Stay well and feel your best this spring with Issue 78 of Go Magazine. Discover expert insights on managing stress, healthy ageing, gut and digestive health, energy, women’s health, children’s wellbeing, nutrition and natural beauty, plus practical tips and wellness inspiration to support you and your family through the warmer months and busy festive season.
THE GOOD HEALTH NEWS MAGAZINE ®
FIND YOUR
HAPPY DIGESTION THROUGH THE SILLY SEASON
CREATINE FOR WOMEN: WHAT TO KNOW
THE SECRET TO HEALTHIER HAIR & SKIN
GOVITA.COM.AU
Support your HEALTH & ENERGY LEVELS
with NutriVital
NutriVital Activated B
NutriVital Premium Stress and Anxiety
NutriVital Magnesium Glycinate Supports healthy neuromuscular system.
Supports healthy stress response in the body.
Supports mental and physical endurance.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist talk to your health professional.
welcome
HELP YOUR BODY ADAPT TO STRESS
Welcome to the October edition of Go Magazine, filled with fresh ideas, expert advice and practical inspiration to help you feel your best as we head into the warmer months and the busy end-of-year season. Spring is a natural time to reset our routines, whether that means improving energy, managing stress, supporting digestion or simply making more time for ourselves. This issue brings those themes together with practical ways to support your health from the inside out. We take a closer look at stress and resilience, including the role of nutrition, sleep, movement and restorative habits, while our feature on saffron explores its long history and growing reputation for supporting emotional wellbeing. Healthy ageing is another key focus, with nutrients and lifestyle habits that can help us stay active, energised and well. Gut health also takes centre stage, from supporting the microbiome to navigating the festive season without feeling weighed down by all that celebrating. Our Festive Feasting feature offers timely reminders about digestion, hydration and giving your body a little breathing room between occasions. For women, we explore targeted probiotics, creatine for strength and healthy ageing, collagen, and caring for hair from the inside out. We also meet some of the passionate people behind emerging wellness brands bringing fresh ideas in natural skincare, low-tox haircare, plant-based foods and caffeine-free alternatives. For families, we look at nutritional support for calm, healthy minds and everyday immune health in children, while our Go Guide is packed with seasonal finds and festive inspiration. I’d also love to invite you to our upcoming consumer webinar, Sleep Better. Wake Up Energised. on 2 November at 7.30pm Sydney time. Hear practical tips to help you wind down, sleep well and wake feeling restored. See the Go Guide for details. As always, our aim is to make natural health
practical, approachable and relevant to everyday life. Your local Go Vita team is always there to offer personalised guidance and help you find the right support for you and your family.
Yours in good health, Ann Cattelan BSc Editor
Contains Ashwagandha, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to help your body adapt to stress. Supports healthy stress response in the body.
Issue 78 ISSN 1832-5556 Editor: Ann Cattelan BSc • hworks@bigpond.net.au Content Editor: Pamela Allardice • pamelaallardice@bigpond.com Art Direction: Tanya Lee Design • tanya@tldesign.com.au Advertising Inquiries: marketing@govita.com.au
The views expressed in Go are those of the original authors and not those of the Editor or the Publisher. Every care is taken to compile and check the content of the publication for accuracy, but the Publisher, authors, their servants and agents are not responsible or liable for the continued currency of the information or for any published errors, omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom. The inclusion or exclusion of any treatment or product in editorial or advertising does not imply that the Publisher advocates or rejects its use. Information presented is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace advice or treatment from qualified healthcare professionals. The images used in this publication may not be accurate representations of products or items described in articles – images are for illustration purposes only. ©2026 Go Vita. Published by Healthworks Consulting Pty Ltd ABN 13075151629, on behalf of Go Vita. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any process in any language without the written consent of the Publisher.
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Always read the label and follow directions for use. Vitamins can only be of assistance if the dietary intake is inadequate
HEALTH REPORT
Stress Less
Naturopath Margaret Leedham explains how your stress response operates, and how you can build resilience in a busy world.
Maintaining adequate magnesium intake is important for healthy nerve
Yes, stress is part of modern life: problems with work, family and finances will all activate your stress response. Short-term stress can improve alertness and focus, but ongoing stress, without adequate recovery, can affect our wellbeing. The stress response The main system your body uses to handle stress is the HPA axis, which stands for the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. When you perceive stress, this axis signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol, which regulates energy, metabolism and immune function. However, ongoing activation without adequate recovery places greater demands on the system. The autonomic nervous system also responds, by preparing you for action before eventually helping the body become calm again. Slow diaphragmatic breathing, meditation and gentle exercise all support recovery from the stress response. The gut connection Your brain and digestive system are connected through neural, hormonal and immune pathways. This communication is two- way: stress affects digestion and bowel function, while gut health also impacts mood. You can support the gut-brain connection with regular nutritious meals, plenty of fibre and plant foods, hydration and exercise. Sleep quality Stress not only disrupts sleep; poor sleep quality then makes it harder to cope with stress the next day. A consistent sleep routine, exposure to morning daylight, exercise and a cool, dark bedroom will support healthy sleep, as will limiting caffeine,
signalling and neuromuscular function, particularly when stress is accompanied by muscle tension, physical fatigue or difficulty relaxing. Magnesium glycinate is an effective supplemental form of magnesium and can be included in your daily nutritional routine, particularly in the evening. • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): This is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to help the body adapt to stress and support a healthy stress response. Clinical studies show that ashwagandha supports stress, anxiety and healthy cortisol levels. • B-group vitamins: These support energy metabolism and normal nervous system function, with several involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and psychological function. A balanced diet is the foundation, and supplementation provides additional support when needed.
