NH July2022

naturalhealth.my

July 2022 Vol128

Malaysia RM6

CREAMS, LOTIONS

& MOISTURISERS:

Keeping Your Skin

SOFT & SMOOTH

6

Things

You Should

Know About

Hepatitis

Reverse

Running:

- The Latest Way

To Keep Fit!

Expert Advice:

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT

HEALTH INSURANCE

Fresh & Fabulous:

Feminine Care Products

To Try

Editor’s Message

Published by:

AcePremier.com Sdn Bhd (829271-K)

N-2-6, Plaza Damas, 60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1,

Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

T: +603-6203 2522 F: +603-6203 4522

E: info@acepremier.com www.AcePremier.com

Publisher

John Lim

Editor

Lily Wong

Marketing & Sales

Fiona Lim

Adeline Chin

Creative Team

Yasmin Sarah Hamdan

Nur Hazwani

Advisory Panel

Dr Yee Kok Meng

Cardiologist

Sunway Medical Centre

Dr Nor Azlina Mohd Yusof

Consultant Cardiologist

Prince Court Medical Centre

Journey into Wellness

Health and wellness continue to play a significant role in our lives as we move

forward into a post-pandemic world. There is nothing more important than ensuring

that our families are healthy and safe. On that note, many of us are looking for simple

and attainable ways to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Fortunately, health information is widely available, thanks to the Internet. However,

the info we obtain online can sometimes be contradictory, so we must use discretion

when it comes to any guidelines or suggestions regarding our health. One way to do

so is to always consult your doctor or a medical professional before attempting to

self-diagnose or use any type of treatment.

In this issue, we have curated several articles on achieving better health with the help

of medical consultants from reputable hospitals. Learn more about the different forms

of hepatitis and how to prevent them. At the same time, get dermatologist-approved

tips on selecting the right moisturiser for your skin type. If you love mushrooms, our

contributing dietitian will tell you all about the many health benefits of this superfood.

I hope you enjoy this issue, and I look forward to embarking on this journey towards

better health with you!

Regards,

Lily Wong

Printer

Times Offset (M) Sdn Bhd

Bangunan Times Publishing

Lot 46 Subang Hi-Tech

Industrial Park, Batu Tiga,

40000 Shah Alam Selangor

Distributor

Central Paper Agencies Sdn Bhd

NATURAL HEALTH encourages reader feedback.

Please email to editor@acepremier.com

Reproduction of the material contained herein is forbidden

without the permission of the publisher.

NATURAL HEALTH magazine is published 12 times a year by

AcePremier.com Sdn Bhd

Disclaimer

Editorial material herein is provided for information only. Reader

are cautioned not to use this information as a substitute for

regular professional health care and consultation. Although great

care has been taken in compiling and checking the information

given in this publication, the publisher, authors, advisors and

agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for continued

currency of the information or for any errors, omissions or

inaccuracies in this publication whether arising from negligence

or otherwise howsoever, or for any consequences arising there

from. The inclusion or exclusion of any product does not mean

that the publisher advocates or rejects its use either generally or

in particular field or fields.

Advertisements are subject to editorial acceptance and have no

influence on editorial content or presentation. The publishers,

authors, advisors and agents do not guarantee, directly or

indirectly, the quality or efficacy of any product or service

described in the advertisements or other material which is

commercial in nature.

For all business and partnership matters please contact our

Director, John Lim at info@acepremier.com or +603 6203 2522.

Copyright © 2022. AcePremier.com Sdn Bhd.

Join our Facebook Fan page

Naturalhealth.my

We are available at:

Bookstores

Pharmacies

Associations

Hospitals/Clinics/

Specialists/

Medical Centres

Advertorial

PROTECTING

AND

NOURISHING

DRY SKIN

WITH OILUM

Whether you are in your 20s, 30s or approaching

your golden years, dry skin is a common condition

that affects almost anyone. What is dry skin, and

what causes it? Simply put, when skin loses too

much water or doesn’t retain sufficient moisture,

it becomes dry and dehydrated.

Many factors contribute to dry skin. These include:

• Age – by 60 years of age, nearly everyone has dry skin

• Soaps and harsh cleaning products

• Taking long hot showers

• Air conditioning

• Certain medications

• Smoking

• Vitamin or mineral deficiency – especially vitamin D, vitamin

A, niacin, zinc, or iron

• Skin ailments – atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, perioral

dermatitis, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis

• Medical conditions and treatments – for example, diabetes,

kidney diseases, anorexia; dialysis and cancer treatment can

also cause excessively dry skin

In most cases, dry skin isn’t a cause for concern. However, if

the condition worsens, you can develop permanent side effects

like constant itch or allergies. You also have a higher chance of

getting a serious skin infection. If you experience excessively

dry skin, it’s advisable to seek treatment from a dermatologist

to prevent it from getting worse.

Advertorial

As part of your dry skin treatment plan, dermatologists would

also recommend properly moisturising your skin to help relieve

very dry skin. Here’s where using the right kind of cream, lotion,

or ointment is essential. Even if you have mildly dry skin, a good

moisturising routine is essential to protect and keep your skin

smooth, supple and youthful-looking.

Oilum: Your Key to Beautifully

Hydrated Skin

A suitable moisturiser is vital for people with very dry skin. A

brand renowned for its skincare products, Oilum is formulated

by dermatologists to help boost skin moisture and effectively

combat severe dry skin.

Made with natural ingredients like olive oil and collagen, Oilum

restores skin hydration and balance in three ways: hydrating,

firming, and protecting the skin. This is achieved through:

1. Improving the environment of the dry skin to a condition

that effectively supports the skin’s rehydration mechanism

2. Maintaining the improved environment by protecting the

skin from damaging environmental factors without suffocating

the skin

3. Facilitating the skin in its natural rehydration and repair

mechanism

2-Step Daily Care with Oilum

If you have excessively dry skin, keep your skincare simple.

Oilum is designed with simplicity in mind – all you need is a

2-step routine. Start with Oilum Hydro-Rebalance Firming

Cleanser to gently clean your skin, followed by thoroughly

moisturising your skin with Oilum Derma-Firm Lotion.

When you have very dry skin, even the mildest soaps can irritate

your skin. Gentle and moisturising, Oilum Hydro-Rebalance

Firming Cleanser ensures your skin is hydrated while you stay

clean and fresh. Made with a combination of natural olive oil

and collagen, this cleanser locks in moisture by supporting the

skin’s ability to re-balance its hydration levels. Thus, your skin

won’t dry out, staying supple and moisturised after every shower.

This cleanser can also be used as an alternative to regular

handwash to keep your hand soft and smooth.

The second step is to moisturise after every shower. Suitable for

all skin types, Oilum Derma-Firm Lotion offers a high efficacy,

safety, non-sensitivity, and non-irritancy formula that effectively

hydrates, nourishes and protects the skin. This lotion contains

healthy antioxidants that help prevent free-radical damage while

acting as a Double-UV filter to shield your skin from damaging

UV-A and UV-B rays.

A consistent skincare routine using Oilum will ensure soft, supple,

and youthful skin. As the products have all undergone stringent

quality tests to ensure their safety and efficacy, you can use

them with peace of mind.

Tips for Relieving Dry Skin

Skincare products aside, you can also complement your daily

cleansing and moisturising routines with these tips to relieve

dry skin:

• When you shower, use

lukewarm water as hot

water can strip

moisture and

natural oils from

your skin. Also,

refrain from

taking a long

bath or shower

– keep it to 5 or

10 minutes if

possible.

• Pick gentle or

non-irritating

laundry detergent.

Look for detergents

that are gentle on the skin

or hypoallergenic.

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air to prevent your

skin from drying out. This is helpful if you tend to be in airconditioned

rooms for many hours a day.

• While your air conditioner helps cool and filter the air, it also

lowers air humidity which can rob your skin of moisture and

dry it out. Switch it off temporarily when the room has cooled,

or take a break from the room if you can’t turn it off

• Stay hydrated throughout the day. Drink more water if you

sweat a lot or if the weather is hot and dry.

• Wear non-latex rubber gloves to protect your hand from

harsh household cleaners and dish detergents, which are

proven skin irritants.

• As nutrient deficiency can contribute to dry skin, ensure your

diet has optimal amounts of vitamin A, C, D, E, zinc, selenium

and iron. You can obtain these vitamins and minerals from

foods like sweet potatoes, liver, fruits, cod liver oil, nuts,

seeds, and bell peppers. Consuming omega-3, green tea

antioxidants, and turmeric can also help prevent dry skin.

Avoid anything that drains moisture from the body – for

example, alcohol, caffeine, and excessive salt.

For more information, please visit at www.facebook.com/Oilum-Malaysia-243652882686418

NATURAL Beauty

How to Keep

Your Skin

Soft and

Smooth

with Moisturisers

Moisturising is an important part of any skincare routine, regardless of your skin type. Whether

you have dry, oily, or combination skin, you would need to make sure your skin stays hydrated

inside out. In this article, Dr Tee Shwu Hoon, a Consultant Dermatologist at Columbia Asia

Hospital – Puchong, shares her advice about using a moisturiser.

Your skin’s ability to regulate itself

relies heavily on its hydration level.

