What is a microbiome?

Micro means small and Biome means a community of living beings. Together, the word Microbiome means a community of microorganisms that live in all regions of our body. This post focuses on the community of microbiome that resides in our guts, also known as Probiotics.

These probiotics which inhabit our digestive tract are commonly called the "good" bacteria. They play a significant role in digestion, immune function, brain health and the ageing process.

Health benefits of probiotics

1. Gut health

> Probiotics optimises gut function by restoring the natural balance of gut bacteria. This is especially important because when we fall sick, the bad microorganisms usually outnumber the good bacteria. 

> Prevents and treats diarrhoea eg. from food poisoning or antibiotics.

> Reduces symptoms of certain digestive disorders eg. IBS.

2. Immune system

> Protect against colds and flu (as 70-80% of our immune system are present in the gut).

> Prevent UTIs.

> Reduce severity of certain allergies and eczema.

3. Mind and brain

We usually hear the term Physical Health ~ we should do more exercise and be more physically active. Nowadays, the word Mental Health is the centre of attention. It comprises of 3 aspects: Psychological, Emotional and Social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also determines how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices.

The National Health and Morbidity Survey reported some pretty scary statistics - the number of mental health cases among Malaysians above 16 years old has increased from 10.7% (1996), to 11.2% (2006), and 29.2% (2015). This means approximately 1 in 3 Malaysians had mental health problems in 2015.

Have you heard of the phrase "gut-wrenching experience" or have you ever suffer from the feeling of "butterflies in your stomach"? This is because our gut and brain are connected. The Gut-Brain Axis is a 2-way communication system between our gut (digestive system) and brain (central nervous system). It plays a significant role in our emotions and stress response. The enteric nervous system that regulates our gut is often called the body's Second Brain. It's like a mini-brain that lives in the intestines and helps manage digestion. This Second Brain also sends messages to the big brain; that's why the Gut-Brain Axis is so important. In other words, probiotics play a part in our mental health. 

Studies show that taking probiotics can:

> Improve your mood and reduce stress.

> Help with certain mental disorders like depression or anxiety.

4. Other health benefits

> Helps in weight loss as probiotics can help utilise the energy in our food.

> Keeps your heart healthy by maintaining healthier cholesterol levels.

> Promote oral health (reduction of gum disease and prevent caries).

Probiotics v. Prebiotics

Probiotics are food or supplement that contain live microorganisms.

Prebiotics are non digestible food components that selectively stimulate the growth or activity of probiotics.

In order to reach our intestines alive, the probiotics must be able to endure the harsh conditions in the stomach such as strong acid and digestive enzymes, which kill many microorganisms.  

Manufacturers overcome this problem by using special production processes and formulation to enhance the tolerance of probiotics to acidic conditions. Some bacterial strains have a naturally inbuilt level of tolerance to acidic conditions. In other words, it all depends on the type and manufacturing process of the probiotic you take.

Key traits of Lactoberry probiotics

The probiotics used in Lactoberry is multicoated with Oligosaccharides (food supply of probiotics) thus giving the probiotics more energy and enhanced potency. This coating increases the probiotic's tolerance against gastric acid and bile salt. Further, the probiotics also can stay in the GI tract for a longer time.

6 Ingredients & Benefits of Lactoberry

1. Bifidobacterium lactis

> Improves digestive conditions in the body eg. lactose intolerance and gluten toxicity as well as improves constipation by reducing gut-transit time.

> Assists digestion and utilisation of nutrients eg. sugar, fibre and macronutrients. It's also partially responsible for the absorption and utilisation of certain vitamins and minerals.

> As about 70% of probiotics are present in our gut, they have an immuno-modulating effects, especially for upper respiratory tract infections eg. common flu and cold.

2. Bifidobacterium longum

> Alleviates GI disorders eg. constipation and antibiotic associated diarrhoea.

> Immuno-modulation eg. improves symptoms of allergy and infections.