Margaret Leedham is a naturopath, educator, product developer and writer with more than 27 years in clinical practice and the natural health industry. She is Brand Manager at NutriVital.
Strengthen stress resilience
• Move: Regular exercise supports mood, sleep and stress management. • Get morning sunlight: This regulates your body clock and sleep-wake cycle. • Breathe: Slow, diaphragmatic breathing encourages relaxation. • Recover: Make time each day to unwind, whether through walking, reading, meditation or social connection. • Nourish: Regular, balanced meals provide nutrients you need for energy and nervous system function.
alcohol and screens before bedtime. Supplements for support
Stress resilience is not about never feeling stressed – it’s about improving your ability to respond to challenges and recover afterwards. If stress or anxiety become persistent, overwhelming, or start interfering with everyday life, seek professional advice.
• Magnesium is an essential mineral for normal nervous system and muscle function. It is involved in nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction and relaxation, and energy production. During periods of stress, magnesium requirements increase, while prolonged stress also affects magnesium status.
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HEALTH REPORT
Daily mood support
Soothing Saffron
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Feeling flat, unmotivated or just off your game? Gentle Saffron can help support emotional balance.
SUITABLE FOR TEENAGERS
There is nothing surer in life than the fact it will throw curve balls at you, causing you to deal with unexpected challenges. If you need a little extra support, that is where Saffron (Crocus sativa) , comes in. Nicknamed “the sunshine spice”, for both its golden colour and its beneficial effect on mood, Saffron is prized for its highly sought-after stigmas, which have long been used to add flavour, aroma and colour to food. Saffron also possesses important medicinal qualities, and it has been revered for centuries in many systems of traditional medicine, including those of ancient Persia and China. These medicinal benefits are now recognised in contemporary healthcare. Affron® is a clinically-trialled extract of Saffron, which helps to support emotional balance and mental wellbeing, as well as relieve mild anxiety. It is a key ingredient in Herbs of Gold Saffron Mood Balance.
A considerable body of research now supports the effects of Affron® on mental and emotional wellbeing. For example: • In a four-week, double-blind, placebo- controlled trial of 128 adults, taking 28mg of Affron® daily was shown to support mood and significantly reduce symptoms of mild anxiety¹. • Furthermore, in another double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, Affron® was found to support mood in teenagers aged 12-16 years². • Clinical trials also demonstrate a role for Saffron in improving sleep quality³. References: 1. Kell G et al . affron® and mood in healthy adults. Complementary Therapies in Medicine . 2017;33:58–64. DOI: 10.1016/j. ctim.2017.06.001. Funded by Pharmactive Biotech Products SL. 2. Lopresti AL et al. affron® in youth with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Journal of Affective Disorders . 2018;232:349–357. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.02.070. Funded by Pharmactive Biotech Products SL. 3. Agha-Hosseini M et al. Saffron in premenstrual syndrome. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology . 2008;115(4):515–519. DOI: 10.1111/j.1471- 0528.2007.01652.x
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Go Vita loves … Herbs of Gold Saffron Mood Balance . Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
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The key ingredient.. Crocin, crocetin and safranal are the main active constituents present in Affron ® . All three contribute to Affron ® ’s mood-supportive effects, primarily through their ability to modulate neurotransmitter systems and to increase concentration in the brain of important neurotransmitters which positively influence mood and stress, notably norepinephrine, dopamine, gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
HEALTH REPORT
Successful Ageing
Do you ever wonder why some people seem to age better than others? Here are the secrets to their success.