When this function is disrupted, it can

result in dry skin and many other skin

conditions. Here’s where regular

moisturising can be beneficial.

“Moisturising our skin is important in

maintaining and enhancing skin

hydration and therefore improving our

skin health and appearance,” Dr Tee

says. “Moisturisers are commonly used

to reduce fine lines and smoothen and

hydrate the skin, which may

inadvertently help improve a patient’s

confidence and quality of life.”

Besides helping to rejuvenate your skin

and keep it hydrated, moisturisers are

also one of the best solutions to

combat wrinkles. The oil glands that

keep your skin healthy and youthful

will eventually lose their power as we

age, resulting in fewer oils being

produced. When you moisturise every

day, your glands do not have to work

as hard to maintain healthy skin

throughout the course of your life.

Moisturising is even more crucial for

people who have dry skin or

underlying skin conditions such as

eczema, psoriasis, and many others. Dr

Tee adds that moisturisers work

effectively to alleviate dry skin,

interrupting the dry skin cycle while

maintaining skin smoothness. “In fact,

moisturising is the cornerstone of

management in patients with eczema,”

she says, adding that moisturisers also

offer many other skin-caring functions,

including:

• anti-inflammation: some moisturiser

components have anti-inflammatory

properties that provide a soothing

effect on inflamed skin

• anti-pruritic (itch): water-based

moisturisers provide a cooling effect

due to water evaporation from the

skin surface; some moisturisers may

also contain menthol as an additive

to provide a cooling sensation and

therefore reducing itch symptoms.

• wound healing: some moisturisers

have been demonstrated to

promote wound healing

8 Natural Health * July 2022 VOL 128

TRANSLUCENT HYDRATING

POWDER MASK SERIES

Used by 3569 Beauty salon naonwide

Japanese formulated Nano-Technology

Mix & Match with your needs

Pure Deep Sea Collagen

100% Natural Ingredient

Skinrefinermalaysia

Skin Refiner Malaysia 03-8210 7007

NATURAL Beauty

Dr Tee Shwu Hoon

Consultant Dermatologist

Columbia Asia Hospital – Puchong

How Moisturisers Keep Our

Skin Soft

How exactly does moisturiser work to

ensure our skin is sufficiently hydrated?

Dr Tee explains: “Moisturising improves

skin hydration and increases the water

content of the outermost skin layer by

directly providing water to the skin,

increasing occlusion to reduce the

water loss from the skin surface. It also

covers small skin fissures, provides a

soothing protective film and protects

skin from friction.”

The common ingredients in

moisturisers are humectants,

emollients, and occlusive, as well as

barrier-repair ingredients. The roles

they serve are different:

• Emollients like long-chain fatty acids

fill in cracks and roughness between

skin cells so that the skin feels smooth

• Humectants such as urea and

glycerine attract and bind water from

the deeper skin and atmosphere into

the outermost skin layer

• Occlusives like white petrolatum

form a protective seal over the skin

to prevent water loss.

• Barrier-repair ingredients like

ceramides, cholesterol, and free

fatty acids replace natural fats that

may be missing between skin cells,

helping the outer skin layer

function optimally.

“A good moisturiser should contain

zero or the least amount of ingredients

or additives such as preservatives,

fragrances, and colourings that might

cause skin irritation or allergy.

Examples of adverse reactions from

using lower quality moisturisers are

allergic contact dermatitis, acne and

folliculitis, photosensitivity and

urticaria,” Dr Tee advises.

Quality moisturisers:

• should be made from non-toxic,

safe, gentle, hypoallergenic,

non-irritant ingredients that do not

cause harm to your body

• contain hydrating skincare

ingredients

• dermatologically tested and safe

• made up of components that will

maintain the skin’s neutral pH

balance

• affordable for consumers and

patients in need

Cream, Lotion, or Gel?

Moisturisers are also available in

different formulations, including

ointment, cream, lotion and gel.

Selecting the right type depends on

multiple factors like skin types (oily,

normal, or dry), application sites, time

of application, existing skin diseases

and others.

“Thick creams, which have a low water

content, or ointments with zero water

content, are generally recommended

for severely dry skin, but some people

may complain that they are greasy.

Lotions are non-greasy, lighter and

can easily spread out to cover

large areas, but can be less

effective than ointment in

overcoming extreme skin

dryness,” she says.


NATURAL Beauty

Finding the Right Moisturiser

+ + Dry Skin: Select a moisturiser

that encourages the

restoration of moisture to the

skin and keeps it hydrated.

+ + Normal Skin: To retain the

skin’s natural moisture

balance, use a water-based

moisturiser.

+ + Oily Skin: After applying

skincare products that can

remove oil or dry out your

skin, apply a lightweight

moisturiser.

+ + Sensitive Skin: A

moisturiser with calming

ingredients like chamomile

or aloe vera will help heal

the sensitive skin and avoid

triggering itches and rashes.

+ + Ageing Skin: Select oilbased

moisturisers with

antioxidant properties to

help combat age-related

skin problems.

How to Moisturise Effectively

Now you’re probably wondering,

which part of the skincare should I

incorporate my moisturiser? Your

moisturiser should generally be

applied after your other skincare steps

but before sunscreen.

During the day, layering your

moisturiser underneath sunscreen

helps protect your skin from strong

UV rays. UV rays are one of the most

common causes of skin damage, and

preventing sun damage on your skin

is more manageable than treating it.

At night, there are several ways to

switch up your routine should you

require additional hydration. For

instance, you can apply a night cream

over your moisturiser.

Dr Tee shares a few moisturising steps

to help you get the most out of your

product: “The optimal time to apply a

moisturiser is immediately after

bathing. After gently drying the skin,

the moisturiser should be applied

immediately to slightly damp skin for

optimal absorption. After rubbing

moisturiser in both palms, lightly

apply it along the direction of hair

follicles. After application, the

moisturiser can keep your skin

hydrated for 2-6 hours, depending on

the type of formulation used.

Taking your dryness severity into

consideration, recommended

application frequency varies between

1 to 3 times daily. In patients with

eczema, moisturisers should be

applied at least two times per day

and repeat once the skin becomes

dry again.”

Daily moisturising is a part of your

skincare routine that you should not

skip out on. The long-term benefits

you will reap from a few minutes of

effort each day can be beneficial in the

long run. If you are unfamiliar with

what type of moisturiser is best suited

for you, it would be a good idea to

consult a dermatologist.

Rehydrate Your Skin Naturally

For those with very dry skin, Oilum Derma-Firm Lotion is an ideal

moisturiser to help restore hydration in your skin. Formulated by

dermatologists, it is made with natural ingredients like olive oil and

collagen. This lotion also alleviates wrinkles, while its olive oil content

provides healthy antioxidants to prevent free-radical damage. Suited

for any skin type, this lotion also serves as a Double-UV filter to

shield your skin from damaging UV rays.


BRAND Story

Body Buddy Aloe Vera

Moisture Real Soothing Gel:

Nature’s Gift for Healthy,

Moisturised Skin

Natural and traditional remedies should never be underestimated, despite the fact that we’re living in a

modern age of technology right now. There are many among us whose families still utilise and practice

the same methods like our forefathers used back in old times like gathering herbs from the bushes,

peeling and drying them under the sunlight and brewing broths in pots. For the rest of us, as much as we

believe and respect traditional methods and natural treatments for issues such as skin problems for

example, we might prefer a more modern approach to address our needs.


BRAND Story

Speaking of natural remedies however,

most of us are quite familiar with this

scientific name, Aloe barbadensis. It is the

magnificent Aloe Vera plant! This perennial

plant has countless wellness and beauty

benefits and is extensively used as a

remedy for all sorts of skin issues

The plant is somewhat thick and thorny

on the outside, but what we’re

interested in is in the inside, which is

the aloe vera gel. Known for its cooling

and hydrating nature, aloe vera gel has

been used to treat sunburns, dry skins

and as a natural moisturiser for

hundreds of years, even by famous

queens of the past. It is well-known for

its ability to address and help counter

skin ailments like eczema, rashes, burns

and skin inflammation (dermatitis).

This is exactly what the award-winning

product from Body Buddy, Aloe Vera

Moisture Real Soothing Gel is all about!

This amazing gel is made with 98%

percent natural ingredients (pure

Californian Aloe vera extracts) and its

potency in treating skin ailments is to be

reckoned with.

Exposure to the sun, regardless if it’s on

purpose or incidental, tends to dry up

our skin, leaving it dehydrated and

vulnerable to irritation. This is when Aloe

Vera Moisture Real Soothing Gel saves

the day. It is a quick and simple remedy

to overcome skin dehydration without

any hassle. The clear, easy to use gel is

parabens-free and contains no artificial

coloring, mineral oils or silicon, so it is

relatively safe to be used by anyone, even

for children!

Aloe Vera Moisture Real Soothing Gel is

the most ideal way to maintain the

moisture levels of your skin, especially

around the elbows, knees, feet, palms

and anywhere else that tend to lose a lot

of moisture and dry out easily. Use it as

a facial pack, a moisturising eye mask,

and even as a hair treatment for a

healthier, glossier crowning glory!