> Improvement and homeostasis of intestinal microenvironment. Studies have shown that with decreased micro-biodiversity, we are more prone to have diseases especially metabolic disorders like diabetes.

3. Isomalt

> Sugar substitute. Hence, Lactoberry can be ingested by diabetics.

> Prebiotics, therefore it's a food source for probiotics.

> Stimulates peristalsis, softens stools and alleviates constipation.

4. Berries

> Cranberry powder prevents UTIs due to it containing an abundance of phytonutrients A-type proanthocyanidins or condensed tannins. It prevents the E.Coli bacteria from attaching to the lining of the bladder and urinary tract.

> Raspberry powder, which has one of the richest sources of fibre amongst fruits and tannin content. It prevents constipation by increasing the bulk and letting the stools come out more easily, as well as benefits blood sugar control by improving insulin resistance.

> Blueberry powder is high in antioxidant flavonoids such as anthocyanin, which neutralises free radicals and enhances metabolic waste excretion.

Who needs it?

> Children, teenagers, adults and elderlies.

> Pregnant ladies.

> Patients after medical treatments.

Recommended consumption

> 1-2 sachets for daily maintenance before or after meals. To ensure the benefits of probiotics are reaped, it's important to take Lactoberry on a daily and on-going basis.

> Under special condition such as food poisoning or constipation, increase dosage as needed.

(Source: SH seminar, 22/7/2023)

How to Order? 

A box of 30 sachets of Lactoberry probiotics costs RM77 for Malaysian members.

The Blood Brain Barrier functions to keep harmful organisms and substances out of our brain. But it's a double-edged sword as it can also prevent useful drugs from crossing in. Let's find out more..

Our brain is one of the most complex organs in our body. It weighs about 2% of our total body weight, but utilises about 20% of our energy. There are more than 100 billion brain cells which communicate by electrical impulses known as synapses.

The brain is shielded from an influx of harmful substances by a layer of endothelial cells called Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). It provides a natural protective function to impede the entry of harmful substances into the central nervous system (CNS). The BBB regulates:

• delivery of nutrients into the brain.
• removal of unwanted toxins.
• recruitment of leukocytes (WBC) to maintain normal brain homeostasis (balance).

- Nanoparticles bear naturally-occurring components to cross the BBB. They can evade recognition by the immune system and thus escape destruction in the event of inflammatory response.

Nanoparticles have been engineered to effectively transport drugs across the BBB by targeting receptors involved in endocytosis (a process by which a cell brings substances into itself).  

Many studies have been carried out, such as:

(a) An animal study using rats, described the delivery of an anti-epileptic peptide, galanin, that is capable of inhibiting glutamate release in the hippocampus (thereby reducing the onset of seizures).

(b) A study targets the alpha-synuclein protein, which plays a role in Parkinson.

(c) An animal study assessed the inhibition of alpha-synuclein fibrillation and protection from the progressive loss of dopaminergic neutrons, in relation to Parkinson.

(d) In another study, researches have proven that alpha-synuclein can be prevented from activating in microglial cells via scavenger receptor CD36-binding nanoparticles.

(e) In an animal study of Parkinson, lipid nano carriers loaded with GDNF (glial cell derived neurotrophic factor) plasmids were combined with micro bubbles for MRI-guided focused ultrasound mediated effects that led to a reduction in nerve cell death and helped alleviate behavioural changes due to the disease.

The nose-to-brain route of administration could be a way to improve the delivery of drug-loaded particles to specific regions of the brain. Delivery via this route bypasses the BBB and enables direct delivery to the brain. The complication with this strategy is that:

(i) It requires the nanoparticles to have augmented properties, such as protecting the molecules within them from being destroyed or damaged in the nasal cavity; and 

(ii) Nanoparticles need to get through the nose's mucosal barrier.

The clinical translation of nanoparticles (ie. nanoparticles approved for brain targeting and treatment) is difficult and demanding as it requires substantial time and effort.

(Source: Infiltrating the BBB, StarHealth 15/1/2023)

Yung Kien C Ganoderma

The good news is Shuang Hor has successfully developed a product called Yung Kien C Ganoderma (YKC), which is effective for brain diseases. This is achievable because the ganoderic acid component in YKC has very small molecular structure and thus can pass through the BBB into the brain tissues. As such, YKC has a good effect on brain diseases such as seizures, epilepsy, Alzheimer and Parkinson. It is a breakthrough for Shuang Hor.

In an experiment, mice whose brain have been induced with Alzheimer are fed with YKC. The result shows YKC can improve the diseases that cause degeneration of brain neurons. 

How to purchase?

"Leaky brain" occurs when the blood-brain barrier (BBB) breaks down. The BBB is composed of blood vessels and cells called astrocytes. They work together to prevent pollutants, toxins, antibodies and dietary proteins from entering the brain and causing inflammation.

Symptoms of leaky brain include:

• Brain fog
• Difficulty concentrating
• Brain fatigue
• Lack of motor coordination
• Depression
• Lowered mental endurance.

How to improve a leaky brain?

1. Eliminate gluten

This is because gluten increases a protein called zonulin, which contributes to leaky gut and leaky brain.

2. Avoid alcohol

Studies suggest that alcohol can damage and weaken the BBB, resulting in neuroinflammation.

3. Increase good bacteria in your gut

There is a link between your brain and gut. You can improve your BBB and heal your leaky brain by increasing the amount of good bacteria (probiotics) in your digestive system.

Take a look at the unique ingredients of Lactoberry probiotics and why it is a smart choice..

http://www.pingofhealth.com/2011/10/uniqueness-of-lacto-berry-probiotics.html

4. Exercise

Brain and nerve cells are maintained by aerobic exercise, which increases a protein called BDNF. It has a key role in the survival and growth of neurons, which are essential for learning and memory.

5. Improve sleep

In order for BBB to function optimally, you should get at least 7 hours of high-quality, restorative sleep every night.

In November, 2023, Ms Chun-Ching Wu (Ginny Wu) presented 12 testimonies which illustrate how to effectively use Equivalent Target Lingzhi to help manage various health conditions. 

Our colon contains trillions of bacterial cells which make up a unique ecosystem known as the gut microbiome. When the gut bacteria becomes imbalanced (dysbiosis), your mental health can be affected. 

1. Better diversity in microbiome composition is good for mental health

There's a link between gut bacteria and depression. The more diversity in healthy bacteria, the better it will be for your body and mental health.

2. Low butyrate is bad for the brain

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that is essential to the body and is produced by good gut bacteria. Research shows that butyrate might help you grow new brain cells, prevent inflammation and improves mood. One way to help butyrate production in your body is by eating probiotics.

3. Vagus nerve communicates with brain and aids digestion

The vagus nerve connects your gut and brain and aids digestion by helping food move through the digestive tract, stimulates the release of digestive enzymes and tell the brain when you are full. The connection between gut and brain plays a vital role in mental health and even IBS. When the vagus nerve is impaired by stress, it fights inflammation less effectively and negatively affects the balance of gut bacteria.

4. Healthy gut encourages more happy hormones

Gut microbes transform food into short-chain fatty acids, which then communicate with cells to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter and hormone that regulates your mood, including anxiety and happiness. Eating the right foods with lots of variety helps to feed happy bacteria, which increase mood-lifting chemicals like serotonin and GABA.

5. Gut bacteria influences depression and inflammation

When you are in a state of dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria), harmful microbes will seize the chance to proliferate. Your body responds by alerting the immune system, which prevents the opportunistic bacteria from taking over by triggering inflammation. The problem is that inflammation can contribute to depression. So, controlling inflammation can help to improve both mood and anxiety levels.

6. Probiotics can reduce depression

Probiotic food (kimchi, yoghurt and kefir) or supplements (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Lactococcus) increase diversity in your gut bacteria. Studies show that probiotics can help reduce the symptoms of depression.

