Dr. Fauci's Advice for a Healthier Immune System

According to research published this summer by Fior Markets, the global immune health supplements market is poised to grow from a $16.32 billion industry to $29.4 billion in 2027. But the nation’s leading infectious diseases expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, doesn’t recommend we start sampling “antibody response vitamins,” “body defense capsules” or any of the thousands of other so-called wellness products that have emerged from the woodwork this year.

According to Dr. Fauci, who was recently profiled by Men’s Health, immune boosters probably aren’t worth your time or money. He explained, “If you don’t smoke, you only drink in moderation, you get a good night’s sleep, have a healthy diet, you exercise, and you do something to reduce stress, that’s going to keep your immune system healthy, not any of these dietary supplements and herbs and other things.”

Pretty commonsensical. If there were a silver bullet remedy out there, you probably wouldn’t be order it for $35 over Amazon Prime. And if we’re going to trust anyone on this issue, it should be Dr. Fauci, who A) has been tasked with keeping Americans healthy for four decades and B) knows a thing or two about staying fit through dark, stressful days. During the height of the pandemic, Dr. Fauci says he was sleeping only three or four hours a night.

These days, he gets five or six. “It’s not bad,” he told Men’s Health, but it’s not optimal.” But he takes care of his immune system in other ways, including a four-mile power walk each evening, a balanced diet (Dr. Fauci lines up pomegranate juice with egg whites on an English muffin for breakfast each morning) and vitamin D for his deficiency.

He also, of course, wears a mask, washes or sanitizes his hands consistently, and does his best to remain calm and positive. He recommends we all do the same. “Don’t be discouraged. I think you should realize that it will end. Hang in there.”