is definitively linked to reduced cellular energy production and slower recovery from illness. This process accelerates between the ages of 40 and 60 years. The good news is that a placebo- controlled study in older adults has found that supplementing with nicotinamide riboside, which is a precursor to NAD+, was able to both increase NAD+ levels in skeletal muscle and reduce markers of inflammation. Supplemental formulas which pair a highly bioavailable form of nicotinamide riboside with dimethylglycine can support the methylation processes that NAD+ production depends on, and therefore offer a practical and efficient way to enhance the body’s energy- producing systems as we age. Berberine To support metabolic health. Long used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, berberine is an active ingredient found in the
We are living longer than any generation that has preceded us – but a longer life is of limited value if it is not a healthy one. Your lifestyle, more than any other factor, dictates how well you age. This is the thinking behind the concept of a “healthspan”, as opposed to a lifespan: that the choice of living longer and healthier is yours. Your game plan for good health The foundation must come first, and any discussion of healthy ageing must start with committing to the basics. These include eating well, watching your weight, staying fit, availing yourself of medical tests that can alert you to issues, avoiding alcohol, recreational drugs and nicotine, giving stress the boot, maintaining your memory and getting enough sleep. Researchers now understand a great deal more about what happens inside your cells with age. For example, a growing body of ground-breaking clinical studies point to the deeper cellular processes that quietly shape ageing, such as energy production, inflammation and how our cells respond to everyday stress. That knowledge is now opening up a whole new era for
the role of remarkable, evidence-based supplements which support the body and mind from within, and in turn help to prevent common medical problems and extend longevity. NAD+ To recharge cellular energy NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. This is a naturally-produced molecule which is required for the optimum function of all 37.2 million cells in the body, including the conversion of food into energy which can be used to smoothly and efficiently power the body’s metabolism. NAD+ levels decline steadily with age, a shift which
herb goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) . As with many ancient cures, berberine is now attracting considerable scientific interest due to its role in metabolic health. It is understood to activate AMP-activated
A trial in overweight adults has
found that supplementation with a phytosome-formulated berberine resulted in significant improvements in levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and reduction of fat mass in just 60 days.
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HEALTH REPORT
protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme found in the human body that monitors cellular energy and regulates blood sugar, fat metabolism and inflammation. A randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial in overweight adults has found that supplementation with a phytosome-formulated berberine resulted in significant improvements in levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and reduction of fat mass in just 60 days. This impressive outcome is due to the delivery formula: standard berberine is poorly absorbed by the body, with less than one per cent typically reaching the bloodstream. However, the liposomal-style phytosome technology addresses this by combining berberine with phospholipids, a move which substantially increases the amount absorbed and sustains its activity in the bloodstream for longer. Quercetin and resveratrol For antioxidant defence. Quercetin (found in apples, onions and berries) and resveratrol (from grapes) are two of the most extensively studied
Quercetin (found in apples, onions
and berries) and resveratrol (from grapes) are extensively studied plant oxidants. Both are valued for their capacity to help the body manage stress and support a balanced inflammatory response.
plant oxidants. Both are valued for their capacity to help the body manage stress and support a balanced inflammatory response, two factors which are closely linked to cellular ageing. A randomised, double-blind study has found that an enhanced-absorption form of resveratrol achieves up to three times the peak blood concentration of standard resveratrol at the same dose. Formulations which combine quercetin and resveratrol using advanced delivery technologies significantly improve absorption of both compounds, and therefore provide more consistent antioxidant support for cardiovascular and cognitive health.
Looking after your body Ageing smarter is not about chasing eternal youth. It is about giving your body the support it needs to function well for as long as possible – staying active, thinking clearly and recovering well from everyday demands. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, targeted nutritionals that support NAD+ production, healthy metabolism and antioxidant defence provide an evidence-informed way to support your resilience at a cellular level. The choices you make today shape your years ahead. Here’s to living not just longer – but better.
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HEALTH REPORT
More Energy, Every Day
You eat well, you exercise and you get plenty of sleep – so why are you so tired all the time? The latest research has uncovered a surprising explanation.
Short term low energy and fatigue is one of the most common complaints of Australians who visit a health professional, and it is rarely driven by a single factor. It can be a side effect of prescription drugs, or due to medical conditions like depression and sleep apnoea. Interestingly, research now suggests that lowered energy levels are not just about factors that are input to the body (such as poor diet, high stress, environmental toxins), but about how efficiently – or not – the body actually produces and manages energy at a cellular level. The NAD+ difference
targeted way: rather than providing a temporary energy boost, it improves energy output over time by increasing the body’s own mitochondrial efficiency. Clinical research consistently shows that NR increases NAD + levels in humans, thus addressing age-related energy decline, stress-related fatigue, and reduced metabolic resilience. • Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) : This is one of the best herbal medicines for supporting energy and vitality. Its active compounds, ginsenosides, influence key pathways involved in mitochondrial function and stress adaptation. Ginseng enhances ATP production and supports NAD + -dependent enzymes such as SIRT1, which improves energy utilisation and increases resilience to physical and mental stress. Korean ginseng is particularly suited to people experiencing fatigue associated with stress, burnout or reduced stamina. Its effects are gradual and restorative, helping rebuild sustained energy reserves. • Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) : Traditionally used to support vitality and longevity, reishi is an adaptogen that helps regulate energy over time. By helping to reduce oxidative stress and support mitochondrial integrity, reishi promotes more stable, sustained energy. It is well suited to people experiencing ongoing chronic stress- related fatigue, as it supports a more balanced, long-term improvement in energy rather than fast- acting stimulation. The combination of a NAD+ precursor, such as NR, and adaptogenic herbs like Korean ginseng and reishi improves cellular energy production as well as adaptation to stress. It therefore results in a more sustainable improvement in energy, by addressing not just energy output but the broader drivers of fatigue.
