What can you do to prevent a common cold

To help prevent a common cold, Andrew Huberman suggests several evidence-based strategies that enhance immune function and reduce exposure to cold viruses:

1. Hand Hygiene and Touch Awareness: Being mindful of not touching your face after contact with public surfaces or shaking hands can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Cold viruses can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours, so practicing good hand hygiene and being conscious of these behaviors helps minimize contagion 1.

2. Sleep and Nutrition: Adequate sleep and proper nutrition are foundational to maintaining a robust immune system. Sleep deprivation and a caloric deficit can compromise innate immune function, making you more susceptible to infections. It's important to meet your daily sleep requirements and maintain a balanced diet 2.

3. Zinc Supplementation: Taking zinc, especially at dosages of 100 mg or more, can be effective in combating colds. It's essential to take zinc with food to avoid gastric distress 3.

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     Avoiding Colds and Flus

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     Boosting Immune Function

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     Immune Support Insights

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     Sauna and Immunity

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4. Sauna Use: Engaging in deliberate heat exposure through sauna use can enhance your immune system. Saunas can trigger physiological changes beneficial for preventing or mitigating cold and flu viruses, although the initial high temperatures may feel uncomfortable 4.

5. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity of the right type, duration, and intensity can bolster the immune system, further aiding in the prevention of colds and flus 2.

Implementing these strategies can improve your body's ability to fight off viruses.