7. Eat prebiotics to nourish probiotic bacteria

Prebiotics are nourishment for the gut bacteria, and help them transform into short chain fatty acids and vitamins. Some common prebiotic foods include:

- Prebiotic fiber eg. mushrooms, onions, berries, garlic, barley, rye and corn.

- Resistant starches eg. grains, plantains, legumes, potatoes, green bananas and seeds.

- Polyphenols eg. soybeans, apples, red wine, cocoa, tea and onions.

Consuming prebiotic foods is also linked to a reduction in anxiety and improving mental wellbeing.

Balancing your gut bacteria can make you happier

The connection between the gut and brain is an example of how changes in one part of the body can influence another. An imbalanced gut microbiome is the culprit for mental health issues. Research indicate that changes in gut microbiome and inflammation in the gut can affect the brain and cause symptoms that look like Parkinson's disease, autism, anxiety and depression; and taking probiotics and prebiotics can have positive effects on these symptoms and stress resilience.

(Source: 9 ways that your gut affects mental health, Starhealth, 28/11/2021)

Which Prebiotics and Probiotics to Choose?

Choose Lactoberry probiotics. 

Why? This 1-minute video shares with you 5 benefits:

http://www.pingofhealth.com/2020/08/top-5-benefits-of-lactoberry-probiotics.html

Lactoberry contains 2 types of Bifidobacterium probiotics and many other ingredients. Click on this link to get details on the unique ingredients, their benefits and functions:

http://www.pingofhealth.com/2011/10/uniqueness-of-lacto-berry-probiotics.html

How to Order? 

A box of 30 sachets of Lactoberry probiotics costs RM70 for Malaysian members.

In May 2023, Ms Pei-Chin Chung conducted a seminar on the benefits of Lingzhi for people with health problems relating to the "3-Highs" (high blood pressure, blood lipid and blood sugar), and how they impact your cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems if you don't control them properly.

Below are the credentials of this esteemed speaker, Ms Pei-Chin Chung, a Dietitian with Double Crane Group in Taiwan: 

This article is sourced from a talk by Taiwan nutritionist Ms Yu-Chi Cheng, in conjunction with the launch of Yung Kien C Ganoderma Tablet (YKC) in Malaysia in July 2022.

Shuang Hor has a series of products called Target Lingzhi, 4 of which were launched in Malaysia and Singapore since 2020:

(i) Yung Kien B which is mainly for Bones.

Click here for details: http://www.pingofhealth.com/2020/05/exclusive-target-lingzhi-yki-immune-ykb.html

(ii) Yung Kien K which is mainly for Kidney.

Click here for details: http://www.pingofhealth.com/2020/05/exclusive-target-lingzhi-ykk-kidney.html

(iii) Yung Kien S which is the tablet version of Yung Kien K.

Click here for details: http://www.pingofhealth.com/2020/05/exclusive-target-lingzhi-yki-immune.html

(iv) Yung Kien I which is mainly for Immune.

Click here for details: http://www.pingofhealth.com/2020/05/exclusive-target-lingzhi-yki-immune.html

In July 2022, Shuang Hor launched the most cutting-edge product of the series, YKC, which is designed for cancer diseases. 

This article focuses on the technical proof of how YKC complements conventional cancer treatments and how YKC protects the brain neurons.

Background - Process Flow of Basic Lingzhi

Prior to the launch of Target Lingzhi, Shuang Hor has in its stable a series of products called Basic Lingzhi, which are produced using Lingzhi fruit bodies. The fruit bodies are harvested and then put through these processes in the factory:

- Drying - Crushing - Extraction - Concentration

- Purification (for Yung Kien Ganoderma 2)

- Rapid vacuum freeze-drying - Capsuling and packaging.

From this process, Shuang Hor is already able to obtain many active constituents, including over 300 types of ganoderic acids (under the umbrella of Triterpenoids) and over 100 types of high-molecular Polysaccharides. The Basic Lingzhi is already able to do an excellent job to protect our health. 

