Dr. Fauci Shares Top 3 Tips to Boost Your Immune System and They’re Surprisingly Simple

Dr. Anthony Fauci is one of the most trusted medical professionals in the United States. He’s taken prominent roles during pandemics like the HIV/AIDS crisis and now the coronavirus pandemic.

Being the go-to figure for advice, his words are sometimes twisted around to mean something he didn’t really imply. Fauci’s take on vitamin supplements is one of them.

Misconstrued Advice

After telling the ‘Alias’ actress Jennifer Garner that he takes both a vitamin D and vitamin C supplement, some netizens took this to mean that he may know something that he isn’t sharing with the general public.

In reality, though, the 79-year-old immunologist wasn’t really suggesting people take vitamins as a foolproof way to protect them from sickness. He was simply answering a question directed at him.

In fact, he has been adamant in his belief that the best ways to handle the pandemic on the individual level are to practice good hand hygiene, follow social distancing guidelines, and wear a mask.

And for those who really want to take the extra steps to keep their immune system in top shape, Fauci said that there are normal things they can do to do so.

Get Quality Sleep

Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock –Most healthy adults need between seven to nine hours of sleep each night

His first advice is to make sure you get a reasonable amount of sleep. Studies have shown sleep affects your immune system. Those who don’t get enough quality sleep have been more prone to getting sick after being exposed to a virus like the common cold. Sleep also contributes to how well a person would recover if they do get sick.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Marian Weyo/Shutterstock –Trying a Mediterranean-style diet is a good place to start

Another sensible advice Fauci gave is to eat a good diet. This means getting your vitamins from vegetables, fruits, and other whole foods.

While supplements can fill in the blanks if you fail to get certain vitamins in your meals, medical professionals say those whole foods still have greater nutritional value and come with dietary fiber as well.

Avoid Too Much Stress

Nina Buday/Shutterstock — Get in stress-relieving activities in your everyday routine

Lastly, Fauci advises people to avoid stress or alleviate severe stress as they can negatively impact the immune system. You may find yourself feeling more anxious or stressed out these days given the uncertainties caused by the pandemic.

The good news is that there are many enjoyable ways for you to counter stress. Exercising, for example, leads your body to produce endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals released in the brain.

Altogether, these three tips are better than taking supplements of anything, Fauci said.