synthesis, while consuming high protein food such as milk, yogurt, egg and fish after a workout helps in muscle-repair and growth. One is recommended to eat a 2:3 ratio of carbs and protein after a workout session.   Exercising too much can cause the body to produce too much free radicals, which can cause aging. Hence, one should consume enough antioxidant-rich food, such as blueberries, apples, broccoli, spinach, onion and turmeric to fight free radicals and lower oxidative stress.     Daily: Eat enough protein     Consuming enough protein daily is the key to maintain lean muscle mass and resting metabolism. A lack of protein in the diet while you are trying to lose weight can cause muscle loss, which decreases metabolism and can make your weight rebound in the future. Hence, consume enough high-quality protein, such as animal source protein to maximize weight loss. For adults, a daily protein intake of 0.8g/kg body weight is recommended; while for those who are physically active, aim for a daily intake of 1.2-1.4g/kg body weight per day.    Reference: Healthline      

  If you often have gut problems such as constipation, bloating and even flatulence (which by means, farting), you might have an imbalance in your gut microbiota. Your gut houses over 1000 types of beneficial and harmful bacteria, with the amount 10 times higher than your body cells. Studies have found that these gut bacteria can affect the functioning of the gut, immune system and even your mood!   A healthy, balanced gut microbiota consists of a higher amount of beneficial bacteria, which ensures the well-functioning of the digestive system and forms a protection barrier on your intestinal muscosa, preventing harmful pathogens from invading and causing infections, as well as inhibiting their growth. Having a healthy immune system is the key to maintaining a balanced gut microbiota and overall health.   However, having a weak immune system can often cause bacteria overgrowth in the gut, causing gut problems such as flatulence, constipation, bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea and even indigestion; or worse, destroying and invading the intestinal mucosa, making us fall sick or cause food poisoning. Besides, lifestyle factors such as stress, lack of sleep, diet high in sugar, salt and fat, overconsumption of alcohol and overuse of antibiotics can also disrupt the balance of gut microbiota.     How to improve your gut microbiota?     1. Eat more fiber-rich food   Studies have found that high fiber food such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and grains can promote the growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria and lead to a diverse microbiome, which is ideal for good gut health. Fiber, which cannot be digested by our bodies, can be digested by certain bacteria in the gut, which promote their growth.     2. Eat fermented foods   Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi are rich in beneficial Lactobacilli, which helps in reducing the amount of harmful gut bacteria. However, it is important to take note of the amount of sugar in yogurts, as long-term consumption of too much sugar can reduce the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut and not to mention, can negatively impact your health.     3. Consume immunonutrition   A health, balanced immune system is the key to maintaining a balanced gut microbiota. Consuming health food rich in specific IgA and IgG antibodies can directly help in reducing harmful gut bacteria, improving the amount and activity of beneficial bacteria and helps to boost your immunity, protecting your overall health.     4. Lower stress levels   Stress in the long-term can seriously affect your mood and pose a threat to your health, which includes disrupting the balance of your gut microbiota. Try meditation, walking or exercising to de-stress and improve your mood.     5. Stay hydrated   Our bodies require sufficient amount of water to function normally. Drinking plenty of water daily has been shown to be beneficial for the intestinal mucosa and promote gut microbiota health.  