Process Flow of Target Lingzhi

Now, Target Lingzhi is even more advanced, as compared to Basic Lingzhi.

Target Lingzhi is also produced using Lingzhi fruit bodies; but the breakthrough of the process is the addition of another component done using a technique called mycelium fermentation. This gives Target Lingzhi a higher concentration and purification of Ganoderic Acid. 

In the past, only Polysaccharide could be extracted from mycelium. It is only with this fermentation technique that Shuang Hor is now able to extract a high concentration of Ganoderic Acid (a sub-constituent of Triterpenoid).

So, the processes in the factory are slightly different:

- Fruit body plus mycelium fermentation

- Drying - Extraction - Concentration

- Separation and Purification

- Rapid vacuum freeze-drying - Packaging.

In other words, Shuang Hor is able to produce this high efficacy product to be used as supplementary treatment for cancer due to:

(a) the technique of doing mycelium fermentation.

(b) the technology of obtaining high quantity of anti-cancer substances through a concentration and purification process to get Ganoderic acid T, S and Ganodermic acid S. If you refer to technical papers in PubMed, you will know these components are very important in cancer treatments.

What is the Difference in the quantity of Ganoderic Acid in Basic Lingzhi as compared to YKC?

(a) Basic Lingzhi products contain about 1% Ganoderic Acid T + 99% other active components.

(b) YKC contains 95-98% Ganoderic Acid T + up to 5% other active components.

In other words, 

(i) The high concentration and purification process results in YKC having higher quantity of active constituents targeted for cancer treatment.

(ii) Cancer patients only need to consume a smaller dose but achieve greater efficacy and better results.

Functions of YKC

1. YKC is used for cancer treatment:

> Effective against all kinds of cancer.

> Taken together with chemo treatments to ease the side effects.

> Facilitates the effectiveness of medication.

2. YKC modulates and balances brain neurons which helps people to have better sleep.

3. YKC is effective for brain diseases. This is achievable because the ganoderic acid have very small molecular structure which can pass through the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB), into the brain tissues.

What is Blood Brain Barrier (BBB)?

Our body can be easily infected by bacteria or virus. But because of the importance of our brain, there is a special system called BBB that shields the brain from harmful substances in the blood. Thus, the bacteria and virus are filtered by BBB from affecting the brain cells. The is a very good function, but unfortunately, it also prevents drugs from entering the brain. That's why certain chemo treatments are not effective to treat brain cancer.

The good news is, as the molecules of YKC's ganoderic acid are very small, they are able to pass through the BBB and have a good effect on brain diseases.

How Cancer Starts, Grows and Spreads

Cancer cells are mutation of normal body cells. After mutation, our body can't control them anymore. They multiply haphazardly, up to the stage where they affect our major organs, form tumours and kill us.

YKC is a Multi-Target Treatment, meaning it works on all 4 stages of cancer. Below are the results of the experiments conducted by Trineo Biotech Lab in Taiwan, which is a GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) certified lab. 

How does YKC work?

Dear Readers,
I hope you like what you read so far.
Do you want to know how YKC works on cancer in Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4? 
You can only get the full text of this post in my Private blog.
If you want a copy, please email me at askfuiping@gmail.com.
This info is reserved exclusively for my Consumers and Business Partners only.

If you are already authorised, please click on this link..

https://pingofhealthexclusive.blogspot.com/2022/08/target-lingzhi-ykc-yung-kien-c_11.html

What is the difference between acute inflammation and chronic inflammation?
Acute inflammation is a short term process occurring in response to tissue injury. The body can heal itself quite quickly.
Chronic inflammation is an inflammatory reaction that lasts for months or years. If the body is unable to heal an acute inflammation it will become chronic, which is more dangerous to our health.