Since the medieval age, the aloe vera

plant has proven to be an effective

natural remedy for all sorts of skin

ailments, and more notably, an

outstanding moisturiser! For as long as

we live, our skin will never be without

the need for proper moisturisation to be

healthy, hydrated and attractive. So now,

how fortunate we are for Body Buddy

Aloe Vera Moisture Real Soothing Gel,

for its ability to care for our needs

anytime, anywhere.

For more information, log on to www.bodybuddy.com.my or follow their FB page at

www.facebook.com/bodybuddy.com.my

Natural Health * July 2022 VOL 128

15

FOOD & Nutrition

Superb Health

Benefits of the

Mighty

Mushroom

A common delicacy, mushrooms can be found in most cuisines around

the world. They are also tagged as a superfood, thanks to their delicious

yet nutritious properties. Let’s explore the various types of edible

mushrooms, the health benefits they offer, and how you can incorporate

this healthy food into your daily diet.

Tasty and nutritious, edible mushrooms

come in numerous shapes, sizes, and

colours, each offering its own set of

nutritional benefits. Fat-free, lowsodium,

low-calorie, and cholesterolfree,

they are also packed with

fibre, vitamins, and minerals. While

mushrooms are actually fungi, they

are considered vegetables for cooking

purposes and thus are a fantastic

ingredient for vegan or vegetarian

meals.

Nutritional Values of

Mushrooms

“There are thousands of mushroom

varieties, and each of them may

have different nutrition. Among the

mushrooms, the Grey Oyster mushroom

(Pleurotus sajor-caju) and Brazil

mushroom (Agaricus blazei) contain

higher amounts of protein, while oyster

mushrooms, especially the King Oyster

varieties (Pleurotus eryngii), contain high

amounts of dietary fibre,” says Dietitian

Li Zhe Xhuen from Sri Kota Specialist

Medical Centre, Klang.

Below, Zhe Xhuen highlights the

important nutritional benefits of

mushrooms:

protein. By including mushrooms

in your meal, you can increase your

protein intake, particularly essential

amino acids. Amino acids are vital

for building muscle and repairing

the cells.

• β-glucans: β-glucans are

mushrooms’ main polysaccharides

and help boost the immune system

as they can induce both innate and

adaptive immune responses. This

can protect the human body with a

better performance of the immune

system to defend against viruses or

bacteria.

• Sterol: Sterol has been widely

studied for its heart-protecting

properties. Mushrooms contain

sterol and polyunsaturated fatty

acids (PUFA) that play an essential

role in preventing cardiovascular

diseases.

• Dietary fibre: The dietary fibre

from mushrooms can help improve

gut microbiota (gut bacteria),

offering potential effects on some

gastrointestinal diseases such as

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

and improving the digestive system.

• Protein: For vegetarians,

mushrooms are a great source of

FOOD & Nutrition

Li Zhe Xhuen

Dietitian

Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre, Klang

Preparing, Storing and

Cooking Mushrooms

According to Zhe Xhuen, including any

types of mushrooms in your meal is a

good choice as they provide excellent

nutrition, but the most important thing

to take note of is the cooking method.

“Cooking methods may affect the

nutrients of food, especially the vitamins

and minerals content. As mushrooms

contain vitamins and minerals such as

Vitamin C, Vitamin Bs, and potassium,

it is recommended to opt for sautéing

or stir-frying. These methods preserve

the nutrients better as they require a

shorter cooking time. In addition, cooking

without water prevents the loss of heatsensitive

vitamins,” she elaborates.

She also advises storing and preparing

mushrooms properly. For example, it’s

a good idea to keep them in a brown

paper bag with the top open as this

helps absorb moisture and prevent

them from spoiling quickly. Also, don’t

wash or clean the mushroom until just

before use.

“When you clean mushrooms, you can

either place the mushrooms under

gentle running water and pat dry with

a paper towel or brush the dirt off with

a dampened paper towel. However, you

have to avoid fully immersing or soaking

your mushrooms to prevent them from

waterlogging,” she adds.

Food Safety and

Precautions

While mushrooms

are generally safe for

consumption, there are some

precautions to consider before

taking them:

• Never eat wild mushrooms as you

are unsure of the poisonous effects

of these mushrooms. Only consume

store-bought ones.

• Avoid mixing alcohol with edible

mushrooms, especially the Coprinus

species, as it will cause toxicity when

consumed together.

• It’s not advisable to take medication

and mushrooms at the same

time, especially when it comes

to mushrooms with potential

therapeutic effects, as they might

cause harmful drug-nutrient

interaction.

4 Types of Healthy

Mushrooms to Try

White Button Mushroom:

low in calories and offers a good

dose of vitamins and minerals;

extremely beneficial to those

who have type 2 diabetes as they

contain several different antiinflammatory

and antioxidant

compounds.

Shiitake: highest concentrations

of natural copper, which supports

healthy blood vessels, bones, and

immune support; also a rich source

of selenium and helps reduce

cholesterol and inflammation

whilst strengthening the immune

system.

Maitake: contains a large

amount of beta-glucan, which is

beneficial for your cardiovascular

and immune systems; helps lower

blood glucose levels and activates

insulin receptors.

Tea Tree Mushroom: also

known as Willow Mushroom or

Chinese God Mushroom; contains

a large amount of anti-cancer

polysaccharides, potentially

reduces high blood pressure and

enhances body immunity.

References:

• Valverde M, Hernández-Pérez T, Paredes-López O. Edible

Mushrooms: Improving Human Health and Promoting

Quality Life. International Journal of Microbiology.

2015;2015:1-14.

• Nutritional and medicinal benefits of Oyster (Pleurotus)

mushrooms: a review. Fungal Biotec. 2021;1(2):65-87.

• Mattila P, Könkö K, Eurola M, Pihlava J, Astola J, Vahteristo

L et al. Contents of Vitamins, Mineral Elements, and Some

Phenolic Compounds in Cultivated Mushrooms. Journal of

Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2001;49(5):2343-2348.

• Mirończuk-Chodakowska I, Kujawowicz K, Witkowska A.

Beta-Glucans from Fungi: Biological and Health-Promoting

Potential in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era. Nutrients.

2021;13(11):3960.

• Kalač P. A review of chemical composition and nutritional

value of wild-growing and cultivated mushrooms. Journal

of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2012;93(2):209-218.

• Guillamón E, García-Lafuente A, Lozano M, D´Arrigo M,

Rostagno M, Villares A et al. Edible mushrooms: Role in

the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Fitoterapia.

2010;81(7):715-723.

• Rai S, Mishra D, Singh P, Vamanu E, Singh M. Therapeutic

applications of mushrooms and their biomolecules along

with a glimpse of in silico approach in neurodegenerative

diseases. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.

2021;137:111377.

• Clarke D, Crews C. Natural Toxicants: Mushrooms and

Toadstools, Encyclopedia of Food Safety, 2014;2:Pg

269-276.


BRAND Story

The Trusted Probiotic

for Your Gut

A brand established in 2006, HEXBIO ® MCP ® is the brainchild of B-Crobes founder Mr. Lee Heng Yee, who

wanted to provide good healthcare for his family. Today, the brand is an award-winning go-to brand for

health-enhancing products, specifically probiotics for the gut.

The inspiration behind the

company is a simple one. Mr. Lee

discovered the importance of

having a balanced gut microbiota

and how it eases gut

disturbances. Thus, HEXBIO ®

MCP ® is formed and used to

provide comprehensive support

for gut health.

healthcare industry,” says Mr.

Lee. “We want to raise

awareness and increase

understanding of how healthy

gut bacteria helps in maintaining

good health. In fact, a healthy

gut is a key of health and

happiness to people living today,

as well as to future generations.

“Our business philosophy is to

become one of the trusted

leaders in within the global

MAL 06071166X


This is a supplement product advertisement

KKLIU: 1150/2022 , Expiring 31 December 2024

BRAND Story

Towards good Gut Health

A healthy gut paves the way towards a

healthy life. Unfortunately, many factors

can lead to problems in the stomach.

“Unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet,

medication, stress and ageing can deplete

good bacteria in our gut, causing gut

microbiota imbalance and making us sick.

Eventually, this can lead to many health

problems especially gut disturbances,

which can affect our quality of life. As

we age, we lose most of the important

bacteria and it is difficult to replenish the

right bacteria through our daily meals,”

Mr. Lee elaborates.

So how can we ensure good gut health?

Mr. Lee recommends incorporating

probiotics as part of a well-balanced diet.

“Nowadays, most of us lead a hectic life.

Therefore, taking probiotics is a

convenient and easy way to support our

gut health. As such, HEXBIO ® MCP ® plays

an important role in replenishing good

gut bacteria due to imbalances in our

gut microbiota.”

HEXBIO ® MCP ® Granules:

A Dietary Complement

Formulated with scientific research,

HEXBIO ® MCP ® helps restore the balance

of beneficial bacteria in the gut and

enhance nutrient digestion. This helps to

improve gut health and strengthen the

digestive system while supporting our

overall well-being.

“HEXBIO ® MCP ® has a concentration of

30 billion cells/g, and each strain comes

in a fixed amount of 107mg. Based on

our dedicated R&D, we carefully isolated

the ideal bacteria with proper ratio and

formulation amount that are sufficient

and suited for individual consumption.

