The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. His laboratory studies neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. For more than 20 years, Dr. Huberman has consistently published original research findings and review articles in top-level peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, Science, Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. He is a regular member of several National Institutes of Health review panels and a Fellow of the McKnight Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Huberman regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations, and various units of U.S. and Canadian Special Operations.
How to Prevent & Treat Colds & Flu
In this episode, I explain the biology of the common cold and flu (influenza) and how the immune system combats these infections.
I describe behavior, nutrition and supplementation-based tools supported by peer-reviewed research to enhance immune system function and better combat colds and flu. I also dispel common myths about how the cold and flu are transmitted and when you and those around you are contagious.
I explain if common preventatives and treatments such as vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D and echinacea work. I also highlight other compounds known to reduce contracting and duration of colds and flu.
I discuss how to use exercise and sauna to bolster the immune response.
This episode will help listeners understand how to reduce the chances of catching a cold or flu and help people recover more quickly from and prevent the spread of colds and flu.
For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman
Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman
Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman
ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman
InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/huberman
Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Avoid Colds & Flu
(00:01:58) Sponsors: Joovv, Helix Sleep & ROKA
(00:06:00) Common Cold: Source & Transmission; Cold Temperature Myth
(00:13:48) Spreading a Cold; Symptoms & Contagious Myths
(00:17:43) Flu Virus & Transmission; Flu Shots
(00:23:56) Tools: Injections & Safety; Charting Health Trends & Sickness
(00:27:16) Sponsor: AG1
(00:28:44) Spreading Cold & Flu, Symptoms
(00:30:43) Immune System, Physical Barriers
(00:39:33) Tool: Social Connection & Touch, Avoiding Flu & Cold
(00:45:14) Innate Immune System
(00:53:13) Sponsor: InsideTracker
(00:54:15) Adaptive Immune System; Lymphatic System
(01:00:19) Tools: Enhance Innate Immune System
(01:06:19) Tool: Microbiome & Nasal Breathing
(01:10:58) Tools: Enhance Gut Microbiome: Foods & Water Protocol
(01:16:13) Exercise When Feeling Sick?, Sleep
(01:21:39) Tool: Exercise & Preventing Sickness
(01:28:13) Exercise When Sleep Deprived?
(01:32:24) Tool: Exercise Recovery & Carbohydrates
(01:34:52) Tool: Sauna & Enhance Immune System
(01:42:20) Supplements: Vitamin C, Vitamin D
(01:50:58) Echinacea, Zinc
(01:55:08) N-acetylcysteine (NAC), Decongestants
(02:03:42) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter
Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac