Cardiologist busts myths about immune boosters; shares what really helps prevent flu and common cold

Dr Dmitry Yaranov said: "Sleep, hydration, a balanced diet, daily movement, and washing your hands with intention. If you ignore these and buy supplements instead, you are treating the marketing, not your immune system.” (Image: Pexels)

It is not uncommon to hear people take supplements to boost immunity, especially with the onset of winter. A US-based cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov, however, slammed its usage in his new post on Instagram. “Most ‘immune boosters’ you see on TikTok or Amazon do not boost your immune system. They boost someone’s revenue. Your biology does not care about pretty packaging,” he said.

This makes it clear that falling for marketing gimmicks and trending videos on social media does not help protect you from falling prey to seasonal cold and flu. If you are wondering what really helps, Dr Yaranov recommended going back to the basics to support immunity.

“The real immune support is unglamorous. Sleep, hydration, a balanced diet, daily movement, and washing your hands with intention. If you ignore these and buy supplements instead, you are treating the marketing, not your immune system,” he clarified.

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A post shared by Dmitry Yaranov, MD | Cardiologist 🫀 (@heart_transplant_doc)

While it may be tempting to try fancy products, it is best to stay healthy by incorporating simple lifestyle practices into your routine, as he suggested. This is not just for yourself but also for others around you, especially those who are older and fall in the high-risk category.

“A cold that feels mild for a healthy 20-year-old is not mild for a 60-year-old or someone with heart disease. Viral illness puts stress on the heart, fluid balance, and lungs. Be mindful around parents, grandparents, and relatives with heart conditions. ‘Just a little cold’ is how preventable hospitalisations happen,” he warned.

And if you are sick, Dr Yaranov highly recommended taking rest rather than pushing through. He cautioned that most people end up in the ER in January as they push rest for later, while it is the only thing that can help them recover faster. He advised not ignoring the signs your body sends, as it will end up teaching you the lesson.

In the end, he said, “Vaccines do not make you invincible. They lower the inflammation load and reduce stress on the heart if you get sick. Think seatbelt, not forcefield. A seatbelt does not stop the crash. It reduces the damage.”

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.