The six-specific strains induce health

beneficial effects and contribute to the

stability, safety and benefits of the

product,” Mr. Lee explains.

The six unique strains include:

Lactobacillus acidophilus BCMC ® 12130,

Lactobacillus casei subsp BCMC ® 12313,

Lactobacillus lactis BCMC ® 12451,

Bifidobacterium bifidum BCMC ® 02290,

Bifidobacterium longum BCMC ® 02120

and Bifidobacterium infantis BCMC ®

02129.

“At B-Crobes, we prioritise safety, efficacy

and product quality,” says Mr. Lee. “Thus,

we ensure that the innovation of HEXBIO ®

MCP ® is grounded in science and clinically

tested on the finished product instead of

individual strains. Continuous research

and development and clinical studies of

HEXBIO ® MCP ® have been done in the

local population.”

Easy and convenient, HEXBIO ® MCP ® can

be consumed with or without water.

Available in mild orange flavours, each

probiotic sachet comes with 30 billion

cells/g. This supplement is also registered

and approved by MOH as well as Halal

and GMP certified. As it is free from

gluten and other common allergens, the

product is suitable for vegetarians and

those who are lactose intolerant.

BETTER GUT HEALTH FOR EVERYONE

Seniors

Working Adults

For working adults,

unhealthy lifestyles and

stress lead to the growth of

bad bacteria in the gut.

HEXBIO ® has been clinically

tested to replenish good

bacteria in your gut and

improve your overall

well-being.

Children

Growing kids need proper

nutrients to stay healthy and

strong. By strengthening the

digestive system, HEXBIO ®

nourishes and maintains

children's good health.

For people in their golden

years, ageing is one of the

factors that cause

unbalanced gut flora.

HEXBIO ® can help restore

gut health, enhance nutrient

absorption and improve their

quality of life.

For Travelling

Travelling might cause

traveller's diarrhoea, a

common illness in travellers.

HEXBIO ® could help with the

issue as it focuses on taking

care of your gut.


21

HEALTH & Wellness

6 Things You

Should Know

About Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an

inflammatory disease

of the liver that can

result in various health

issues, some of which

are life-threatening. It

is caused by a variety

of viruses, specifically

five main strains of the

hepatitis virus, which

result in different

types of hepatitis

categorised as types

A, B, C, D and E.

The three most common causes of

hepatitis in Malaysia are hepatitis A, B,

and C, in which approximately 75% of

all viral hepatitis cases in Malaysia are

due to hepatitis B infection. 1 Dr Gew

Lai Teck, Consultant Gastroenterologist

& Hepatologist, Sri Kota Specialist

Medical Centre, highlights the key

information about this disease in this

special feature.

1What is hepatitis, and what

causes it?

Hepatitis refers to liver inflammation

and injury. Common types of hepatitis

include viral hepatitis, drug-induced

hepatitis, alcohol-related hepatitis, and

fatty liver. Depending on the type, the

causes are different. In viral hepatitis,

Hepatitis A, B, and C are the common

causes. In drug-induced hepatitis, it is

caused by a related drug that is not

compatible with the patient.

Excessive alcohol use can also lead to

alcoholic hepatitis.

2

What's the difference between

Hepatitis A, B and C?

Hepatitis A commonly induces acute

and short-term liver inflammation. It is

transmitted from the oral route – for

example, intake of food. Hepatitis B

and C can lead to acute hepatitis, and

in some patients, it remains in the

patient's body, turning into a chronic

form. In these patients, they may cause


Lifestyle Centre for Seniors

Best

Senior

Rehab

Centre

Accelerator

Winner

IMM Carehub

2F-08, Level 2, 163 Retail Park, No. 8, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

+6017-210 0218 | hello@immcarehub.com | www.immcarehub.com

HEALTH & Wellness

Dr. Gew Lai Teck

Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist,

Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre

slow but long-term damage leading to

scarring and liver hardening. Hepatitis B

and C transmit through blood contact.

What are the complications of

3 hepatitis?

In acute and short-term hepatitis, it

may lead to liver failure if the condition

is severe. In chronic and long-term

hepatitis, scarring and hardening of the

liver. In these cases, patients are prone

to vomiting blood (variceal bleeding),

water in the peritoneum (ascites),

infection, toxicity in the brain (hepatic

encephalopathy) and also liver cancer

(hepatocellular carcinoma)

4Who are at risk?

For hepatitis A and B, those who

are not vaccinated against the virus are

at risk. For blood-borne viruses, they

can be transmitted through needlesharing

while using recreational drugs,

unprotected sexual contact or viral

transmission from mother to the baby

during birth. Excessive use of alcohol

can cause hepatitis. In addition, being

overweight and overconsumption of

simple sugar can lead to fatty liver.

5What are the treatments

available for hepatitis?

Again, this depends on the cause of

hepatitis. For hepatitis A, there are no

treatments – the patient's own immune

system is expected to cope with this

virus during the infection. Commonly

it can cause a short-term symptomatic

illness but will recover by itself. In a

handful of patients, the disease can

progress to liver failure and death

without aggressive treatment such as a

transplant.

For Hepatitis B, the physician needs

to assess the patient to determine the

state of the disease. We have very

good medication to suppress the virus

activity for this condition, but a longterm

cure is difficult.

For hepatitis C, we have nearly 100%

effective treatment for it, and it involves

well-tolerated oral pills taken over the

course of 3-6 months. Due to this, the

World Health Organization is looking at

the eradication of this virus by 2030.

To date, there are no effective

treatments for alcohol hepatitis except

for stopping alcohol use. For fatty

liver, many medications are being

developed. But the most crucial

measure is still weight control.

How can we prevent hepatitis?

6 The prevention measures are

exhaustive. Vaccination for Hepatitis A

and B effectively prevents transmission

of the virus. We now have medication

to prevent the transmission of Hepatitis

B from the mother to the baby during

pregnancy and delivery. Protected

sex prevents blood-borne hepatitis

virus. Drinking in moderation prevents

alcoholic hepatitis, while weight control

and avoiding obesity effectively prevent

fatty liver.

Hepatitis Symptoms to

Be Aware Of

Symptoms of hepatitis

A, B and C may include

fever, malaise, loss of

appetite, diarrhoea,

nausea, abdominal

discomfort, darkcoloured

urine and

jaundice (yellowing of

the skin and whites of

the eyes).

Source: World Health Organization

(WHO)

Reference:

1

Raihan R. Hepatitis in Malaysia: Past,

Present, and Future. Euroasian J Hepato-

Gastroenterol 2016;6(1):52-55

24 Natural Health *July 2022 VOL 128

Advertorial

Understanding

Gallstone

Disease

What is gallstone disease, and what are the signs and symptoms? How can

we treat or manage the condition? In this Q&A, Dr Ahmad Muhsin

Mohammad Nor, Consultant General Surgeon at Sri Kota Specialist Medical

Centre, answers the important questions surrounding this painful disease.

What is gallstone disease?

Gallstone disease is a condition whereby

the bile in the gallbladder (which is normally

in liquid form) becomes too concentrated

and turns to stone. While this condition

affects roughly 10-20% of the general

population, most patients do not have any

symptoms. However, about 20% of them

will develop some symptoms in their

lifetime, and between 1-4% of them have

recurrent symptoms every year.

Can you share more about

the different types of gallstones?

There are two types of gallstones:

cholesterol stones and pigment stones.

Cholesterol stones are more common,

while only about 20% of gallstones are

pigment stones. The composition or

content of the stones differs between

the two.

Cholesterol stones are yellow-green stones

that tend to occur in patients with high

cholesterol. The condition is also related to

age, gender, dietary intake and obesity. On

the other hand, pigment stones are black

or brown in colour. They are associated

with biliary tract (the ducts connecting the

liver to the small bowel) infections such as

parasitic or bacterial infections or due to

certain diseases such as haemolytic

anaemia.

What causes gallstone

disease?

Gallstone disease occurs due to several

causes. Cholesterol stones are formed

when there are imbalances in the

components of bile due to an increase in

cholesterol levels. In contrast, pigment

stones are caused by parasitic or bacterial

infections or diseases like haemolytic

anaemia. Mechanical reasons such as lack

of gallbladder contraction can also cause

gallstones to form in the body.

What are the signs and

symptoms to watch out for?

The first symptom is abdominal pain,

especially if the pain occurs on the right

upper side of the abdomen. The pain is

usually constant and is more intense after

the intake of fatty or oily food.

An infection of the gallbladder can cause

26 Natural Health *July 2022 VOL 128

Advertorial

Dr Ahmad Muhsin Mohammad Nor

Consultant General Surgeon

Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre

a patient to have fever on top of the pain.

Besides fever, the patient may feel

lethargic and experience chills. Some may

also experience nausea and vomiting. If

a patient has abdominal pain with fever,

they should see a doctor and seek

treatment immediately.

Another symptom that you need to watch

out for is jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowish

discolouration of the body, which initially

begins with the eyes but eventually

spreads to the rest of the body. The

patient may experience itchiness due to

jaundice. If jaundice occurs, it is a sign of

obstruction of the biliary tract and an

urgent admission to the hospital for

further treatment is required.