What medical test markers do you look at to find out if you have acute / chronic inflammation?
Click on this link..

http://www.pingofhealth.com/2018/11/exclusive-lingzhi-anti-inflammation-crp.html

Chronic inflammation in the brain is caused by diets high in fat and cholesterol, ageing, high level of stress, and also due to genetics. It leads to inflammation of the Central Nervous System, and eventually Alzheimer's Disease (build-up of beta-amyloid protein) and Parkinson disease (low and falling dopamine levels). The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord, and surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid.
When you take a wrong diet, and as you age or under stress, your body will automatically produce a lot of free radicals. The more free radicals are present in your body, the older you will look.

What is Free Radical?

Free radical is the key culprit of brain inflammation. It is a molecule which has a single unpaired electron and hence is unstable in nature. It needs to steal an electron from our body cells to stabilise itself. After losing this electron, our body cells become unstable, and they will die very fast.

The 3 enemies that we commonly know are virus, bacteria and cancer cells. Free radicals are equally, if not more harmful, than these 3. If your body is full of free radicals, your body will be more easily exposed to virus, bacteria and cancer cells. The reason is when the free radicals attack your WBC, and their numbers are eroded, your immune system is lower, thus your body becomes more susceptible to pathogens.

The mechanism to reduce free radicals is called Anti-oxidation. When free radicals are reduced, the chances of normal cells going haywire or dying is lesser. You will look better and your body can function better.

How do you get free radicals?

Every cell has a mitochondria. When you breath, mitochondria will create energy for the purpose of cell activities. During this process, it will produce 2 types of free radicals, or waste by-products, called Superoxide radical and Hydroxyl radical. When these free radicals steal electrons from your cells, attacking and damaging the DNA nucleus, it can cause you health conditions like stroke, cancer or arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries).

How does your body reduce free radicals?

In our body, there are a few enzymes with anti-oxidation capability, i.e. able to eliminate free radicals. It's called a Multi-Enzymatic Anti-Oxidation System, comprising of these main enzymes:

a) Glutathione
b) Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
c) Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD)
d) Catalase.

When these enzymes are sufficient in your body, they can naturally get rid of the free radicals your body produce - a check and balance system. 

For example, a person suffering from an inherited disorder called G6PD deficiency has red blood cells (RBCs) that cannot transport oxygen effectively throughout the body. Their RBCs are destroyed faster than their body can replace them. These people become anaemic.

Likewise, when the free radicals attack the cells of the central nervous system or brain, it causes inflammation, and associated diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson.

If you can enhance this multi-enzymatic anti-oxidation system in your body, you will have less free radicals and can retard ageing, look younger, be more energetic and are less likely to fall sick.

What foods provide anti-oxidant?

Foods that contain vitamins C and E, green tea, pollen (as it provides enzymes and coenzymes), ginkgo (good for the brain), and Lingzhi.

How does Lingzhi work to eliminate free radicals?

1) Continuously take 12 capsules Yung Kien Ganoderma for 3-6 months. It is scientifically proven that Lingzhi is able to increase the level of the above-mentioned enzymes in our blood system, because Lingzhi has a healing ability.

2)There are more than 200 types of ganoderic acid in the Triterpenoid component of a Lingzhi. In the world, only Shuang Hor has the technology to extract the most number of ganoderic acid, where it can extract up to 9 types. Ganoderic A, B, C and D are proven to be able to reduce free radicals.

3) Macrophage is one of the key components of our immune system. If it is attacked by free radicals, it will die massively and our immune system will drop drastically. Lingzhi can protect macrophages from being oxidised. 

4) A research report from Beijing University proved that Lingzhi can reduce brain oxidation process (protect brain cells from being attacked by free radicals). One way to check how good is your brain's health is your memory level. If you are getting more and more forgetful, it means your brain cells are deteriorating drastically.

Scientific Experiments

A few experiments were conducted to verify how Ganoderma works to reduce inflammation of the brain.


A study by Sun, et al. was published in the Neural Regeneration Research Journal in 2017. It was found that Lingzhi polysaccharides...