Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2025 i 1twenty80

“A Season for Celebration and Mindful Choices!” As the festive season rolls in with Christmas and New Year’s just around the corner, our tables will soon be filled with family favourites, fragrant curries, buttery cookies, spicy sambal, and decadent desserts that we look forward to all year. For many of us, food is more than just nourishment; it’s a way of expressing love and preserving tradition. Amidst the laughter and full plates, there’s something worth thinking about… How our food choices make us feel? Over the years, more Malaysians have started to recognise that certain foods, while delicious, may not always sit well with our bodies. Food intolerance, once rarely discussed, is now gaining awareness as more people notice how bloating, fatigue, or even skin issues can be linked to…

THE GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION: YOUR BODY’S TWO-WAY HIGHWAY Your brain and gut are in constant communication through a network of nerves called the gut-brain axis. When you’re relaxed, digestion runs smoothly. But under stress, your body enters “fight or flight” mode, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that slow digestion. Common symptoms of stress-related gut changes: » Bloating » Stomach cramps » Indigestion » Diarrhoea or constipation » Loss of appetite STRESS AND FOOD INTOLERANCE: THE SURPRISING LINK Food intolerance happens when your body struggles to digest certain foods. Stress can make this worse by reducing digestive enzymes and upsetting your gut balance. UNDER STRESS, YOUR BODY MAY: → Digest food less efficiently → React more strongly to certain foods → Experience worsened symptoms like bloating and discomfort So, if you…

In the first part of this series, we explored common misconceptions about IVF, from success rates to age-related fertility challenges. Now, we’re back to debunk more myths with Dr. Raymond, a fertility specialist with extensive experience in assisted reproductive technology. With his expertise, we’ll uncover the truth about complementary medicine, fertility diets, egg freezing, and more—providing a clearer picture of what IVF truly involves. “#8 Complementary medicine like TCM can improve IVF success rates. success rates.” Dr. Raymond: There is some evidence suggesting that acupuncture may improve IVF success rates, but not the herbal medicine typically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupuncture has been shown to help increase the chances of conception through IVF, although the evidence is not entirely conclusive. As for other forms of complementary medicine, it’s difficult…

One minute, plant-based is the answer to everything. The next, oat milk is out, and dairy is back in. Navigating the world of healthy eating has never been more confusing. But the truth is, it all comes down to your own body—your unique needs, your tolerances, and what actually works for you. With experts questioning these tests’ reliability, it’s worth asking—are they truly useful or just another wellness cash grab? While some, like enzyme deficiency tests, have scientific backing, others—especially IgG-based tests—lack strong evidence. At worst, they might fuel unnecessary food fears and restrictive eating. So before spending money and unnecessarily cutting out nutritive foods in your diet, be critical. The most reliable method? An elimination diet, symptom tracking, and consulting a qualified healthcare professional. When it comes to your…

Do you know of someone who had to delay or even forgo treatment because the cost of medication was simply too high? It’s a reality that plays out far too often, where access to healthcare isn’t just about availability, but affordability. For Pharmacist, Fontaine Fong Mei Ling, giving isn’t just a value—it’s her way of life. Whether through her work, her active volunteering, or even small gestures of thoughtfulness, she embodies generosity in every sense. With nearly two decades of experience spanning hospitals, community pharmacies, the corporate sector, and patient access initiatives, Fontaine now serves as a council member of Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS). In this conversation with 1Twenty80, she shares heartfelt insights on how insurance, pharmacies, and preventive care can come together to ease the burden on patients. 1Twenty80: COULD…

Makeup can do wonders for your confidence but what if your foundation, concealer, or blush is secretly clogging your pores? Many women experience breakouts that mysteriously appear after a full day of makeup, but few realise their beauty products might be the cause. Makeup and Breakouts: What’s the Connection? According to dermatologists, makeup-related acne, known as acne cosmetica, happens when products block pores, trap oil, and irritate the skin. Heavy foundations, creamy concealers, and certain primers can suffocate the skin, especially when worn all day or not properly removed. Spot the Signs of Makeup-Induced Acne Wondering if your makeup might be the problem? Look out for small bumps or pimples along the cheeks, chin, and forehead. These are areas where makeup tends to build up. If this sounds familiar, switch…