Who is at risk?

There are several groups of people at risk

of developing gallstone disease. The first

risk factor is hereditary (genetic). Certain

people are more prone to gallstone

disease if any of their close relatives have

had the disease.

Other risk factors are age and gender.

The older we get, the higher the risk due

to the higher amount of cholesterol

circulating in our bodies. Women are also

more prone to gallstones than men. This

may be due to the effect of female

hormones. Thus, oral contraceptive pills

are a risk factor.

Obesity is also a risk factor. The more

obese a person is, the more concentrated

the bile and the higher risk of gallstones.

People with diabetes mellitus are also at

risk due to changes in their cholesterol

metabolism and gallbladder functions.

Other risk factors include the presence of

certain diseases like haemolytic anaemia

or inflammatory bowel disease and

patients on long-term intravenous

nutrition.

Is it a serious condition? What

are the complications?

Gallstones may cause severe complications

due to several reasons, such as

inflammation, infection or obstruction of

the biliary tract. One of the most common

complications is biliary colic which

manifests as constant abdominal pain.

Cholecystitis or an infection of the

gallbladder can occur and, if left untreated,

can worsen to become a collection of pus

in the gallbladder (empyema). This can

lead to gallbladder perforation. If that

occurs, the patient will be severely ill and

needs urgent medical attention.

Other serious complications are jaundice

and inflammation of the surrounding

organs like the pancreas.

How can we prevent gallstone

disease?

You can prevent gallstones by modifying

certain risk factors like obesity and

cholesterol levels through maintaining a

healthy lifestyle and diet. By doing so, you

will also lower your risk of developing

other contributing diseases such as

diabetes mellitus.

How is it treated and

managed?

When patients present with symptoms,

that will lead to further investigations such

as an ultrasound or a computed

tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen.

Once a patient is diagnosed, the treatment

and management of gallstone disease

depend on the severity and condition of

the patient at that time.

A stable patient who does not show signs

of complications such as fever may be

managed with analgesics and an elective

appointment to remove the gallbladder.

However, if there’s a fever, this necessitates

more aggressive management to treat the

underlying infection. The patient will need

hospital admission for commencement of

intravenous antibiotics and an operation

to remove the gallbladder once the fever

and pain subside.

The operation for gallbladder removal is

mostly done now via the laparoscopic

method with small incisions on the

abdomen and insertion of laparoscopic

equipment and camera. The wounds are

small, and most patients recover within

the same day or the day after. A small

percentage of patients with more severe

conditions will need further care in the

hospital for the next few days until full

recovery is achieved.


27

SLIM & Trim

Reverse

Running

The New Way

to Run and

Burn More

Calories

Reverse running, also known as “retro” or backward

running, is a running style that has grown popular in

recent years. Experts in this form of running suggest that

you can improve speed and stamina just by alternating

between running forwards and backwards. Moreover, it

can also help with increased calorie burn.


The #1 Best Detox Drink for Weight Loss and Clear Skin

Feeling sluggish? Let’s Detox Naturally with the best detox drink on the

market - Yo-Night DX!

What’s in it for me?

- Stimulate Blood Circulation

- Control Cravings and Appetite

- Reduce Calories Intake

- Flush Away Toxins and Excess Fluid

- Maintain Healthy and Radiant Hair, Skin, and Nails

Try yours today!

Yo Night 排毒小助手 03-8210 7007

SLIM & Trim

The Science of Reverse

Running

Benefits Of

Reverse Running

How to do

Reverse Running

To demonstrate its effectiveness, a

research study conducted by the

University of Milan in 2011 found

that this form of running has a

positive impact on joints. Forward

running involves fewer muscle

fibres which are then subjected to

greater resistance and effort, which

can result in more injuries. Reverse

running, on the other hand,

involves utilising more muscle

fibres that are subjected to less

resistance and effort, mitigating

the chance of injury.

In a separate 2011 study,

researchers found that when a

group of runners ran forward,

they would land on the ground

with the back of their feet. When

they lift their feet off the ground,

they would roll the ball of the

foot. In contrast, when they ran

in reverse or backward, they

would hit the ground with the

front of the foot and move to roll

backwards. The different ways of

“landing” and “take-off” in reverse

running cause the muscles to

fire differently. This meant more

energy was required to go

backwards than needed going

forward; thus, more energy is

burned running in this manner.

Moreover, students at an

American university replaced

their regular workout with a

backward run for 15-45 minutes

three times a week for six weeks.

The results showed that they

lost an additional 2.5 per cent of

their body fat compared to their

regular running regimes.

Reverse running is also a good

option for those who have knee

problems. Another study in

2012 highlighted that running

backwards showed lower impact

on the knees and burned

more calories compared to

conventional running.

If the goal of reverse running is

to improve the results of normal

cardio activities (e.g. running,

cycling, etc.), then running

backwards appears to be the most

effective. Based on the studies

above, we have summarised

some of the key benefits of this

alternative running technique:

• Improved posture: Running

backwards naturally changes

one’s posture as it requires

you to stand upright. This, in

turn, helps correct your posture

during a forward run.

• Improved results for weight loss:

If the reason for your workout

is to lose those extra pounds,

running backwards helps burn

around 30% more calories than

conventional running.

• Reduces injuries: Your knees

and ligaments are less prone to

receiving damage.

• Better performance and

muscle growth: When running

backwards, more effort is

needed in terms of movement,

as it is more difficult to move

from one point to another. This

increases cardiovascular efficiency

whilst improving endurance

and stamina. Calf muscles,

quadriceps, and shins become

stronger and more balanced.

• It reduces boredom: Running

forward for miles on end can

feel tedious, whereas running

backwards can be fun and

exciting as it adds another

dynamic to your workout.

• Help rehab injuries: Reverse

running can be an effective

strategy for rehabbing groin,

knee joint, hamstring, shin,

low back and hip injuries, just

to name a few. This is due to

differing demands involved

in running backwards versus

forwards — a greater range of

motion at the hip joint, healthy

posture, and greater activation of

particular muscles.

As you reverse run, you should

remember to keep your lower

limbs parallel to the assigned

direction, with your head and

shoulders rotating to maintain

your trajectory. With time, you

will look back less and less as

professional retro runners hardly

ever turn their heads.

However, be careful as it can

be difficult to recover from a

backwards fall. By turning your

head midrun, you can remove this

visual disadvantage. However, do

note that constant head turns can

lead to soreness and tension in

the neck. To ease you in, you can

attempt head rolls, crab walks, or

axes to familiarise yourself with

the movements and limit injury

from potential falls.

Tips for Beginners

1. Keep your chest high/

shoulders back

2. Take small steps – your

steps should be aligned

with your body

3. Pump your arms (set the

rhythm)

4. Be safe:

• Run on even ground and

in less crowded areas

• Be aware of your

surroundings

• Run in intervals (e.g. 30

sec to 1 min backwards, 5

mins forward)

• Run with a friend and

alternate between

forward and backward

running

5. Make sure you warm up,

particularly around the

calves and hamstrings


BRAND Story

AMMELTZ

YOKO-YOKO:

PAIN RELIEF FOR

DAILY COMFORT

It’s common to experience sore muscles or

back, neck and shoulder pain. For many

women, menstrual cramps are also

something that they have to endure every

month. While we can certainly ride them

out as our body heals itself, you can make

the process easier with heat patches as

well as home remedies and lifestyle

modifications. In this feature story, let’s

look at the different range of AMMELTZ

Yoko-Yoko products formulated to help

with pain and stiffness in different parts

of our body, along with home remedies

and tips to naturally ease pain and aches.


BRAND Story

“We always lay great emphasis on the importance of healthy

and comfortable living and the establishing a close relationship

with every customer. We are committed to developing various

innovative products to offer our customers a more comfortable

and quality way of life,” the company states. “Products we

have launched in Malaysia cater to customers’ essential needs.

This is what we call a “Lifelong Commitment” to our customers.”

One of Kobayashi Healthcare’s bestselling ranges in Malaysia

is their wide range of AMMELTZ Yoko-Yoko products formulated

to help with different types of pain and aches.

Committed

to Offering

the Best

Established in 2011, Kobayashi Healthcare

(Malaysia) Sdn Bhd stays true to its vision

of “Something New, Something

Different” via its exceptional portfolio of

innovative products, which include

pharmaceutical products (AMMELTZ

Yoko-Yoko), personal care products

(KOOLFEVER Cooling Gel Sheets), and

household products (SAWADAY

Fragrance Liquid). Along with their

motto, “You Make a Wish and We Make

it Happen”, the company strives to attain

perfection and look for new healthy living

concepts to address the everchanging

needs of the market.

Natural Health * July 2022 VOL128

33

BRAND Story

Ammeltz Yoko Yoko Air Activated Heat

Patch for Menstrual Pain:

Reducing Period Cramps Naturally

It’s that time of the month, and if

menstrual cramps have been getting you

down, you’d be glad to know you can

relieve them easily. With its air-activated

formulation, the Ammeltz Yoko Yoko Air

Activated Heat Patch for Menstrual Pain

offers therapeutic warming temperature

of up to 40°C. The heat also lasts up to

eight hours, offering you a comfortable

warming sensation while helping you to

alleviate symptoms of menstrual pain.

