Biotics vs. Silent Inflammation: The Battle For Your Gut Health

aoklinikjoey
Feb 4
3 min read

By AOKLINIK Clinical Dietitian & Longevity Team

From nasi lemak to teh tarik, our Malaysian diet is vibrant but can sometimes be tough on the gut. If you experience chronic digestive issues such as bloating, gas, irregular bowel movements, or persistent indigestion, please consider to take biotics. They are also highly recommended for those who have recently completed a course of antibiotics, as these medications often strip away beneficial bacteria along with the harmful ones. Beyond the gut, symptoms like frequent skin breakouts (acne or eczema), recurrent yeast infections, or even lingering brain fog and low immunity can be clinical signs that your microbiome is out of balance and requires targeted bacterial support to restore harmony.

Types of Biotics

Probiotics: Live beneficial bacteria that improve digestion and immunity.

Local Sources: Tempeh, Tapai, and unsweetened yogurt.

Prebiotics : Non-digestible fibers that feed your good bacteria.

Local Sources: Sengkuang , bananas, garlic, onions, and lentils (dhal).

Postbiotics : Beneficial compounds produced when probiotics "eat" prebiotics.

They help reduce inflammation and strengthen the gut lining.

Choosing the Best Supplement

If food sources aren't enough, look for these clinical markers when buying supplements in Malaysia:

Strain Specificity: Don't just buy "probiotics." Look for specific codes like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (for immunity/diarrhea) or Bifidobacterium lactis (for bloating).

Benefit Goal	Recommended Clinical Strain(s)
Bloating & IBS	Bifidobacterium infantis 35624, L. plantarum Lp299v
Immunity & Respiratory	L. rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07
Antibiotic Recovery	Saccharomyces boulardii (a beneficial yeast), L. rhamnosus GG
Skin Health (Acne/Eczema)	L. rhamnosus, L. paracasei ST11
Weight & Metabolism	L. gasseri SBT2055, B. animalis subsp. lactis 420

Important Clinical Remark: Please consult professional healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine the most suitable requirement based on your individual needs.

CFU Count: For daily maintenance, aim for 5 to 10 billion CFU. For recovery (e.g., after antibiotics), you may need 20 to 50 billion CFU.
Survivability: Ensure the brand uses "enteric-coated" or "delayed-release" capsules so the bacteria survive your stomach acid.

Dietitian's Tips for Malaysians

Tip Category	Actionable Advice	Why It Matters
Food Diversity	Eat at least 3 colors of "Ulam" or vegetables daily.	Different fibers feed different beneficial bacterial strains.
Fermented Staples	Swap one meat meal per week for Tempeh.	Tempeh is a local probiotic powerhouse with high protein and fiber.
Sugar Control	Avoid probiotic drinks with >10g sugar per serving.	High sugar feeds pathogenic bacteria, causing bloating and "bad" microbe overgrowth.
Supplement CFU	Look for 5–10 billion CFU for daily maintenance.	This is the "sweet spot" for efficacy without causing digestive upset.
Strain Check	Choose L. rhamnosus or Bifidobacterium.	These are the most researched strains for immunity and IBS relief.
Prebiotic Pairing	Add Sengkuang or onions to your meals.	Probiotics cannot survive or colonize without "food" (prebiotics).

AOKLINIK Approach

At AOKLINIK, our gut health approach follows a clinical 4-step roadmap; Remove, Reset, Repair, and Reinforce, moving beyond generic supplements to precision care. We focus on identifying dietary triggers and healing the gut lining before introducing strain-specific probiotics tailored to your unique metabolic and immune needs. By combining clinical monitoring with a sustainable Malaysian whole-food diet, we ensure your "second brain" is optimized for long-term energy, immunity, and mental clarity. Ready to start your Gut Reset? Book your consultation at AOKLINIK PENANG for a personalized consultation.