Korean ginseng is one of the best herbal medicines for supporting energy and vitality
Central to this process of generating sufficient energy is a coenzyme called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + ). This is essential for mitochondrial production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which drives energy processes throughout all the body’s cells, as well as controlling metabolic balance and cellular repair. Unfortunately, NAD + levels decline naturally with age and exposure to physiological stress. However, the good news is that supplementing with key herbal medicines, in conjunction with a special nutrient which is a NAD + precursor, will help restore energy. Let’s take a closer look at these three and how they can make a significant difference to your energy levels.
• Nicotinamide riboside (NR): This is a well-researched precursor to NAD+ and a bioavailable form of vitamin B3. Once absorbed, NR is taken up into cells and converted into NAD+. This helps maintain cellular energy production in a
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IN PROFILE
Daily gut support made simple.
Improve Gut Health
One scoop a day for everyday digestive comfort
5-STAR REVIEWS
Your gut is one of the hardest-working systems in your body. Learn how a holistic health approach can support digestive processes .
3 Restore the gut lining: Where gut tissues have become irritated, traditional herbs like aloe vera and marshmallow root provide soothing digestive relief, while the amino acid glutamine helps fuel the restoration of the rapidly renewing cells that line your intestinal tract.
Every moment, your gut is digesting food, managing trillions of microorganisms, maintaining its protective lining, communicating with your immune and nervous systems, and deciding what stays in your body and what gets sent out. With so many jobs happening simultaneously, it is no wonder that when the gut environment becomes disrupted, multiple aspects of gut function are affected. Meaningful gut support therefore needs to work across the whole ecosystem. 1 Nourish your microbiome: Soluble prebiotic fibres are the most valuable player when it comes to rehabilitating the gut environment. They provide fuel for beneficial bacteria and, as microbes ferment them, produce compounds that maintain a healthy gut environment. Broad-spectrum probiotics work alongside prebiotics to restore balance between the beneficial microbes we want and the unwanted ones we want to evict. 2 Shape the microbial environment: Feeding and replenishing good bacteria is only part of the equation; you also need to support the environment they live in. Certain plant compounds can interact with gut bacteria to encourage beneficial short- chain fatty acids or provide antimicrobial activity. Pomegranate and cinnamon are two examples of herbal medicines which nourish the gut environment, making it more supportive of beneficial bacteria and less hospitable to unwanted microbes.
BOTANICALS & ENZYMES Aloe, Marshmallow Root, Pomegranate, Cinnamon, Digestive Enzyme Blend ... and more than just probiotics.
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7 BILLION CFU Saccharomyces boulardii, Bacillus coagulans
This is the step many people miss: while you are focusing on supporting and balancing the gut ecosystem, digestion still has a job to do. Digestive enzymes break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats, supporting your ability to digest and utilise nutrients from your food, and therefore delivering more nutrients where they are needed for ongoing energy, repair and maintenance.
AUSTRALIAN OWNED
FODMAP CERTIFIED
VEGAN FRIENDLY
ISSUE 78 • 2026 READ THE LABEL. USE ONLY AS DIRECTED
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IN PROFILE
Why HIVITA is Doing Supplements Differently
Go Magazine sits down with HIVITA’s Michael Saba to talk about the 50-year-old Australian brand, the decision to keep supplements simple, the importance of practitioner advice and why science, sustainability and social purpose are shaping its next chapter.
G O MAG: You’ve spent many years in the wellness industry. What made you want to become involved with HIVITA? Michael Saba : I wasn’t actually looking to build another wellness company. But when I came across HIVITA, I felt there was something very special there that deserved to be protected and developed. HIVITA is an Australian company that was founded by a doctor around 50 years ago, on a very simple principle: people should be able to understand and trust the supplements they are taking. After spending years building a global wellness brand, I had become increasingly interested in what I felt was missing from the supplement market. I saw an opportunity to go in a different direction: fewer unnecessary complexities, greater transparency and a much stronger connection between quality supplements and professional health advice. One of my first conversations was with clinical nutritionist Sally O’Neil, whose clinical knowledge I had admired for years. I explained what I thought HIVITA could become, and she immediately understood the vision. Today Sal is a co- owner of HIVITA, alongside our scientist Norberto, and we have built a team of people who genuinely care about what the brand represents.
G O : What does doing supplements “differently” mean to you? Michael: For us, a big part of it comes back to simplicity. More than 90 percent of the HIVITA herbal range is based around single-herb formulations, with the remainder of the range largely consisting of individual vitamins and minerals. We want people to be able to look at a product and understand what they are taking. If you need magnesium, you can choose magnesium. The focus is on a particular ingredient rather than automatically combining it with a long list of others. That approach also gives practitioners greater flexibility. They can recommend particular ingredients according to the needs of the individual rather than having to work around a complicated blend. There are exceptions. Our HIVITA Women’s and Men’s Multivitamins contain a broad range of
G O : Why is the relationship with health practitioners so important to the brand? Michael: Because supplements should never just be about buying the latest product you have seen online or choosing something because it happens to be on promotion. People are individuals. Their diets, lifestyles and health needs are different, and that is where knowledgeable advice becomes incredibly valuable. It is one of the reasons HIVITA has deliberately chosen to support independent health food and organic retailers such as Go Vita. These are stores where customers can have a real conversation with people who understand natural health and can help them navigate what can otherwise be a very confusing category.