The 14 cm (length) x 7 cm (width) patch

is uniquely designed with a curve to fit

and adhere firmly around the lower

abdomen. It is also thin, discreet, and

odourless so that you can bring it with


you and apply it anytime when you

need it.

Natural Ways to Reduce

Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual pains can come in different

forms, including stomach cramps,

backaches, aches in the sides, etc. There

are different stages of pain as well,

varying from light and moderate to

severe. Along with using heat patches,

you can also try these home remedies:

• Exercise: Working out may be the last

thing on your mind when you are

experiencing menstrual cramps. However,

1 Dehnavi, Z. M., Jafarnejad, F., & Kamali, Z. (2018). The Effect of aerobic

exercise on primary dysmenorrhea: A clinical trial study. Journal of

education and health promotion.

a 2018 study showed that low-intensity

aerobic exercise might help reduce pain

caused by period cramps. 1 For example,

walking, yoga and stretching exercises

are great workout options.

• Reduce specific foods: Salty and fatty

foods can cause water retention,

bloating, and discomfort, so limit your

intake of salt and oil at this time. In

addition, alcohol and caffeine intake may

also aggravate the condition, so go easy

on the wine and your cappuccino.

• Hydrate yourself: Dehydration can

worsen abdominal cramps. Ensure you

get your 8-glasses of water per day.

BRAND Story

Ammeltz Yoko Yoko Air Activated Heat Patch for Back Pain:

Alleviating Back Pain Effectively

Back pains can be annoying. But you can

easily relieve it with Ammeltz Yoko Yoko

Air Activated Heat Patch for Back Pain.

As its name suggests, this non-medicinal

heat patch incorporates an air-activated

body warmer that heats up to 40°C. The

natural heat will last for 8 hours, providing

you with a comfortable and warm

sensation. According to Kobayashi, the

formulation in the patch can help with

improving symptoms of muscle fatigue,

stiff muscles, neuralgia, and muscle pains.

For added convenience, the large-sized

heat patch measuring 22 cm (length) x

9.5 cm (width) adheres well to the applied

part on your back areas. The patch also

features a simple and slim design,

allowing you to store it easily in your

pocket and bag. In addition, it’s thin and

odourless so that you can use it discreetly

anywhere and anytime.

How to Manage Back Pain

A common ailment, most of us will have

back pain at some point in our lives.

When it is severe or sudden, you should

immediately get it checked by a medical

professional. For temporary relief, you

can try the heat patches mentioned

above accompanied by the steps below

to manage your back pain better:

• Keep moving: While it is important to

rest your back and refrain from doing

strenuous activities, being sedentary can

worsen back pain. This said, doing gentle

exercises can help ensure blood

circulation, leading to better muscle

movements and mobility. It’s

recommended to choose workouts that

focus on the muscles in your abdominal

core to help support your back.

• Ensure good posture: Whether you

are sitting or standing, keep a good

posture to remove pressure from your

lower back. Don’t slouch your shoulders

too much, and sit up straight when

working at your desk. After sitting for

long hours, get up from your chair and

walk around.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Did you

know that all the extra kilogrammes can

put a burden on your back? Work with

your doctor or a nutritionist to develop

a well-balanced diet and exercise plan to

help you achieve a healthy weight.


35

BRAND Story

Pain-Relieving Neck and Shoulder

Exercises

Usually, neck and shoulder pain is caused by sprains and

strains from overexertion or bad posture. Pain can

sometimes subside on its own. However, exercising like

stretching can also help lessen the pain. Try these stretches:

Neck rotation

1. You can do this in a seated or standing position. Start

by looking straight ahead and allowing yourself to

relax.

2. Keep your chin tucked down slightly and move your

head slowly backwards until it is pulled back as far

as possible without straining or pain.

3. Turn your head gently to the right and then gently

to the left. Remember not to strain your neck or push

yourself to the point that you feel pain.

4. Hold the stretch for 2 to 3 seconds before moving

your head to the opposite side.

5. Repeat this stretch 10 times in each direction, two

times a day.

Source: www.hss.edu

Ammeltz Yoko Yoko Air Activated

Heat Patch for Neck and

Shoulder Pain:

Heat Therapy for Neck and

Shoulders

For those with sedentary jobs, neck and shoulder pain is common.

Fortunately, Ammeltz Yoko Yoko Air Activated Heat Patch for Neck

and Shoulder Pain can provide effective relief when you need it.

Similar to Ammeltz Yoko Yoko Air Activated Heat Patch for Back

Pain, this product also comes in the form of an air-activated, nonmedicinal

heat patch that produces heat of up to 40°C. When

applied to affected areas, the natural therapeutic heat will last for

8 hours, thus helping to relieve neck pain and shoulder stiffness as

you go about your daily life. Additionally, the patch can also aid

with recovering from tiredness while reducing symptoms of muscle

fatigue, stiffness, neuralgia and muscular pain.

For a better fit, the patch comes in 13 cm (length) x 9.5 cm (width)

and sticks firmly around applied parts such as the neck, shoulders

or back. It is also fragrance-free to offer you a discreet and odourless

patch that you can use on the go.

Shoulder roll

1. Stand tall with your chin slightly tucked. Imagine that

a string at the top of your head is pulling you straight

up.

2. Keep your arms relaxed. All motion will be in your

shoulders.

3. Shrug your shoulders up toward your ears, then up

and back. Circle your shoulders down and back, like

you’re sliding your hands down into your back pants

pockets.

4. Repeat the circles at least 2 to 4 times.

5. This exercise is also helpful anytime you want to relax.

Source: myhealth.alberta.ca

Note:

If your pain

becomes more

severe, or increases

with the exercises,

stop immediately

and see a doctor.


BRAND Story

Home Remedies for Muscle Pain and Aches

Every now and then, we may experience muscle ache or stiffness.

Our muscles may feel tight, and it can be challenging to move

around as usual. While muscle pain can go away on its own, it

would help to use heat patches to help ease the discomfort.

In addition, you can try these home remedies for muscle aches

and stiffness:

• Rest up: First and foremost, rest is important! So try not

to move around too much and get as much rest as possible.

• Soak yourself: Take a warm shower or soak in a warm

bath with Epsom salts.

• Keep it cool: Apart from heat patches, you can use an ice

pack or bag of frozen peas to help relieve pain and reduce

swelling. Apply ice to the area for 15–20 minutes three

times a day.

• Use OTC meds: Take over-the-counter pain relievers like

paracetamol.

• Try alternative treatments: You can also consider

complementary therapies, such as massage, meditation or

acupuncture.

• Relaxing activities: If you can, opt for activities that

encourage relaxation and reduce stress, such as yoga and

meditation. Yoga stretches can help to relieve some of your

tense muscles, while meditating can ease the mind.

For temporary and mild muscle pain, rest, stretching, and pain

medicines can help. However, if any pain or ache persists, it can

often point to a symptom of an underlying condition that

requires medical attention. Thus, you should see a doctor if you

experience these worrying symptoms:

• difficulty breathing

• difficulty swallowing

• feeling dizzy

• a stiff neck and high fever

• muscle weakness

• an inability to move the affected area

• vomiting

• a reduction in urine volume or sudden water retention

• chest pain

• numbness or tingling in limbs.

Chronic or severe muscle pain affects our quality of life as it can

be challenging to do the things we love. If you have a condition

that causes chronic muscle pain, talk to your healthcare provider

about therapies that can help. Don't delay treatment,

as unaddressed pain can cause more complications in the

long run.

Ammeltz products are available in leading pharmacies, supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores and

Shopee (shopee.com.my/kobayashi.os). For more information, log on to their website at kobayashi-my.com.


37

Living Well

Tried & Tested

Fresh & Fabulous

6 Feminine Care Products to Try

Feminine wash, also known as intimate wash, is a specially formulated soap made to clean

genital areas and ensure the overall hygiene of your private parts. Regular use can provide

a cleaner and fresher feeling every day. Here is a list of Natural Health’s recommended

feminine wash for your daily personal care routine.

V-Mina Feminine

Hygiene Cleansing

Mousse

The V-Mina Feminine

Hygiene Cleansing

mousse is a gentle yet

effective feminine wash

that is suitable for daily

use. This creamy mousse

provides natural probiotic

protection and benefits

from its YoghurtExtract++

TM, which has been

fortified with Prebiotic

(L+SynbioticTM) and

Vitamin B12 to maintain a

healthy micro-flora balance

and ideal pH level in a

woman’s intimate area.

