Cold prevention

To prevent colds, Andrew Huberman suggests various practical and scientific measures:

1. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): Some clinicians use NAC as a preventative measure against colds and flus, given its role in reducing the probability of getting these illnesses despite limited randomized control trial data. NAC has been observed to prevent symptomatic forms caused by colds and flus in some cases 1.

2. Environmental Awareness and Behavior:

   • Avoid close contact with people who are visibly sick, especially those who are sneezing or coughing.
   • Keep your nasal and oral passages hydrated during cold months, e.g., using humidifiers or steam rooms, to lower susceptibility to colds 2.
   • Regularly wash hands and be conscious not to touch your face, particularly the eyes, nose, and mouth, which are common entry points for viruses 3.
     • 

       1

       NAC for Flu Prevention

       01:58:48
       
     • 

       2

       Cold Weather Health

       00:17:33
       
     • 

       3

       Avoiding Colds and Flus

       00:42:04
       
     • 

       4

       Immune Support Insights

       01:50:58
       
     • 

       5

       Boosting Immune Function

       01:00:18
       

3. Dietary Supplements:

   • While echinacea is commonly discussed for cold prevention, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is inconclusive, and high doses might impair immune function. Instead, zinc supplementation can be more effective; it's advised to take around 100 mg with food to help reduce the duration and likelihood of colds 4.

4. General Health Maintenance:

   • Ensure adequate sleep as it is crucial for maintaining an effective immune system.
   • Manage stress levels as chronic stress can compromise the immune system.
   • Maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular exercise to help bolster the immune system over the winter months 5.

Each of these strategies contributes to reducing the chance of contracting colds and flu.