Every HIVITA product is made in
vitamins, minerals and herbs because a good multivitamin can provide a useful nutritional foundation. We see those foundational products and our targeted single- ingredient formulations as playing different roles.
Australia and packaged in glass, and we are working to minimise our use of plastic across the wider group.
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IN PROFILE
G O : HIVITA also has a strong focus on Australian manufacturing and glass packaging. Why? Michael: Every HIVITA product is made in Australia and packaged in glass, and we are working to minimise our use of plastic across the wider group. That decision wasn’t made because we thought glass would make a good marketing story. It reflects the broader standards we want to apply to the company. We spend a great deal of time thinking about what goes into our products, so we believe it makes sense to think carefully about what they are packaged in as well. G O : You talk a lot about scientific validation. What does that mean in practice? Michael: Science has to be a fundamental part of what we do. Our formulations are informed by independent scientific research, but we also want to contribute to the evidence rather than simply referring to research that has already been conducted elsewhere. That is why we are now undertaking clinical research involving our own products in partnership with Professor Kamal Dua and his team at NICM Health Research Institute in Sydney. If we are going to talk about quality and
evidence, we need to be willing to invest in the work behind those words. G O : HIVITA is part of Happy Saba Group. How does the wider group influence the brand? Michael: Everything within Happy Saba Group comes back to what we call our three Ps: People, Planet and Philanthropy. We ask ourselves whether our decisions are good for people, whether we are being respectful of the planet and whether the success of the business "We want people to be able to look at a product and understand what they are taking. If you need magnesium, you can choose magnesium. The focus is on a particular ingredient rather than automatically combining it with a long list of others." allows us to contribute something meaningful back to the community. That philosophy influences everything from packaging and Australian manufacturing to the organisations and causes we support. Our group supports Australia Zoo’s conservation work and partners with food-rescue organisations including
SecondBite and FareShare. We also support scholarships for young people and refugees who may otherwise not have access to those opportunities. Away from the public spotlight, we also provide support to families who have someone facing serious illness. That is particularly important to us because wellness is about much more than the products people take. Sometimes it is about helping someone through an incredibly difficult period of their life. G O : After taking on a company with a 50-year history, do you feel a responsibility to its legacy? Michael: Absolutely. You don’t acquire a company with that sort of history and assume that everything starts with you. Our job is to take the principles that made the company valuable in the first place – trust, quality and simplicity – and make sure they remain relevant for today’s consumer. We want to build HIVITA carefully. We don’t need to have the biggest range or be the loudest brand in the market. We want to make products we believe in, support the independent health retailers and practitioners who educate consumers, invest in science and build a company whose purpose extends beyond financial results. If that means growing a little more slowly, we are comfortable with that.
"We ask ourselves whether our decisions are good for people, whether we are being respectful of the planet and whether the success of the business allows us to contribute something meaningful back to the community."
Left: Michael and Sally at NICM Research Institute.
Right: Steve Irwin Gala in Las Vegas.
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As the days get warmer, it is time to refresh your diet with the green goodness of wheatgrass and barley grass. Green Means GO!
Spring has arrived and Summer is on its way, along with longer days and more opportunities to enjoy the sunshine and nature. It is also a time for focusing on hydration and making lighter, more seasonally-
way to ensure concentrated nutrition in your everyday routine. The powder is also more convenient than juicing fresh grasses and requires no preparation; it just fits effortlessly into busy mornings and active weekends. Barley grass and wheatgrass are naturally rich in plant-based nutrients, including chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Unlike complicated cleanses or restrictive diets, adding these vibrant green, nutrient-rich wholefood ingredients to your diet is a practical way to support a balanced and healthy lifestyle. This season, let us resolve to make more nourishing choices for our bodies – eating more wholefoods, moving more, and finding joy in activities that feed the mind and spirit.
appropriate food choices, such as the ‘green superfoods’: barley grass and wheatgrass. It is easy being green Green Nutritionals is an Australian company that is renowned for their high quality supplements, including Barley Grass and Wheatgrass Powder, which is made from 100 percent organic young-leaf barley grass and wheatgrass. Adding a scoopful to your daily smoothie, juice or water is a simple
Go Vita loves … Green Nutritionals Organic Barley Grass & Wheat Grass Powder. A plant-powered pillar for your diet, to boost nutrition, energy and balance.
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IN PROFILE
Helping Support Calm, Healthy Minds
When it comes to kids’ cognitive and emotional wellbeing, the right nutrients have a very important role to play.