Betadine Daily Feminine

Wash Foam Gentle

Protection Immortelle

The Betadine Daily Feminine Wash

Foam Gentle Protection Immortelle

is a gynaecologically tested feminine

wash that is soap, paraben, and

colourant free. Perfect for sensitive

skin, this hypoallergenic feminine

wash contains prebiotics and helps

maintain the natural pH balance of

your intimate area. Suitable for all

skin types, this light and foamy wash

can be used daily in the shower.

https://my.betadine.global/en/my/

home

Good Virtues Feminine Wash

Good Virtues provides a wide

selection of feminine wash according

to one’s specific needs and issues

they’d like to tackle. The different

types of Good Virtues feminine wash

include Firming Feminine Hygiene

Wash, Lightening Feminine Hygiene

Wash, Soothing Feminine Hygiene

Wash, and Refreshing Feminine

Hygiene Wash. Each product

consists of slightly varying

components that are beneficial to

your genital hygiene.

https://goodvirtuesco.com

Cosmoderm Feminine Wash

A gentle, intimate wash with natural

soothing, antiseptic, and anti-fungal

properties, Cosmoderm Feminine

Wash can reduce irritation or

excessive discharge. This wash is a

homegrown Halal-certified and

natural-based feminine product that

is also paraben-free, SLS and SLES,

and suitable for all skin types.

https://www.cosmoderm.com.my

Lactacyd Feminine Wash

Formulated to cleanse and protect

your intimate area, Lactacyd consists

of a unique formulation of natural

milk lactoserum and lactic acid that

maintains pH balance. Their product

has been through extensive clinical

research and recommended by

gynaecologists for over 30 years,

making it a safe and sound choice

when it comes to feminine wash.

https://www.lactacyd.eu

Sebamed Feminine Wash

Designed for women with sensitive

skin, the Sebamed Feminine Wash

contains no soap and is gentle on

the vulva. With 3.8 pH, the wash

supports the micro-flora balance of

the intimate areas while moisturising

the skin, ensuring it is soft, smooth

and healthy down there.

https://www.sebamed.com


Advertorial

Feel Clean

and Confident

with V-Mina’s

Feminine

Cleansing

Mousse

With this in mind, it’s important to choose a feminine wash that

meets these three requirements:

• pH levels should be between 3.8-4.2

• free from irritants

• provides good micro-flora balance.

Formulated to keep your vagina naturally fresh, clean and

odour-free, V-Mina’s Feminine Cleansing Mousse checks all the

right boxes, offering you a quality go-to product that you can

use every day with confidence. Gentle on the vulva yet cleanses

the intimate areas effectively, the light and creamy mousse

provides natural probiotic protection and benefits from its

YoghurtExtract++ TM, a bioactive essence of Lactobacilluscultivated

yoghurt, which has been fortified with Prebiotic

(L+SynbioticTM) and Vitamin B12 to maintain a healthy microflora

balance and ideal pH level in a woman’s intimate area.

Keeping your intimate areas clean and fresh goes

a long way to ensuring a healthy vagina. While

our vulva has self-cleaning abilities, we can

complement it with a daily self-care cleaning

routine with a gentle feminine cleanser. It’s not

advisable to use regular soaps or body washes as

these can be harsh on your delicate lady parts and

upset the vagina’s natural pH levels.

V-Mina’s Feminine Cleansing Mousse also incorporates aloe

extract to soothe and moisturise the skin around the vulva,

while the addition of lactic acid helps with clearing impurities

and maintaining healthy moisture in the vagina. This pH-balanced

mousse is free of soap, alcohol, and artificial fragrances, making

it the ideal feminine cleanser for daily use, even if you have

sensitive skin.

Using it is really easy too. Start with dampening the feminine

area. Shake the bottle and dispense 3 to 4 cm of mousse on

your finger. Then, apply the creamy foam to the external

vaginal area, gently and thoroughly cleansing it. Finally, rinse

it all off with water and feel the freshness in your lady part!

With consistent use, you’d also notice your V-area getting

softer and smoother.

BRAND Story

Ruijia:

Boost Your

Collagen

The Easy

Way

Collagen is one of the building blocks that hold our bodies together. An abundant fibre-like protein

found in our bones, muscles, skin, and tendons, collagen provides structural support to the extracellular

space of connective tissues. In other words, collagen ensures healthy joints as well as skin elasticity. When

we have high levels of collagen, our skin will feel soft, smooth, and firm.

Unfortunately, when we age, collagen

breaks down, and the body may not be

able to produce as much collagen as it

used to. Apart from ageing, other factors

can also reduce collagen production.

These include smoking, sun exposure,

high alcohol intake, lack of sleep,

and even physical overexertion – for

instance, excessive exercise or labourintensive

work.

When there is a lack of collagen,

common signs of ageing begin to appear.

For example, wrinkles, sagging skin due

to loss of elasticity, and stiff joints point

to the effects of diminishing collagen in

our bodies.

The good news is, we can restore our

skin to its healthy and firm state by

consuming collagen-rich food and

collagen supplements. Created with this

in mind, Ruijia Collagen Powder provides

a convenient and easy solution to

optimise collagen in our bodies. When

taken daily, it will help give our skin

a youthful appearance and firmness

along with an instant boost in hydration

as well.

Made from fish collagen, Ruijia contains

the amino acids lysine and proline, which

perform essential functions in our body.

They help our cells renew and rejuvenate,

and in doing so, restore the health of

our skin, bones, hair, nails and also our

joints! The formula also incorporates soy

protein, which is cholesterol-free and

low in saturated fat, to improve the


BRAND Story

gastrointestinal system and lower the risk

of cardiovascular disease. Utilising Japan's

latest technology, the powdered drink is

formulated with collagen peptides, a

hydrolysed form of collagen with shortchain

amino acids which are more readily

absorbed by our body and not destroyed

by gastric acid.

Ruijia Collagen Powder is packed in a

convenient sachet so you can consume

it on the go. Four series are available:

Pure Collagen Powder, Hydra Collagen

Powder, Rose Extract Polyphenols

Collagen, and Royal Jelly Moisturizing

Collagen, to suit different needs.

Recommended intake is 1 sachet per day

for basic maintenance or 2 sachets per

day for deep repair. You can take the

powder directly under the tongue,

followed by a glass of water. For best

results, take it for 3-6 months.

It is also recommended that you

complement your collagen intake with

sufficient vitamin C as this would help

increase its absorption rate, facilitate

collagen synthesis, and improve nutrient

absorption. Vegetables and fruits rich in

vitamin C, such as guava, kiwi, papaya,

sweet orange, green pepper, sweet

pepper, and broccoli, are excellent to

include in your daily diet.

While there are many types of collagen

supplements out there, Ruijia is

increasingly becoming the top choice for

women who desire optimum health while

maintaining beautiful, younger-looking

skin. Many women who regularly take

Ruijia reported encouraging results in

reversing their dry, itchy skin, while

post-partum ladies also saw vast

improvements in their stretch marks and

other skin conditions

To learn more about the product and its benefits, visit www.17beautyhouse.com or follow their

Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ruijiamalaysiaofficial


41

Living Well

Financial Protection

How to Pick the

Right Health Insurance

Selecting the right health

insurance can be a complicated

process, especially if you have

no idea what you need or want.

In this article, Annie Wong,

Managing Director of Annieway

96 Sdn Bhd, a professional

financial planning consultancy,

shares her insight on how to make

the right choice and what you

should know before you decide

on a policy.

When we talk about personal health

insurance, there are many things to

take into consideration. As it is a longterm

investment, it makes sense to take

your time and carefully choose one

that suits you best.

In general, we can choose between

four main types of insurance: life,

medical, critical illness and personal

accident. Each of these plans plays

a role in protecting our income

loss or helping us to mitigate high

medical bills when we encounter an

unfortunate event. Besides providing

us with assistance in terms of expenses

due to accidents or illnesses, insurance

plans can also structure in a way to

help us accumulate our wealth through

contingency planning.

For example, during the recent

pandemic, many business owners were

afflicted with cash flow problems. For

those with insurance plans, they can

are able to obtain cash withdrawal

from their savings in insurance policies

while keeping the policies enforced.

Unfortunately, for those who didn’t

have a safety net in the form of a policy

or other means of income protection,

they either had to declare bankruptcy

or go into serious debt to keep their

businesses afloat.

Insurance is also beneficial when it

comes to family succession planning.

To date, there are close to RM 70 billion

unclaimed estates from deceased

Malaysian citizens. In these cases,

estate distribution processes can’t be

activated just because family members

did not have not enough cash to kickstart

the process. This eventually leaves

all their family members properties,

lands, and other assets frozen and kept

under the government’s unclaimed

estate department. On the contrary,

with proper succession planning,

life insurance can often provide an

immediate lump sum of money.


Living Well

Financial Protection

Choosing a Suitable Insurance Plan

There are generally three steps to take note of when you are looking

to invest in health insurance:

1

Know your current financial situation

What are your current financial needs? For example, Kenny is married with a five-yearold

son, and his household expenses are around RM 60,000 per year. In this case, Kenny

needs to consider, if anything should happen to him, how much to leave behind for his

wife to sustain their lifestyle, and how much to allocate for their son’s education. He

would also need to think about his liabilities, such as mortgage loan and hire purchase.

2

Assessing the risks and determining the sum assureDd

From the first step, we have determined how much Kenny needs, which reflects his Life

Insurance coverage requirements. Next, we need to determine the sum assured coverage

for his Critical Illness and Personal Accident plans. The benchmark for these plans is

between three to five times of a person’s annual income. Let’s say Kenny is earning

RM 100,000 per annum. As he has an office-based managerial position, he has a lower

risk than a logistic driver or field engineer. So, he needs to purchase approximately RM

300,000 for Early Critical Illness and RM 300,000 for Personal Accident.

