Miriam Wolf
You can support the immune system by using herbs and medicinal mushrooms. Get more rest and sleep. Be sure to slow down and get fresh air outside.
Dr. Miriam Wolf is a health consultant and intuitive who practices in Putney.
Cliff Steinberg
I'm very supportive of the idea of taking good care of self, resting appropriately, moving the body, getting good outdoor time, and doing things to stay vigorous, which helps improve the immune system.
One thing I push is good oral health, because there is a fair amount of evidence that patients are prone to getting pneumonia more often with poor oral hygiene or periodontal disease.
Poor oral hygiene places an extra burden on your system. I suggest good involvement with your oral hygiene - flossing.
Dr. Cliff Steinberg, N.D., works at Sojourns Community Health Clinic in Westminster.
Julian Jonas
I recommend a number of things: Eat well, because that will reduce the toxic burden. The basic idea is that if the internal state of body is strong and healthy, then flus don't cause much trouble. The susceptibility is kept lower [by eating well].
Having enough vitamin D improves the immune function. There are any number of supplements that might be useful.
I generally suggest people avoid flu shots because statistically, studies show [flu vaccines] do not do much of anything. It depends on how accurate they make it and many people get terrible reactions. The flu vaccine actually suppresses the immune system.
Julian Jonas, C.C.H., Lic. Ac., homeopathic practitioner and teacher, maintains his practice in Brattleboro and Keene, N.H.
Rebecca Shwartz
Something I recommend is elderberry syrup. It's antiviral, and it's delicious. You could pick it up at our office and or at the Brattleboro Food Co-op.
I also have people eat warming foods like herbal chais and soups. The chai spices in general are good for health and the immune system, especially ginger.
I suggest using astragalus, an herb that can help the system fight off cold and flus. Just throw some in whatever soup you're making.
Dr. Rebecca Shwartz, N.D., L.Ac, practices in Brattleboro.
Samantha Eagle
Our approach is really lifestyle-based with lots of hand-washing, and we advise keeping proper humidity in your environment so as to not dry out mucous membranes which are the first line of defense for virus and bacteria, as well as nutritional support.
In the winter, people are not getting as many fruits and vegetables from foods they are eating. They need to be sure to add phytonutrients into daily food consumption, optimally.
Few people's Vitamin D status is adequate. Many people we've tested locally require vitamin supplementation.
Probiotics are the good bacteria in yogurt and fermented products and help regulate the immune system.
Get adequate sleep and find appropriate ways to deal with stress and anxiety, two things that tax the immune system. People should be sure they are taking time enough to take good care of themselves.
Dr. Samantha Eagle, N.D., M.S., practices at Biologic Integrative Healthcare in Brattleboro.