There is ample evidence that eating a varied and nutritious diet is essential for optimum growth and development in children. However, what is possibly less well known is that a child’s need for certain nutrients increases during periods of stress. The key nutrients which are likely to be affected include magnesium and zinc. Magnesium is found in leafy greens, nuts, seeds and wholegrains, and it is necessary for normal nervous system function. Zinc is found in meat, legumes and seeds, and it supports normal cognitive function and communication between brain cells. Dealing with demand A busy day at school, a tricky friendship moment, a change in routine or tiredness after a bug — modern childhood can ask a lot of a nervous system that is still developing and learning to regulate itself. Nutrients such as magnesium and zinc play important roles in supporting
normal nervous system function. For children who are fussy eaters or recovering from illness, meeting their nutritional needs through food alone can be more challenging. Supporting these nutritional foundations can help meet the changing needs of growing children through busy weeks and everyday challenges. That’s why it’s worth keeping an eye on nutritional basics alongside the everyday wellbeing habits of good sleep, open communication and healthy routines, giving a developing nervous system the support it needs, whatever the week brings. Go Vita loves … i’m nutrients Calm Mind chewable tablets , helps support nervous system health in children. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
Soothing saffron.. Affron ® is a standardised saffron extract containing bioactive crocin isomers and safranal. Saffron helps support emotional wellbeing and calm the mind. Affron® has also been studied in adolescents aged 12–16 years, providing ingredient-specific research relevant to its use in older children and teenagers. Affron® is a registered trademark of Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L.U.
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HEALTH REPORT
Happy, Healthy
The list of health problems that can affect small children is long and not pleasant, ranging from teething pain, to coughs, colds and fevers. In most cases, a healthy diet and exercise provide enough resilience to combat common ailments. Both conventional medicine and natural self-help measures play important roles in supporting children when they are ill, so that their self-healing systems can be strengthened with rest. However, little children are constantly on the move, exploring, learning, playing and developing opinions about what they do and do not like to eat (sometimes daily). So, as any parent will attest, it can be challenging to ensure their child is getting all the vitamins, minerals, protein and energy that their bodies need every day, especially if they are tired, have picked up a virus, or are a fussy eater. Prevention and treatment The Go Vita team of natural health experts has compiled a guide to nutrients and natural remedies that play key roles in children’s growth and development, which you can use to stock your medicine cabinet. A child’s immune system is constantly being exposed to new, potentially harmful organisms. Nutritional tonics provide a gentle back-up to primary treatments.
Kids Vitamin C: This is an
healthy vision and skin structure, maintains cognitive function, and aids the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Probiotics: Healthy gut supplements which are tailored to a small child’s needs. Multivitamins:
Go Vita loves … Brauer Liquid Vitamin C and Brauer Liquid Zinc. The Liquid Vitamin C has been specially formulated to provide immune system support for children. It is 99 percent sugar-free and, with a great fruity taste, it is easy to administer and suitable
antioxidant, which means it reduces free radical damage caused to body cells by exposure to environmental stressors, including toxins, germs and UV radiation. Vitamin C may reduce the symptoms and duration of infections, such as the common cold. Vitamin C can also help to resolve a fever associated with a minor infection, support healthy immune system function, ensure dietary iron absorption, and maintain general health and wellbeing. It is essential in a child’s development, because it supports skin health, assists teeth development, and supports healthy bone growth. Zinc: Zinc supports bone health, maintains healthy immune system function and resilience, supports
Zinc supports bone
health, maintains healthy immune system function and resilience.
for use from one year old. The Liquid Zinc contains a bioavailable form of zinc to support healthy growth and
development in children and is especially important for strong bones and immune function. It is 100 percent sugar-free with added vitamins C and D3 and is also suitable for use from one year old. All Brauer products for children are dairy, egg-, gluten-, soy- and tree nut-free, with no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners.
Studies suggest that an age-appropriate dosage of a liquid multivitamin and mineral formula may stimulate the child’s immune system and help to prevent infections and reduce the need for antibiotics.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
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9 essential nutrients
Hair health with biotin & zinc^
From natural wholefoods
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ISSUE 78 • 2026 ^ Contains biotin and zinc for maintenance of normal hair, when consumed as part of a healthy, varied diet.
IN PROFILE
Caffeine, Reconsidered
Go Vita chats with Sila Gatti, the founder of Not Coffee , about why – and how – she moved away from caffeine. Q What was the inspiration behind Not Coffee? After I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, I had to give up coffee because caffeine worsened the symptoms, such as anxiety, tremors and a rapid heartbeat. However, I really missed the comforting ritual of having a morning coffee, and so I decided to create a beverage that offered the same satisfying experience. Q What is Not Coffee, exactly? It is a natural coffee alternative, made from roasted chicory root and roasted carob. It has a rich, smooth, coffee-like flavour, but contains no caffeine. Not Coffee is designed for people who want to enjoy a warm, delicious drink, but without the jittery overstimulation and crashes that caffeine can cause. Q Are more Australians looking for caffeine-free products? I think that people are becoming more conscious of looking after their health "Not Coffee is designed for people who want to enjoy a warm, delicious drink, but without the jittery overstimulation and crashes that caffeine can cause".