  Need some energy boost? Despite drinking coffee, eating the right food not only nourishes your body with nutrients, but also effectively promote energy levels. Here’s five food that have been proven to help you boost your energy, keeping you productive throughout the day.     1. Eggs   Eggs are packed with proteins, which not only fills you up, but also providing a steady and sustained energy throughout the day. Besides, the most abundant amino acids found in eggs- leucine, is known to stimulate energy production as well as increasing the break down of fat for energy.     2. Turmeric   Originated from India, turmeric is widely used for thousands of years as traditional spice and herbs. Studies have found that the active ingredient found in turmeric- curcumin has antioxidants benefits, offers liver protection and helps to boost metabolism, giving you more energy. However, the amount of curcumin in turmeric is quite low (3-5%) with low bioavailability. Instead, choose curcumin that is high in purity and formulated with bioavailability enhancers (such as lecithin) for maximized absorption.     3. Brown rice   Compared with white rice, brown rice is rich in fiber with a relatively lower glycemic index, which is great for stabilizing blood sugar and providing sustained energy throughout the day. Additionally, brown rice is also packed with manganese, a mineral that helps enzyme to break down carbohydrate and proteins to generate energy.     4. Leafy green vegetables   Iron is an essential element for hemoglobin production, which helps to transport oxygen in the blood. A person with iron-deficiency tends to get tired easily. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and kale are great sources of iron as well as vitamin C, which helps to enhance iron absorption in your body.     5. Nuts   Packed with protein, fiber and good fats, nuts such as almond, walnuts and cashews are great snacks for health and energy. Besides, nuts are also great sources of energy-producing nutrients, including vitamin B, vitamin E, manganese and iron, which helps to beat tiredness.

  According to a study in Childhood Obesity in Malaysia, one in every four children is either overweight or obese, which is quite concerning. Most parents seem to be unaware of the health consequences childhood obese can bring. In addition to height, the number on the weighing scale is something parents should also not overlook while monitoring their children’s growth and development.     ‘Letting your child eat whatever they want’ is the problem     A balanced diet plays a vital role in the growth and development of children. However, children tend to be picky eaters, in which they would mostly prefer sweets, snacks and fast food rather than eating fruits and vegetables, which are important sources of nutrients. Such foods with ‘empty calorie’, which contain higher calorie with relatively low amount of nutrients greatly contribute to weight gain and malnutrition in children, which can affect their growth and development. Besides, parents can also play huge factor in childhood obese, as children tend to follow their parents’ eating habits.     Children nowadays are more inactive     In this modern era, urban people tends to eat more and move less. Today, children tend to watch tv and use electronic devices such as phones and computers more often, rather than playing outdoors and engage in physical activities. In addition to an imbalance diet, such physical inactivity can easily lead to weight gain in children.     The complications of childhood obesity     Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for many chronic diseases. 80% of overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults. Children who are obese are at increased risk for diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancer compared to children with normal weight. Not to mention that an obese children has a greater risk of infection, allergies and asthma, as obese can cause an imbalance in the immune system.     Is your child obese?     Childhood overweight and obesity can be determined by measuring a child’s body mass index (BMI), using the formula BMI = weight (kg) / height (m2). According to World Health Organization (WHO), anyone with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight; and if 30 or higher, he/she is considered obese. However, children tend to have different body sizes and development rate at different ages. Childhood overweight or obesity can be determined based on the child’s age as shown in the table below.   Age Overweight ﹙BMI≧﹚ Obese ﹙BMI≧﹚   Male Female Male Female 2 17.7 17.3 19 18.3 3 17.7 17.2 19.1 18.5 4 17.7 17.1 19.3 18.6 5 17.7 17.1 19.4 18.9 6 17.9 17.2 19.7 19.1 7 18.6 18 21.2 20.3 8 19.3 18.8 22 21 9 19.7 19.3 22.5 21.6 10 20.3 20.1 22.9 22.3 11 21 20.9 23.5 23.1 12 21.5 21.6 24.2 23.9 Source：Ministry of Health and Welfare (Taiwan)     3 key ways to help your child lose weight safely     1. Eat a balanced diet   Change your child’s diet by increasing their intake of high fiber and nutrient-dense food, such as fruits, vegetables, grains and beans. Choose lean meat such as chicken, fish and dairy such as milk for protein, which is crucial for children’s growth and development.     2. Reduce intake of high-calorie food   Choose nutrient dense and low-calorie snacks such as fruits, whole wheat bread, low fat and salt biscuits instead of high fat and calorie food such as sweets, desserts, processed and fried food.     3. Increase physical activity   Engage in physical activity with your children. Indoor activities such as doing house chores, skipping ropes, stairs-climbing, simple cardio exercises or outdoor activities such as a walk at the park, playground activities and cycling are great ways to increase physical activity in children, as well as strengthening parent-child relationship.