Most of us tend to neglect our digestive (gut) health until we repeatedly experience gut-related problems such as diarrhoea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. A poor digestive system may lead to a host of problems, which not only disrupt our daily routine but affect the quality of our life. If prolonged and not treated, it can lead to life-threatening diseases such as colon cancer.

Many consumers simply ignore the advice: Take care of your gut and it will take care of your health!

It is actually rather easy to take care of our gut health. We can minimise the risk of developing digestive problems by leading an active lifestyle and having a balanced and varied diet. With the rising prevalence of digestive health diseases, it is apparent that many Malaysian do not practise healthy eating habits and lifestyles. This could be due to a lack of expert information, guidance, or just a total disregard to digestive health.

What we eat affects the smooth functioning of the digestive system. Our digestive tract is home to trillions of microorganisms, known as gut microbiota. Ensuring a balanced gut microbiota is crucial for good health. To achieve this, a healthy diet and active lifestyle is crucial. One of the specific dietary factors which may help gut microbiota keep its balance, integrity and diversity is probiotics.

To provide consumers with a better understanding of the importance of a healthy gut microbiota and the role that dietary factors, especially probiotics can play in this regard, the Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM) has initiated the Probiotics Education Programme (PEP). Activities in the PEP include publication of various educational materials and setting up a dedicated website. These are aimed at providing consumers with better understanding of probiotics and their potential health benefits.

The PEP is being implemented under the supervision of an Expert Group, chaired by the President of NSM.