As the days grow shorter and colder, many of us instinctively shift into “winter survival mode”—more comfort food, less movement, and the inevitable round of colds and flus. But what if I told you the secret to staying well this winter doesn’t start with a vitamin C tablet or echinacea tea—but in your gut?
Gut health is foundational to functional health. Around 70% of your immune system lives in your gut, making it your frontline defence during winter. And when your gut is out of balance—due to stress, poor diet, antibiotics, or hidden infections—your immune system suffers, your energy tanks, and your skin, mood, and hormones follow suit.
This blog dives into why winter wellness starts in the gut—and how functional health tests can help you personalise your approach and stay healthy all season long.
Why Your Gut Deserves Extra TLC in Winter
In functional health, we always start with the gut. Here’s why:
- Your gut is your immune system’s HQ. It houses trillions of microbes that help train your immune system and defend against pathogens.
- Winter tends to disrupt gut balance. Less sunlight, more inflammatory foods, and seasonal stressors can shift your microbiome in the wrong direction.
- Gut inflammation = systemic inflammation. When your gut lining is inflamed or “leaky,” it sends stress signals throughout your body, worsening everything from joint pain to fatigue.
- Mood and motivation take a hit. Your gut also produces neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine—so if your digestion’s off, your mental clarity and mood often are, too.
Winter Slump? It Might Be Your Gut Telling You Something
Not sure if your gut’s to blame for your winter slump? Here are some signs to look for:
• Frequent colds, sinus issues or slow recovery
• Bloating, constipation, or irregular stools
• Brain fog and low motivation
• Dry, dull or breakout-prone skin
• Sugar cravings or fluctuating appetite
• Low mood or increased anxiety
• Fatigue even after resting
If any of these are hitting close to home, it’s time to take a closer look—starting with what’s going on in your gut.
What’s Really Going On? These Functional Tests Reveal the Truth
No more guesswork. These are the key functional health tests I offer to uncover what’s really going on with your gut and overall health:
1. Microbiomix Gut Test
A comprehensive stool test that analyses the balance of good vs. bad bacteria, yeast, parasites, and markers of inflammation. It gives deep insight into digestive function, immune markers, and what may be contributing to bloating, fatigue, and recurring infections.
2. Organic Acids Test (OAT)
This urine test looks at over 70 markers including yeast and bacteria overgrowth, mitochondrial function, detox pathways, neurotransmitter balance, and nutrient deficiencies. Especially useful for chronic fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, and skin issues.
3. DUTCH Hormone Test
Winter stress, poor sleep, and low sunlight exposure can wreak havoc on your cortisol and hormone levels. The DUTCH test shows how your body is making and metabolising oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol—offering clarity around PMS, burnout, and hormonal acne.
4. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)
This non-invasive test measures mineral levels and heavy metal exposure through a small hair sample. It’s one of my favourite foundational tests for both adults and children, offering insight into stress response, metabolism, and overall vitality.
5. Food Sensitivity Testing
Some foods may be causing inflammation without you even realising it. This test identifies delayed food reactions that may be contributing to digestive issues, skin flare-ups, or fatigue—especially relevant during winter when diets tend to shift.
Stop Guessing. Start Healing.
Functional health isn’t about masking symptoms—it’s about finding and fixing the root cause. Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, skin flare-ups, digestive discomfort, or recurring illness, functional testing gives us the roadmap to build a targeted, personalised plan that works.
No more throwing random supplements at the problem. No more restrictive diets that don’t move the needle. Just clear answers and expert guidance.
Ready to Reset? Join One of My Practitioner-Led Programs
If you’re ready to go deeper and truly support your body this winter, I offer two guided programs that bring it all together:
💻 3-Month Reset Program
Perfect for a gentle but strategic reset. Includes:
• 1 x 60-minute Initial Consult
• 2 x 30-minute Follow-Ups
• Full interpretation of one functional health test
• Review of recent blood work
• Personalised wellness protocol (diet, supplements, lifestyle)
• Portal support + symptom trackers
💻 6-Month Rebuild Program
Ideal for complex issues like burnout, gut dysbiosis, or hormonal imbalances. Includes:
• 1 x 60-minute Initial Consult
• 4 x 30-minute Follow-Ups
• Interpretation of up to two functional health tests
• Personalised meal plan + advanced tracking tools
• Fortnightly check-ins + priority support
• 5% discount on practitioner-only supplements
You don’t have to just ‘make it through’ winter.
With the right testing, guidance, and support, you can feel energised, resilient, and truly well—inside and out.
If you’re ready to get to the root cause and finally support your health the way it deserves, I’d love to guide you.