Be Proactive and greet winter with a smile :)

Dunedin days are getting shorter and the leaves are falling fast – winter is coming around the corner. Winter can be a challenging time for health, particularly affecting the immune system, mood, and digestion. The lack of sunlight leads to reduced levels of vitamin D, which is crucial for immune and mental health, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections and decreasing mood, known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD – a spectacular acronym, isn’t it?). Cold weather also encourages a more indoor-centric lifestyle and potentially less activity, which can further decrease mood and impact digestive health due to reduced physical activity and changes in diet.

We want to be proactive this year – so let’s get ready right now! Probiotics can help support the body during these colder months. Probiotics are good, beneficial bacteria that can help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which is essential for a robust immune system, efficient digestion, and mood regulation. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which affects mood, and in modulating immune responses. A healthy gut can help mitigate the impacts of winter on health by supporting the immune system, enhancing mood stability, and promoting digestive health.

Probiotics are an exciting and growing field – and there are many to choose from – so which one to choose? This year, our favourite probiotic comes from Zestt, a Dunedin-based company that has scientifically formulated a lozenge called Gut+ to support gut health with a blend of beneficial probiotics, prebiotics, and enzymes. This local product includes ingredients such as:

- **Yacon and Gold Kiwifruit**, which provide prebiotic fibres and enzymes that aid digestion and support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

- **HN019, LA-14 Probiotics, and BLIS K12™**, which are specific strains known for their beneficial effects on immune health, digestive stability, and even oral health, contributing to an overall healthier microbiome.

We love recommending this product – as it’s super easy to take as a yummy lozenge and it’s all locally innovated and made. The probiotic helps influence the population of the bacteria in your microbiome, and the prebiotics helps the good bacteria flourish – a great combo for your health in a Dunedin winter. We have reached out to the team at Zestt and they have generously given us some free samples of Gut+ for you to try and as always if you have any questions about this article, pop in and talk to the team – we are always happy to help. Andrew and the team the Roslyn Pharmacy Roslyn Village, Dunedin Ph 477 9793 roslynpharmacy@gmail.com www.roslynpharmacy.co.nz