{
  "id": 1417277,
  "title": "Starting them young on healthy gut habits",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/starting-them-young-on-healthy-gut-habits",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-17T04:00:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/08/1512867/starting-them-young-healthy-gut-habits"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Taipong, a program titled \"A Healthier Gut Starts Young, Starts Within\" was initiated by Yakult Malaysia and Columbia Asia Hospital Taiping at Hua Lian High School. Over 100 parents and children gathered to learn about digestive wellness and adopt healthier habits. Yakult Malaysia's associate director, Mazlyn Mena Mustapha, emphasized that gut health awareness among Malaysians is still low due to the gut's invisible nature. She explained that the gut houses both good and bad bacteria, and maintaining a balance is crucial for overall health. The gut also plays a significant role in the immune system, as about 80% of it resides there. Maintaining a healthy gut can strengthen the immune system and positively impact overall health. Yakult Malaysia plans to bring similar health awareness programs to communities nationwide, focusing on specific age groups. Parents can start paying attention to their children's gut health when they begin consuming food other than breast milk, as babies receive beneficial bacteria from their mothers. Introducing probiotic drinks at this stage is recommended, starting with small amounts and gradually increasing intake while monitoring bowel movements. The program also featured educational health talks, free health screenings, a coloring contest for children, and a hands-on workshop on making yogurt bowls. Additional services like consultations from Columbia Asia Hospital Taiping, 20dB Hearing Sdn Bhd, YES Rehab Sdn Bhd, MU Optic, and Klinik Pergigian Taiping were available.",
  "summary": "TAIPING: Healthy gut habits should be nurtured from a young age as the digestive system plays a crucial role in supporting overall health, beyond simply aiding digestion.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}