With COVID-19 still hanging around and cold and flu season approaching, it’s more important than ever to keep our immune systems working effectively in order to fight off whatever germs we may come in contact with.

In a video interview with Jennifer Garner, Dr. Fauci answered her question about using vitamins to boost our immune systems, and there were only two vitamin supplements that he recommended taking. Those vitamins are C and D.

Dr. Fauci said, “If you’re deficient in vitamin D, that does have an impact on your susceptibility to infection.”

As far as vitamin C, he said, “The other vitamin that people take is vitamin C because it’s a good antioxidant, so if people want to take a gram or so of vitamin C, that would be fine.” 

Dr. Fauci did not recommend taking other supplements like elderberry or spinach.

There are multiple ways to make sure your body isn’t vitamin D deficient. Your body produces vitamin D when you’re in the sun. Foods such as liver, cheese and egg yolks also contain vitamin D. Of course, you can also take vitamin D supplements.

As far as vitamin C, besides taking a supplement, you can also focus on eating foods high in vitamin C. These are foods like oranges, tomatoes, strawberries and broccoli. 

Besides vitamins C and D, there are a few more great ways to boost your immune system. For starters, you want to make sure you’re getting enough sleep at night. In a study, people who got fewer than 6 hours of sleep at night were more likely to catch a cold than people who got at least 6 hours of sleep each night.

The American Psychological Association says that there is a link between the mind and the body when it comes to the immune system. Being stressed out can lower your immune system. In response, it’s a good idea to try to eliminate stress as much as possible. Healthy behaviors like a balanced diet, regular exercise and keeping up with friends can help lower stress.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet. The right way for one person to boost his or her immune system might be different for someone else.

How are you planning to boost your immune system? Do you think you are already getting enough vitamin D and C in your diet? Are you going to try to get more sleep at night?