Stay Strong This Cold & Flu Season: Natural Immune Support from The Tortoise Clinic

Battling the sniffles: A man uses a tissue to manage symptoms of a cold.

As the temperatures change, cold and flu season sneaks back into the spotlight. The sniffles, sore throats, fatigue, and viruses that tend to sweep through schools, offices, and households this time of year can leave even the healthiest among us feeling drained. But here's the good news—you don’t have to wait around and hope you don’t get sick.

At The Tortoise Clinic in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, we believe in taking a proactive approach to seasonal wellness. Blending time-tested Eastern medicine with the best of modern science, we help our patients build a strong immune foundation to face the season with resilience—not reactivity.

We recently sat down with our own Dr. Karen DeVore, Naturopathic Doctor and owner of The Tortoise Clinic, to talk about how to protect yourself and your family this cold and flu season, naturally and effectively.

Start with Prevention: Build a Resilient Foundation

“Prevention is everything,” says Dr. Karen. “Supporting the immune system before you get sick is the key to reducing both the frequency and severity of illness.”

So what does that look like in practice?

Dr. Karen’s go-to is Pure Defense, a powerhouse all-in-one formula that includes:

• Vitamin C & D

• NAC (N-acetyl cysteine)

• Zinc

• Quercetin

• Elderberry

• A daily probiotic

Each of these ingredients plays a specific role in boosting immune defenses, reducing inflammation, and strengthening upper respiratory health. Another standout supplement she recommends is Viracid, which is loaded with immune-enhancing herbs like echinacea, astragalus, and andrographis, plus antiviral nutrients like vitamin A and lysine.

“These are formulas I trust and use with my own family,” she adds. “They’re great for daily prevention or can be used at the first sign of symptoms to reduce duration and intensity.”

Stress Weakens Immunity—So Let’s Address It

If your immune system feels like it collapses the moment you're under pressure, you’re not imagining it. Chronic stress has a real, measurable impact on how well your body can defend itself.

“When someone is constantly stressed, their nervous system is in overdrive, and that weakens immune function,” Dr. Karen explains. “Supporting the stress response is a critical part of staying well.”

Her favorite formulas for stress support include:

• Cortisol Manager – an ashwagandha-based blend that helps regulate cortisol, improve sleep, and reduce fatigue

• HPA Adapt – a combination of adaptogenic herbs that help the body handle stress more efficiently

• Chelated Magnesium L-Threonate – a brain-friendly form of magnesium that supports mood, focus, and mental clarity during times of anxiety or overwhelm

These formulas not only reduce stress-related immune suppression, they also support hormonal balance, cognitive function, and restful sleep—all of which are vital for staying well throughout the season.

In addition to supplements, Dr. Karen recommends a few daily rituals to help manage stress:

• Gentle movement (like walking, stretching, or yoga)

• Deep breathing or guided breathwork

• Acupuncture for nervous system support

• Meditation or mindfulness journaling

• Spending time outdoors (sunshine = natural vitamin D boost!)

Kid-Approved Support for the Younger Crowd

If you have kids or teens, you know how quickly seasonal bugs can make the rounds. While good nutrition, exercise, and sleep are still the foundation, Dr. Karen offers a few go-to favorites for families looking to boost their child’s immune health.

Her top pick? Liquid Multivitamin + Mineral Support by Eddie Bee.

“It’s packed with methylated B vitamins and minerals, but in a kid-friendly liquid format—great for picky eaters or sensitive stomachs,” she says.

Pair that with a high-quality probiotic (like refrigerated formulas from Klaire Labs or Metagenics), and you’ve got a solid foundation for gut health, which is where over 70% of the immune system lives.

Other important daily reminders:

• Limit sugar (it suppresses immune function)

• Get outside and move

• Prioritize sleep

• Cut back on screen time to improve focus and mood

Not All Supplements Are Created Equal

Dr. Karen is passionate about education around supplement quality—and for good reason.

“Just because something is labeled ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s effective or safe,” she warns. “Many over-the-counter supplements don’t contain therapeutic doses, and some are contaminated with fillers or heavy metals.”

That’s why The Tortoise Clinic only stocks medical-grade supplements that are third-party tested for purity and potency.

“Everything we carry is clinically backed and formulated for results,” she explains. “Even if you’re not a current patient, you’re welcome to shop our herbal dispensary and supplement store. We’re here to serve the community.”

Feel Better. Stay Strong. All Season Long.

Cold and flu season doesn’t have to be inevitable—or miserable. With the right tools, the right plan, and a little proactive effort, you can support your immune system, reduce your risk of illness, and recover faster if you do get sick.

Whether you’re looking to prevent burnout, manage stress, support your kids, or get a head start on immune protection, The Tortoise Clinic is here to help you feel your best from the inside out.

Ready for personalized immune support this season? Book your consultation at TortoiseClinic.com or give us a call at 850.267.5611.

Because in the race against seasonal sickness, steady and smart always wins.