Sally Kravich, Holistic Nutritionist, Author of Vibrant Living: Creating Radiant Health & Longevity and Member of Hollander Home Fashions’ Council on Comfort

With the seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables no longer as abundant, we gravitate to starchy and warm comfort foods for winter and gear ourselves up for the holidays, during which we engage in a never-ending onslaught of sweets, goodies and treats.

It’s these foods that lower your immunity, so try and choose healthy, warm comforting foods that are packed with nutrients: warm soups and stews, healthy morning muffins, and desserts made with maple syrup, agave nectar, or applesauce for sweetening. For some great soup and muffin ideas, go to my website www.sallykravich.com and look at “Food.”

In addition to curbing sugar intake, and eating healthfully, you may need to support your daily nutrients for raising immunity. The following herbs and vitamin supplements help to support a healthy immune system: Probiotics (acidophilis), Vitamin C, Grape Seed Extract, Pycnogenols, Resveratrol, Elberberry, Astragalus, any Greens Supplement (especially Sun Chorella) B12, Zinc, Beta Carotene, E, and B Complex. 

Herbs and supplement that can assist once flu and colds occur are Olive leaf, Echinacea, Grapefruit Seed extract, and Yerba Santa. Immune support supplements can easily be found in your local health food store: Wellness Formula, B12, Emergen-C, and Zinc lozenges.

Have a healthy holiday season and remember- your health begins with the food you eat! Choose wisely and negotiate your treats.