"My favourite way is to froth the Not Coffee mixture with milk in a milk frother, which makes a creamy, café-style latte."
in proactive ways. Whether their motive is improving sleep quality, reducing anxiety or supporting hormone function, cutting back on caffeine is beneficial. Not Coffee gives them that option. Q How do you make Not Coffee? Easily! It is just like making instant coffee. Simply add one teaspoon to hot water and top with your milk of choice. My favourite way is to froth the Not Coffee mixture with milk in a milk frother, which makes a creamy, café-style latte. If you do not have a frother, you can just heat the milk in a saucepan or microwave and stir it in. Q What do you hope a person will experience when they try Not Coffee? That it is a choice they can make to feel good, slow down and enjoy a favourite daily ritual, a moment to genuinely look forward to. If someone finishes their cup of Not Coffee feeling calm and realises they don’t miss coffee anymore - then I will have achieved what I set out to do.
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IN PROFILE
Healthy Hair From The Inside Out
Like skin, hair can lose moisture, lustre and bounce with age. Haircare, hydration and targeted nutrition can help hair look and feel its best.
Beautiful hair starts with putting moisture back, both topically and from within. When washing your hair, choose mild products containing ingredients such as fatty acids and protein to help protect the outer layer. Always rinse well to avoid residue, which can leave hair looking limp and may build up on the scalp. Finish with a cool rinse to help smooth the hair cuticle. Try to avoid styling products that contain high levels of alcohol, which can be drying, and minimise frequent use of blow-dryers, straighteners and curling irons. When using heated styling tools, keep temperatures moderate and consider using a heat-protective product. Feed your follicles Your haircare routine should not stop at the shower. Hair relies on a range of nutrients to maintain its normal growth and condition. Aim for a varied diet rich in zinc, magnesium, potassium, iron and quality protein, along with colourful vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, nuts and seeds. Protein is particularly important because hair is primarily made from keratin. Including protein from foods such as eggs, fish, lean meat, legumes, nuts and seeds can form an important part of a hair-friendly diet. Staying well hydrated matters too, particularly in warmer weather or when exercising regularly. Don’t forget your scalp Healthy-looking hair also begins at the scalp. Treat it with the same care you give the skin on your face. Avoid excessively hot showers and vigorous scratching or brushing, and gently massage your scalp while shampooing. This can help lift product build-up while making an everyday wash a relaxing self-care ritual. Lifestyle factors matter as well. Stress, restrictive dieting and poor sleep can affect overall wellbeing, so supporting hair health is another good reason to prioritise nutritious food, regular movement, adequate rest and time to unwind. While there is no single magic ingredient or quick fix for dry or thinning hair, changing your haircare habits and adding specific hair-supporting nutrients to your diet can make a
difference over time. “Good hair days” are not about instant perfection; they are built one healthy habit at a time. Hair Ritual is a delicious daily drink from Nutra Naturals that makes it easy to incorporate targeted hair nutrients into your day. Hair Ritual contains nine essential nutrients to support your hair, including biotin, zinc, iron, iodine, selenium, vitamin B6 and selected B-group vitamins. It also contains AnaGain™ Nu, a plant extract derived from organic pea sprouts. Taken together, these nutrients support normal hair growth in one convenient daily dose; simply add one teaspoon to 150 ml of cold water, stir and sip. We suggest pairing Hair Ritual with Nutra Naturals Collagen Beauty, which contains collagen peptides, vitamin C and biotin to support and maintain healthy skin, hair and nails. Together, the two products offer a complementary inside-out approach: Hair Ritual for targeted hair nutrition and Collagen Beauty for broader beauty support.
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HEALTH REPORT
Natural Choices for Women's Health
Probiotic supplements are increasingly being shown to play a role in managing physical and emotional fluctuations.
When it comes to women’s health issues, hormonal changes get the most attention. However, the microorganisms living within the body play an important role in helping to support overall health by interacting with different body systems. In particular, for women’s health, research shows that strain-specific targeted probiotics can help to support iron absorption, vaginal health, and maternal health through preconception and pregnancy. Let us look at these issues more closely. Improving iron absorption Iron is an important mineral which provides numerous benefits to the body. It is an essential part of haemoglobin, the oxygen- carrying component of
kelp, blackstrap molasses and wheat bran. While the body usually gets most of the iron it requires from food, women under the age of 50 years may become deficient, especially if they regularly experience heavy menstrual periods or menstrual flooding, which can occur with perimenopause and menopause. Women on restrictive diets, vegans and endurance athletes may also face iron shortfalls. Go Vita loves … Biome Iron+™ Probiotic: The probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v has been researched for its ability to increase gastrointestinal iron absorption,¹ , ² and its dual role in helping to relieve abdominal discomfort and support bowel regularity.³ Biome Iron+™ pairs L. plantarum 299v with a small amount of iron and vitamin C to support iron absorption from the digestive tract, and support bowel regularity. Pregnancy and vaginal health Probiotics are often nicknamed “good bacteria”; they are the bacterial flora and yeasts which live in your body and keep
red blood cells. Iron-rich foods include liver, beef and lamb. Other good sources are beans and peas, leafy greens, dried fruits, seeds, yeast,
For women’s health, research shows
that strain-specific targeted probiotics can help to support iron absorption, vaginal health, and maternal health through preconception and pregnancy.