3

Decide based on your requirements

Whether you talk to an expert and a licensed financial planner or insurance agents

from different companies, you will get a variety of quotations for different plans with

specific benefits and prices. Most importantly, you need to understand your needs and

how different features and benefits can meet your needs.

Other Factors to

Consider

The cost of insurance

and premium allocation

is also important when

comparing insurance plans.

Some companies will have

frequent price adjustments,

while some plans in the

market allocate a smaller

portion to the agent’s

commission. Nevertheless,

all this will benefit the

insured (who bought the

policy) because it helps to

raise the savings portion in

a faster period of time.

To take it a step further,

you can also personally

investigate the company’s

cash flow background,

payout history and

reputation. Some companies

have poor records of

insurance claims, which

may be due to the cash

flow situation of a company,

or the company is not

operating onshore. This

means that it takes a longer

time when it comes to the

claims procedure.


HealthyHomes

Easy-Breezy Home:

Choosing

the Right

Air Purifier

With health being prioritised above

all else during the pandemic, air

purifiers have been catapulted into the

spotlight. If you are unsure which type

of air purifier you should purchase to

solve your home’s air problems, we

have you covered! This article breaks

down the various types of home air

purifiers available so that you can

make the right choice.

Selecting an Air Purifier

The wide selection of air purifiers in

terms of type, styles, and brands can

get overwhelming when you have no

idea what you need. The good news

is, there are only four basic types of air

filtration technology that these devices

use. The types are:

A. HEPA (High-Efficiency

Particulate Air) Filtration

The gold standard of air purification,

this air filtering process consists of a

high-density paper filter that entraps

airborne pollutants. In fact, the finest

air purifying machines utilise this form

of filtration to deliver top-notch results.

• What it removes: Pollen, mould

spores, fungi, dust, pet dander,

hair, and visible smoke

• Advantages: Highly efficient, traps

particles without re-releasing

them into the air, safe, and made

for all respiratory problems

• Disadvantages: Regular filter

replacement is required to

maintain efficiency. Air filtration is

considered one of the most

expensive in terms of cost; it

does not remove odours or

chemical vapours and uses a fan

to draw in air. Higher speeds can

be noisy.

B. Activated Carbon Filtration

A unique form of activated carbon

composed of millions of tiny absorbent

pores is used for this air filter. These

filters can create a large surface area

optimal for trapping fumes, gases,

and odours. It’s suitable for people who

would like to focus on eliminating the

dust and paint fumes from a

renovation project.

• What it removes: Chemical and

gas fumes, pet odours, cooking

smoke, pant and cleaning fumes.

• Advantages: Maintains a fresh scent

in the room, relatively cheap to

replace consistently

• Disadvantages: Solely effective in

reducing gaseous fumes, smells, and

odours. Not that effective for others.

C. Ultra Violet (UV) Light

This technology emits an invisible light

that attacks contaminants instead of

passing them through a physical filter.

UV-powered air purifiers are designed

to deactivate airborne pathogens and

microorganisms like mould, bacteria,

and viruses. Removable Pollutants:

Bacteria, viruses, and germs

• Advantages: Ultraviolet light rarely

needs replacement, create a sterile

environment, perfect for disinfecting

• Disadvantages: Cannot be used as

a standalone device as it solely kills

viruses, bacteria, and germs. A HEPA

or Ionic air cleaner complements the

UV light air purifier well.

D. Ionic Filtration

This air purifying technology latches

onto airborne pollutants by emitting

a cloud of charged ions into the air.

• What it removes: Dust, pollen,

mould spores, fungi, volatile organic

compounds, some bacteria and

viruses, and visible smoke

• Advantages: Doesn’t require

filter replacements, is practically

maintenance-free and operates

quietly.

• Disadvantages: Pollutants remain

on surfaces unless collected on an

electrostatic plate, which requires

frequent cleaning with soap and

water; it doesn’t remove odours and

produces small amounts of ozone

as a by-product which can trigger

respiratory problems.

There is no single air purifier that’s

right for everyone, no one-sizefits-all.

Therefore, it’s important

to choose one specifically for

your needs. Be sure to evaluate

secondary features like noise

levels and portability too!

Regardless of your decision, air

purifiers will definitely improve

your home’s air quality.


45

BRAND Story

BIOXIL INNERTREATS:

GET A POWER-UP

SHOT OF ENZYMES

EVERYDAY

Quality and wellness are at the heart of Bioxil Innertreats, a health beverage brand exclusively distributed

in Malaysia and Singapore by the Esthetics International Group Berhad (EIG), a leading beauty and

wellness company in ASEAN and Hong Kong, with over 38 years of experience in the industry.

Researched and developed by top scientists worldwide,

the unique formulation of Bioxil Innertreats products

combines natural and preservative-free ingredients of only

the highest quality sourced from around the world,

complemented by state-of-the-art extraction and

fermentation technologies. Using this approach, the brand

preserves the formulation’s natural goodness and improves

the product performance of each drink, ensuring consumers

a provided with a truly quality product.

“Bioxil Innertreats is an advanced and innovative range of

high-quality nutraceutical products that celebrate wellness

from the inside out,” the brand says. “Our key product,

VitalZyme, epitomises these values of quality and nutrition.”


BRAND Story

Enzyme Goodness on

the Go

One of Bioxil Innertreats’ product

highlights is VitalZyme, a healthy yet

refreshing daily enzyme drink that offers

a daily dose of goodness while on the

go.

According to Bioxil Innertreats, enzymes

are a major key to life. Without enzymes,

life would cease to exist. From a scientific

perspective, enzymes are protein-based

substances found in every cell of every

living plant and animal, including the

human body. All life processes, such as

digestion and breathing, are regulated

by a complex series of chemical reactions

we refer to as metabolism.

For example, enzymes help the body

break down larger complex molecules

into smaller molecules, such as glucose,

so that the body can use them as fuel.

In the same vein, the liver also uses a

range of enzymes to break down toxins

in the body. In addition, enzymes help

with DNA replication by unwinding the

DNA coils and copying the information.

While our bodies naturally produce

enzymes, various factors can cause

enzyme depletion. The main culprits are

ageing, stressful lifestyles, poor diet,

pollution, and chronic diseases.

Here’s where VitalZyme is formulated to

address our need for optimal enzymes

with an easy-to-drink health beverage

that complements our daily diet and

supports a healthy lifestyle. Its wideranging

benefits include boosting the

body’s ability to fight free radicals,

improving digestion, preventing

constipation and strengthening the

body’s defence, leading to improved

overall wellness.

Power-Packed with

Health Boosters

Using advanced technology and research,

VitalZyme offers a blend of up to 126

fruits and plants in every convenient 15g

serving in sachets. These include:

• 50 vegetables

• 26 herbs and flowers

• 38 fruits

• 12 mushrooms, algae, seeds, and

beans

This 100% natural enzyme drink is also

powered up with doubleNUTRI®

technology to provide you with better

bio-availability of potent antioxidants,

organic acids, and phytonutrients in each

serving, with better absorption rates.

Each sachet of VitalZyme also contains

an amazingly high level of antioxidants:

• ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance

Capacity): 210,000 / 15g

• ORAC is a

measurement of food,

fruits, vegetables or other

nutrient/substance’s ability

to quench oxidative free

radicals in a test tube

(antioxidant effect) and

thus protect cells from

damage induced by free

radicals.

• DPPH: 609,000 / 15g

• DPPH is an organic

chemical compound used

in a test to evaluate the

properties of a substance’s

ability to scavenge free

radicals and thus protect

cells from damage induced

by free radicals.

Made with State-Of-

The-Art Japan Biosymbiotic

Technology

Armed with over 30 years of experience

in the 180-day triple fermentation

technology, VitalZyme preserves the

goodness of traditional, old-time methods

of antique cypress barrels, while improving

the quality of the enzymes with state-ofthe-art

Japan biosymbiotic technology via

Cypress barrel Fermentation. BioSymbiotic

fermentation is a form of fermentation in

which multiple organisms (yeasts, acetic

acid bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and

others) interact to produce the desired

product.

In producing VitalZyme, cypress wood is

chosen due to its unique aromatic scent.

Cypress generates Cypressene, its own

preservative oil. Its heartwood is also

naturally resistant to insects, decay,

chemical corrosion, and other damaging

elements.

Formulated with Your

Health in Mind

Suitable for everyone from the age of 3 or

above, Vitalzyme contains no alcohol, no

pesticides, no hormones, no harmful

additives, no artificial colouring, no artificial

flavouring and no harmful preservatives.

This drink is especially beneficial for:

• Weight-loss and fitness enthusiasts

• High achievers

• Frequent travellers

• Athletes

• The elderly

• Active teenagers

Whether you choose to take VitalZyme at

home, at work, or while you are out and

about, the beverage is available in 5g

sachets per serving to keep contents

fresher per consumption.

Convenient and easy to carry, you can

easily consume it anywhere and any time

of the day. Recommended intake is 1-2

sachets, best taken before meals and

consumed neat or diluted with water

(below 40°C) or juice. You can also keep

the beverage chilled or at normal room

temperature.


47

NH July2022

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?