Stay well steadily

In Malaysia, the beginning of the year starts with a bang, as the continuation of the December festivities, follows Chinese New Year and soon after, Hari Raya. The continued feasting, that lingering tiredness, that bloating feeling that doesn’t quite go away. None of these are imagined.

“Seasonal lifestyle changes don’t impact just one system. They affect digestion, immunity, and stress regulation at the same time, which is why people can feel run down even when they’re trying to be healthy,” said Cynthia Jetan, Consultant Nutritionist at LAC Malaysia.

1. Still Tired After the Holidays? It’s Not Just “Lack of Sleep”. 

If you’ve been sleeping but still waking up exhausted, you’re not alone. Festive periods often disrupt your body’s natural rhythm. Later nights, irregular meals, more screen time, and less consistency. When that rhythm goes off track, energy can feel harder to sustain.

That’s when many people lean on caffeine or sugar for a quick lift, then end up crashing later. To support energy levels and help the body cope with fatigue during transitional periods, supplements like LAC Activated Zhi Energy, which contains Lingzhi and Cordyceps herbs traditionally used to support vitality, energy production, and stress coping, can be helpful. This can be paired with simple habits that help stabilise energy, such as consistent mealtimes, adequate protein intake, and slow-release carbohydrates like oats, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and legumes.

“When energy dips persist despite rest, it’s often because the body’s energy pathways are under strain. Supporting those pathways helps restore focus without overstimulation,” says Cynthia.

2. Festive Eating Can Leave You Feeling Heavy. 

Chinese New Year meals are meant to be enjoyed, rich, celebratory, and shared. However, multiple days of heavier meals, late nights, and alcohol intake can place additional strain on the liver, which plays a central role in metabolism and detoxification.

When the liver is under pressure from frequent indulgence in alcohol and high-fat, high-sugar foods, fat can build up in the liver, affecting digestion, energy levels, and how the body processes nutrients, often showing up as low energy and that lingering “heavy” feeling.

This is where liver support becomes relevant. LAC Activated L.Pro is a TCM blend formulated to support liver health and function, and to help improve fatty liver conditions, especially during periods of dietary excess and disrupted routines. Supporting the liver helps the body process nutrients and metabolic by-products more efficiently, which can contribute to improved energy and overall comfort.

Gut health also plays an important role. Probiotics are commonly taken daily to support digestive balance, with different strengths available depending on individual needs. LAC Probiotic Complex has a range of options, with CFU strengths going up to 100 billion CFUs, that are available in capsules, jelly and powder, allowing individuals to choose the level of support that suits them.

You can also keep it simple with everyday habits, drinking enough water, including fibre-rich foods, and allowing time between richer meals instead of grazing continuously throughout the day.

“Digestion and liver function play a big role in how you feel day to day. When these systems are under strain, even good food may not leave you feeling your best,” Cynthia adds.

3. Why People Get Sick After Celebrations. 

It’s a familiar pattern. The celebrations end, and suddenly everyone’s down with something. Festive seasons often mean more social exposure, less rest, and less routine. Combined with dietary changes, this increases the body’s oxidative load, a state where free radicals build faster than the body can neutralise them, potentially affecting immune resilience and recovery.

This is where antioxidant support is important. LAC Masquelier’s French Pine Bark Extract is rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) and is known to be up to 20 times more powerful than Vitamin C in antioxidant capacity, helping support the body’s natural defences during high-demand periods. Build antioxidant habits through food too, including colourful fruits and vegetables, plus everyday staples like turmeric, ginger, and tea.

“When the body is under a higher oxidative load, bouncing back can take longer. Supporting antioxidant defences help the body cope during socially demanding periods,” she explains.

4. The Stress You Don’t Notice Still Counts. 

Not all stress feels dramatic, but it can still add to it. Planning dinners, travelling, managing work deadlines, finances, and social commitments, even happy ones, can quietly drain you. Over time, constant pressure can affect sleep quality, digestion, and overall mood.

Start with the basics. A short daily walk, less screen time before bed, and consistent sleep and wake times where possible.

If you want additional support during demanding weeks, some people pair lifestyle habits with targeted supplementation. For example, LAC Activated Zhi Energy is often used to support energy levels, reduce fatigue, and help the body cope with stress and LAC Masquelier’s French

Pine Bark Extract supports antioxidant defences against free radicals generated during prolonged stress, which can otherwise contribute to cellular strain.

5. Ramadan Is a Shift that introduces a new rhythm. 

Eating windows becomes shorter, sleep schedules change, and energy needs to be longer throughout the day. Without planning, people may notice afternoon crashes, brain fog, or discomfort after large iftar meals.

“During fasting periods, when you eat, become just as important as what you eat,” Cynthia notes. 

Sahur: prioritise slow-digesting carbs, protein, and fluids

Iftar: break fast gently, avoid going from nothing to a full feast too quickly

Between iftar and sahur: pace your hydration through the evening, rather than trying to catch up all at once. 

For those who prefer extra support, LAC Activated L.Pro can be used to support liver function during condensed eating windows, while LAC Activated Zhi Energy may support energy and alertness during the day.

6. Why Extreme “Resets” Often Backfire. 

After weeks of indulgence or disrupted routines, it’s tempting to detox, cleanse, or drastically restrict food. But aggressive changes can add stress to systems that are already under pressure.

What works better is consistency. Steady, realistic habits that help you recover gradually.

“The goal isn’t perfection. It’s resilience. Supporting the body allows it to adapt smoothly through seasonal changes,” Cynthia concludes.

Wellness isn’t about hitting a reset button. It’s about staying well consistently. 

Article courtesy of LAC