The Ultimate Cold & Flu Survival Guide: Never Get Sick Again!

Photo by: Naomi Abel, R29

What about vitamins and supplements?

Supplements can keep any cold at bay, right? Wrong. "I always caution against breaking the bank and buying a bunch of supplements that don't work," says Dolhun. "That said, zinc has been proven to help boost the immune system." Cranshaw agrees, adding that vitamin C, echinacea, and zinc are the most promising supplements - but still, they're no magic bullet. "The data on the ... more 

Photo by: Naomi Abel, R29

What about vitamins and supplements?

Supplements can keep any cold at bay, right? Wrong. "I always caution against breaking the bank and buying a bunch of supplements that don't work," says Dolhun. "That said, zinc has been proven to help boost the immune system." Cranshaw agrees, adding that vitamin C, echinacea, and zinc are the most promising supplements - but still, they're no magic bullet. "The data on the effectiveness of these is pretty poor at best," he admits.

Managing stress and paying attention to nutrition, however, can help you stay strong. "The best way to boost your immune system is to be happy and smile," says Dolhun. "But after that, make sure your hydration is good. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits." Garlic and green tea have the potential to help, but your best bet is to catch up on Z's. "Proper sleep helps you maximize your immune defenses," he adds. "Sleep deprivation makes you more susceptible to illness." If you want to stay strong, head to bed early.
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