The effects of the Corona lockdown can be seen across the country with streets deserted, checkpoints on busy roads, schools closed, click and collect slots booked out and one-in: one-out systems in operation.
So how is this affecting Ireland? …Aside from the panic buying? And the chapped hands?
In recent blogs Five Star Pharmacy discussed topics such as the impact of anxiety stemming from the Covid pandemic and also the effects of overuse of alcohol hand sanitiser! Today, however, we thought we would delve into another common ailment affecting the customers of Five Star Pharmacy – the impact of the lockdown on your digestion!
When self-isolating it can be really tempting to snack on unhealthy foods throughout the day and if you’re like the Five Star Pharmacy team the temptation will only increase as Easter eggs come into the house! However, eating a healthy, nutritious diet is crucial for our wellbeing, particularly as the gut is now increasingly being referred to as the “second brain.” Technically known as the enteric nervous system, the little brain in our abdomen plays a key role in determining not only our mental but also our physical wellbeing. So how do we keep it healthy?
Here at Five Star Pharmacy we stock a range of probiotics – live organisms which work to restore the gut flora, aiding digestion and symptoms of upset stomach such as acid reflux, trapped wind and stomach cramps.
Bio-kult
Bio-Kult contains an advanced formula of 14 strains of live bacteria for everyday use and a minimum 2 billion live microorganisms per capsule (2x109CFU/capsule). The bacteria in Bio-Kult are cryoprotected during the freeze drying process, which protects them from the harsh acid environment of the stomach and are therefore able to colonise the full length of the gastrointestinal tract whilst also enabling storage at room temperature without the need for refrigeration.
Bio-Kult can be used on a continuous basis or for a short period of time, e.g. when taking antibiotics or when working through a Covid related bulk purchase of frozen pizza and pasta!
Buy now? Click here.
Zenflore
An alternative option if you really want to sharpen mind and body is Five Star Pharmacy’s increasingly popular Zenflore probiotic which combines the unique live Bifidobacterium longum 1714-SerenitasTM culture alongside specially selected B vitamins to support your mind and body during busy and demanding times by improving mental performance and reducing fatigue.
Zenflore’s naturally occurring ‘good’ bacteria is part of the family of bacteria given by mother to baby at birth. To ensure this natural culture reaches your gut with its properties intact, Zenflore’s special formulation is stable at room temperature and does not need to be refrigerated. Zenflore is gluten free, dairy free and soya free. The Folate, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 all contribute to normal psychological function – ideal for anyone who might be on lockdown and working from home at the moment!
Buy now? Click here.
Optibac for Babies and Children
If you’re worried about policing what your little one is consuming during self – isolation then Five Star Pharmacy can offer a helping hand in the form of OptiBac Probiotics For Babies And Children, which are a natural high quality, expert friendly bacteria supplement, clinically trailed in school aged children.
This supplement contains 3 billion natural live cultures per sachet, especially made for infants, children, pregnant & breastfeeding mothers and has received excellent reviews from parents. Additionally, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) make this supplement naturally high in fibre so it is helpful for youngsters who might be prone to constipation whilst also being completely free from sugars, artificial flavours & colourings….because you can’t send a child home from school with an upset stomach when you’re already at home!
Buy now? Click here.
Five Star Pharmacy hopes these useful probiotics might make the Covid – 19 pandemic a little less “hard to swallow” and you have/had a great Easter!