Sniffles, scratchy throats, and runny noses can be par for the course in a germ-infested world. ISome healthy lifestyle habits—like exercise, plenty of sleep, and nutrition—are enough to stave off seasonal colds, but supplements may support immune function as well. For a natural medicine cabinet filled with everything your family needs, just shop on ThriveMarket.com.

What Is Immunity?

Immunity is like a security system for your body. When your system doesn’t recognize something, like a virus that tries to “break in,” your immune system goes into activation mode and triggers a response to help protect you from getting sick. The human body has two distinct types of immunity. Innate immunity is what you’re born with and provides general protection against illness, while adaptive immunity is developed over the course of your life, when you’re exposed to certain illnesses that produce an antibody response, like chickenpox, or receive a vaccination.

Ways to Support Your Immune System

Healthy daily habits are the way to go when it comes to supporting your immune system. According to Harvard Health Publishing, practices that may help boost your immune system include:

Eating a nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
Getting sufficient sleep
Exercising regularly
Regulating stress

In addition to living a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle, some people choose to bolster their immune systems with dietary supplements and herbal remedies, which may help round out your diet and make up for any nutritional gaps.

Top Immunity Brands

For high-quality supplements, start with these member-favorite brands.

Source Naturals

Before hitting shelves, Source Naturals rigorously tests its wellness supplements to ensure they meet a host of specifications, and many are certified through independent sources.

Wellness Formula Herbal Defense Complex

Formulated to support the immune system when under physical stress, this complex uses a combination of herbs, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to boost your well-being. Thrive Market member Samantha from California says she always has a bottle in her medicine cabinet. “I start taking it at the first sign of any possible ailment, and it always helps.”

Gaia Herbs

Since 1987, Gaia Herbs has nurtured healthy connections between plants and people. Certified Organic supplements use gentle extraction methods to maintain the purity and potency of individual plants.

Black Elderberry Syrup

To make its popular syrup, Gaia Herbs sources Certified Organic European black elderberries, then adds vitamin C from acerola cherries for an added boost. Each serving provides the equivalent of 14,500 mg of fresh elderberries, and is free from artificial flavors and colors.

New Chapter

New Chapter—a Certified B Corp—is committed to high-quality, organic, and non-GMO ingredients. Its responsibly sourced supplements are free from artificial fillers, colors, and synthetic binders.

Fermented Zinc Complex

New Chapter’s zinc supplement is cultured in live probiotics, healthy bacteria found naturally in fermented foods. Thrive Market member Libby from Alabama says “I’ve been taking these for a while and they seem to help my immune system. They also do not upset my stomach.”

Tips for Surviving Cold & Flu Season

No matter the season, brush up on all the ways you can support yourself year-round.

Immunity Tips Thrivers Swear By

We polled our staff for their best tips when it comes to boosting immunity and sailing through the cold and flu season.

How to Choose Supplements

Confused about which supplements you might need? Our guide has recommendations for what to consider before you buy, plus a breakdown of some of the most popular options on the market, including B12, collagen, fish oil, and more.

Sourcing and Sustainability With New Chapter

Go behind the scenes with this popular supplement brand to learn about their commitment to sustainability, their rigorous standards, and which products Thrive Market members can’t get enough of.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.