The Supplements, Foods, and Habits I Use to Stop a Cold Before It Starts

Why do some people catch every cold going around while others rarely get sick? Your immune system isn’t something you simply “boost” with one supplement—it’s shaped every day by your sleep, diet, stress, gut health, nutrient status, and metabolic health. In this episode, I’m joined by one of my producers, Emma, to break down what actually helps you build a more resilient immune system before cold and flu season hits. Here’s what we discuss in today’s episode: Why some people get sick constantly while others seem far more resilient What actually weakens your immune system long before symptoms show up What I personally do at the first sign of a cold or flu The most important habits and nutrients for supporting immune function through the winter You don’t need a complicated immune protocol. The goal is to strengthen the systems that help your body respond well when you’re exposed—so you’re less fragile when cold and flu season arrives. Visit ⁠functionhealth.com for 160+ lab tests at just $365 a year. Have a question you’d love answered on Office Hours? Submit it here. (0:00) Preparing for cold and flu season: diet, nutrients, sleep, stress, and gut health (2:07) Building immune resilience: whole foods, sleep, stress management, and nutrient checks (3:03) Key nutrients and remedies: vitamin D, herbal formulas, mushrooms, colostrum, and hygiene (5:18) Understanding the immune system, resilience, and why some people rarely get sick (9:33) Metabolic health, sugar, insulin resistance, and their impact on immunity (11:56) Immune-supportive grocery shopping and important supplements (16:26) Sleep, stress, exercise, and protocols for when symptoms start (21:59) Vaccines and Dr. Hyman’s perspective on flu shots (24:12) Sleep, vitamin D, and myths like "starve a fever"