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your digestive and immune systems in balance and working effectively. Acting as a first line of defence to prevent an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria in your gut, probiotics play a critical role in ensuring a robust immune system. Probiotics can boost your absorption and utilisation of food, and improve the transit time of a bowel movement through your body. This is important for hormone health, because the longer that waste material stays in your body, the more likely it is to potentially cause problems. The microbiomes of the gut and the vagina both play a role in maternal wellbeing through pregnancy and early motherhood.⁴ Bacterial species from the genus Lactobacillus (collectively termed ‘lactobacilli’ ) play an important role in supporting the microbial communities living within the vagina.⁶ Loss of these important lactobacilli can compromise vaginal health.⁷ In particular, the strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 has been
studied in mothers for its role in supporting maternal postpartum mood balance.⁵
Go Vita loves … Biome Perinatal ™ Probiotic and Biome Her ™ Probiotic: The Biome Perinatal ™ formula combines five scientifically studied strains, including L. rhamnosus HN001, and is designed to support a healthy pregnancy, help promote maternal health, and support healthy postpartum mood balance. Biome Her ™ contains Lactobacillus acidophilus LA02 and Lactobacillus fermentum LF10, a clinically- trialled combination shown to help maintain vaginal microbiome balance.⁸ As well as Lactobacillus crispatus LCR01, a specific strain from the keystone species L. crispatus , which is consistently associated with vaginal health and microbiome stability.⁹
Important Do you have questions about Activated Probiotics ® practitioner-only products and their application? Please ask your friendly natural health practitioner at your local GoVita store for information and advice. Always read the label. Follow directions for use. www.activatedprobiotics.com.au References available on request. AUST L 464031 AUST L 455166 AUST L 529945
Targeted probiotics for women
Vaginal health
Iron absorption
Pregnancy & maternal health
The microorganisms living within the body play an important role for health by interacting with different body systems. Research shows that strain-specific probiotics can help support women’s health.
Speak to your Go Vita naturopath about Activated Probiotics® practitioner-only probiotics.
AUST L 455166 AUST L 364311 AUST L 464031 Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
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HEALTH REPORT
Festive Feasting
In the next few months, the odds are you will be eating more food; however, the real issue is not the quantity or type of food, but the time you spend eating it.
The Australian ‘silly season’ does not feature just one big celebratory meal; it is actually a series of very long meals. Dips and nibbles at 11 o’clock. Offerings from the barbeque at one. Pavlova, trifle or pudding (or all three) at four, followed by cheese and crackers at five - by which point nobody is entirely sure whether they are finishing lunch or starting dinner. This long drawn-out style of eating is likely
a sustained period of time, this will require harnessing several different enzymes to help. The enzymes will work in a particular sequence when you are grazing over several hours, as opposed to sitting for a normal meal. Chewing is the mechanical step, breaking food down and mixing it with saliva, which contains amylase to break down starch. Once this is in your stomach, the enzyme protease switches into action to pull protein apart and churn everything into a loose mixture. Digestion continues in the small intestine, with
to be duplicated at another event three days later, and again the week after. It may seem leisurely, but it actually demands something quite different from your digestive system than a single sitting does. Enzymes to the rescue Enzymes are what make food able to be digested and nutrients to be absorbed by the body. Each enzyme does basically the same job of taking a large molecule of food and breaking it into pieces tiny enough to cross your gut wall barrier. Complex carbohydrates become simple sugars, protein becomes amino acids and fat is turned into fatty acids and glycerol. Each enzyme is also specific to one particular job. For example, amylase works on starch, but leaves protein alone; protease processes protein and ignores starch. Therefore, when you are presented with a variety of different foods and eat them over
the pancreas delivering enzymes to further break down carbohydrates, protein and fat. Now, your body makes enzymes itself, and small amounts occur naturally in some foods. A digestive enzyme supplement can be a useful extra hand when meals are big, rich and spread over hours. There is one part of a plant meal, though,
that is always hard going: cellulose, the tough fibre in plant cell walls. Your own enzymes only partly break it down, so a lot of the fibre in festive salads, coleslaw and roast veggies travels through your gut largely whole. Your gut bacteria then ferment that fibre, along with anything else left undigested, and that is where the gas and bloating of a long grazing-style meal often come from.
Cellulose is the tough fibre in plant cell
walls that your own enzymes barely touch, so the festive salads, coleslaw and roast
veggies travel through your gut largely intact for the bacteria to ferment.
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