Dr Vincent: Why gut health can help fend off head colds and flu

As winter approaches and cold and flu season begins to take hold, Australians are being urged to take simple, proactive steps to strengthen their immune system. Dr Vincent, one of Australia's leading health and wellness experts, said that a few daily habits can make all the difference in protecting your body against illness.
 

"Your immune system is your first line of defence and supporting it doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. A handful of consistent, science-backed habits can significantly improve your resilience to illness this winter," Dr Vincent said. 
 

Dr Vincent is a highly respected health and wellness expert, clinical nutritionist, food scientist, antioxidant researcher and founder of Renovatio Bioscience, a well-known Australian company that makes skin care, supplements and pantry products from 100 percent Australian apples. The products contain activated phenolics, the world's most potent form of antioxidants capable of being rapidly absorbed by the body.   He also translates cutting-edge research into actionable advice for individuals looking to achieve better health through nutrition.
 

Dr Vincent outlines some tips to help people protect themselves this winter. 
 

Prioritise whole foods rich in nutrients

Dr Vincent recommended focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and good quality proteins that fuel your body and support immune cell function. 
 

"Colourful plant-based foods are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and strengthen your immune response," Dr Vincent said. 
 

Get quality sleep every night

Lack of sleep can lower your immune function and increase susceptibility to illness.
 

"Aim for seven to nine hours of good quality sleep each night.  Sleep is when your body restores and regenerates, which is critical to immune strength," Dr Vincent said.
 

Manage your stress levels

Chronic stress releases hormones that suppress immune function. Dr Vincent suggested incorporating mindfulness, exercise or simply taking time to disconnect from screens.
 

"Your immune system performs best when your stress levels are low and balanced," Dr Vincent said.

Support your gut health

"Your gut and your immune system are closely connected.  Eating fermented foods like yoghurt and kefir, as well as fibre-rich foods, helps feed good bacteria that support immunity," Dr Vincent said. 
 

He added that reducing processed foods, alcohol and excess sugar also plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy gut environment that promotes better immune function.
 

Incorporate antioxidants into your daily routine

Antioxidants help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation - key factors in immune resilience. 
 

"I always recommend activated phenolics as part of daily supplementation because they're scientifically proven to be effective, natural and fast acting," Dr Vincent said.
 

Drink plenty of water throughout the day

Hydration is essential for every bodily function, including immunity.
 

"Water helps flush out toxins, supports cellular health and keeps your mucous membranes moist, which is important for defending against viruses.  Start your day with a glass of water and sip consistently across the day," Dr Vincent said. 
 

Dr Vincent's mission is to make cutting-edge nutritional science accessible to everyday Australians. His apple-based formulas harness nature and deliver measurable health benefits backed by research.
 

"Prevention is always better than cure.   When you look after your body from the inside out, your immune system will take care of you," Dr Vincent said. 
 

About Renovatio

Renovatio Bioscience was founded by Dr Vincent in 2016 following his breakthrough discovery while undertaking antioxidant research at the University of Newcastle.   He developed a laboratory technique to extract the world's most potent antioxidants 'activated phenolics' from Australian apples and other produce using only water.   His innovative work solved an issue, which had been perplexing scientists all over the world for nearly 80 years.    

Dr Vincent patented and translated his innovative work into a range of 'turbo charged' health and wellness products including supplements, skincare and pantry products to help people access the world's most potent antioxidants in an 'easy to consume' form.

In 2025, Dr Vincent launched a sister brand 'Vincent' in the United States.  Vincentplus.com

The entire Renovatio range can be purchased online at renovatio.com.au