Cafés. They aren’t just about cosy spaces, good coffee, and aesthetic appeal. They’ve become central hubs where people gather, work, and connect. In the post-pandemic era, they’ve taken on an even bigger role, doubling as workspaces for remote workers. Long before that, cafés were already popular spots for business meetings, casual hangouts, and even birthday celebrations. ‘Café hopping’ has become a trend, and sometimes, they simply offer a convenient place to sit down and take a break—because who passes a yum cha session at a café? Beyond all that, cafés have also become spaces that empower and uplift communities. Locally, several cafés are doing just that by providing job opportunities and support for the OKU (Orang Kurang Upaya) community. Whether through hiring individuals with disabilities, offering training, or creating an…

A GIFT FOR YOU!* *While stocks last NEVER MISS A COPY AGAIN! Be a part of the 1Twenty80 family! Worry no more about missing an issue in the future by getting a copy conveniently delivered to your doorstep each month. Plus, subscribe to 1Twenty80 this month and receive a box of SLIMIX with L-CARNITINE (WORTH RM 89.90)! A supplement that helps to promote a good night’s sleep and reduce daytime sleepiness. So what are you waiting for? Grab this opportunity by filling in the form below and subscribe now!…

Let’s be honest, food is a big part of being Malaysian. Whether it’s a hot bowl of curry laksa, a hearty nasi lemak, or a plate of char kuey teow, our love for food is unmatched. But what happens when your favourite dishes start leaving you feeling bloated, gassy, or uncomfortably tired? You might be dealing with a food intolerance and it’s more common than you think. Unlike food allergies (which cause an immediate immune reaction), food intolerance usually affects your digestion. The symptoms can appear hours after a meal, making it hard to pinpoint the culprit. Let’s uncover some of the hidden triggers in everyday Malaysian meals that could be affecting your gut. #1 CONDENSED MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS That creamy sweetness in your teh tarik or iced coffee?…

When IVF comes up in conversations, a lot of myths and stigma tend to follow. IVF is often associated with various assumptions—it’s only for certain situations, it’s incredibly expensive, and so on. There’s also the notion that it’s only for couples facing serious fertility issues or as a last resort. But what’s the truth behind IVF? To clear things up, we spoke with Dr. Raymond Lim, a specialist in Obstetrics & Gynaecology with a subspecialty in Reproductive Medicine. With extensive experience in fertility management, advanced reproductive techniques, and minimally invasive surgeries, Dr. Raymond provides expert care in women’s health. Having trained in the UK, he’s well-placed to address the myths surrounding IVF and fertility treatments. “#1 Male infertility is less common than female infertility.” Dr. Raymond Lim Chung Siang: False.…

In conjunction of World Autism Month, 1Twenty80 was invited to visit Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for an exclusive look at its Butterfly Effect initiative—designed to create a more seamless, supportive travel experience for passengers with hidden disabilities. Stepping into an airport can feel like entering a whole new world—bright lights, loud announcements, crowds moving in every direction. Now imagine navigating that same environment with autism, anxiety, or any condition that isn’t immediately visible. What’s routine for others can quickly become overwhelming for some. This inspired the Butterfly Effect, an initiative rooted in the belief that even small changes can create meaningful ripples. From sensory-friendly spaces to specially trained staff, this effort is more than just a gesture of care. It reflects Malaysia Airports’ broader commitment to making travel calmer,…

The holiday season is here and with it comes gatherings filled with laughter, love, and of course, lots of food! But for those who experience bloating, discomfort, or fatigue after festive meals, it might not just be overindulgence, it could be food intolerance! This year, why not celebrate smarter? With a few tweaks and a little awareness, your festive spread can be both delicious and gentle on the tummy. From gluten-free bites to dairy-free desserts, there’s no reason anyone should miss out on the joy of good food. To get you started, we’ve whipped up two easy, crowd-pleasing finger foods that everyone (including those with sensitive stomachs) can enjoy. They’re light, festive, and guaranteed to disappear fast from the platter! So gather your loved ones, turn up the music, and…