By Bobby Parker
As the seasons change and the air gets crisp, so does the likelihood of sniffles, sore throats and seasonal viruses. The Tortoise Clinic, located in Santa Rosa Beach, believes in blending Eastern and Western medicine to support the immune system naturally. Their medical-grade dispensary, open to the public, offers third-party tested supplements, vitamins, and herbs to ensure quality, safety, and therapeutic effectiveness.
We sat down with Dr. Karen DeVore, Naturopathic Doctor at the Tortoise Clinic, to discuss immune support, stress management and how natural supplements can play a key role in overall wellness this time of year.
Dr. Karen, what are your favorite formulas during cold and flu season?
Dr. Karen: Prevention is key when it comes to cold and flu season, and supporting the immune system proactively is the best way to keep illness at bay. For my family, I rely on a few key supplements to give our immune defenses a strong foundation.
One of my favorites is Pure Defense, a powerful all-in-one formula that includes vitamin C, NAC, elderberry, quercetin, vitamin D, zinc, and a probiotic—all crucial for upper respiratory health and immune support. I also use Viracid, which has broad-spectrum antiviral properties with lysine and vitamin A, echinacea, astragalus, and andrographis. Either formula is great for both prevention and early intervention if you start feeling under the weather.
Beyond supplements, lifestyle factors play a huge role in immune health. Adequate sleep, stress management, proper hydration and a nutrient-dense diet all help the body fight off infections more effectively. If you’re not prioritizing these areas, even the best supplements won’t be as effective.
Stress can take a huge toll on the immune system. What are your go-to recommendations for managing stress naturally?
Dr. Karen: Absolutely! Chronic stress weakens the immune system and can make us more susceptible to illness. When someone comes to us struggling with stress, the first step is to assess how stress is affecting their biochemistry—including hormones, sleep, and metabolism.
One of my favorite stress-support supplements is Cortisol Manager, an ashwagandha-based formula that’s particularly effective for people dealing with prolonged stress, sleep disturbances, and difficulty managing weight. For those who need more adrenal support, HPA Adapt is a combination of adaptogenic herbs to help the body adapt to stress more efficiently. Chelated Magnesium L-Threonate is a favorite of mine to support the brain with anxiety due mental stress, and is a great option for those needing support with focus, memory, and mood.
In addition to supplements, I encourage everyone to prioritize stress-relief techniques including meditation, breathwork, acupuncture, exercise, and mindfulness practices—all of which can help manage stress and the toll it takes on the body, and support the nervous system.
What is your favorite way to naturally support kids and teens?
Dr. Karen: Although nothing takes the place of sunshine, a balanced and low sugar diet, exercise, and limited screen use, a great liquid multivitamin with methylated B vitamins and minerals is a great way to get good nutrients into sensitive pallets. My favorite is by Eddie Bee, called Liquid Multivitamin + Mineral Support. This can be paired with a high quality probiotic like a refrigerated formula by Klaire or Metagenics.
How can people access high-quality supplements, and why does it matter?
Dr. Karen: Not all supplements are created equal, and quality matters immensely when it comes to effectiveness and safety. We stock medical-grade brands at the Tortoise Clinic that undergo third-party testing to ensure purity, potency, and proper formulation. Each product is vetted for therapeutic dosages and clinically-backed ingredients, so our patients can trust that they’re getting safe, effective solutions tailored to their needs.
Our herbal dispensary and supplement store are open to the public, so even if you’re not an existing patient, you can still access high-quality, professional-grade supplements for immune support, stress management, and overall health.
Take Control of Your Health This Season: Cold and flu season doesn’t have to mean getting sick. With the right preventative care, targeted nutrition, and holistic support, you can stay strong and resilient all winter long.
If you’re looking for a personalized approach to immune health, stress management, or medication transitions, schedule a consultation with Dr. Karen at the Tortoise Clinic to create a plan that works for your unique body, so you can feel your best year-round.
