Immunity is your answer to all the germs including bacteria and viruses. Health is not just the absence of germs, toxins, or cancer cells but it’s how well your body responds to them. Good immunity means good health. Medically Immunity is a complex biological system that can recognize and tolerate whatever belongs to the self, and to recognize and reject what is foreign (non-self).
What we can do to improve immunity so that our body can fight infections well including corona. Immunity is directly linked with our lifestyle, the more we live near to nature, better is immunity and the more we live sedentary lifestyle, immunity is less so is our power to fight infections.
Simple steps for good immunity:
Avoid canned and processed foods
Canned and processed foods usually contain lots of chemical preservatives and substances that interfere with the immune system. Even if you are compelled to purchase them look at the ingredients minutely and choose the product with minimum preservatives or without preservative or artificial things.
Use Coconut oil
Coconut oil is rich in lauric and caprylic acids, the substances have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Dark leafy greens
They contain antioxidants which are crucial for keeping the immune system healthy. They’re rich in vitamins A, B6 and B12, which help fight against infections.
Nuts
Rich in vitamin E, these help fight against the decrease in immunological activity. In this group you can find almonds, chestnuts, walnuts, seeds.
Avoid stress
Stress and anxiety cause the body to release hormones including cortisols known for their immunosuppressive activity (which decreases your immune system’s functionality). And you become prone to infections.
Get some sun in the morning
Vitamin D is very important for a better immune system and is easily available from sun exposure. Sunbathing helps the production of vitamin D and improves cognitive function when it comes to pregnancy and child development.
Do everything in moderation
Excess doesn’t help to strengthen your immune system. This includes; overeating, alcohol consumption, drugs, cigarettes, too much physical exercise, or sleepless nights.
Avoid Excessive medication
Some medicines or drugs decrease the production of immune system cells and antibodies. Unnecessary antibiotics can also increase the resistance of bacteria resulting in compromised immunity. So avoid excessive medication for a better immune response.
Sleep well 7 to 8 hours a day
Lack of sleep can increase the body’s stress levels and decrease immunity. It’s recommended to sleep 7 to 8 hours per night.
Regular exercise is a must
Around 150 minutes of exercise per week is important for a good immune system. In addition to reducing stress levels and improving overall body health, exercise produces a sense of well-being that strengthens the immune system.
Golden Milk
Ayurveda has given importance to golden milk or turmeric milk in its system of medicine. This help in reducing body inflammation and is natural pain killer. It is rich in antioxidants. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, fights bacterial as well as viral infections.
Drum stick (Moringa)
Drum sticks is recommended for boosting immunity against several viruses, mainly against colds.
Ginseng
Ginseng is used worldwide for immunity and anti-ageing properties.
Onion and Garlic
It has quercetin, an immune system booster. In addition to preventing viral diseases, it’s also effective in fighting allergies.
It’s a source of allicin, a substance that stimulates the immune response. It’s also rich in selenium and zinc, which are nutrients that help to prevent the flu and other diseases.
Citrus fruit
With a high concentration of vitamin C, these fruits increase the production of white blood cells, which are the immune cells that fight viral diseases like the flu.
Water
72% of body is water, so keep replenishing your body with adequate water. The recommendation is to drink at least 2.5 to 3 liters per day to keep hydrated.
Some Ayurvedic tips can be easily incorporated in our daily routine to boost immunity
- Avoid simple sugars in any form
- Limit alcohol,
- Avoid processed foods, microwaved foods, canned foods and foods with preservatives.
- Never drink ice water.
- Always include spices into cooking, such as turmeric, black pepper, cumin, coriander.
- Sip hot water or fresh ginger tea throughout the day to boost the digestion.
- Use clarified butter (ghee) for cooking.
- Do not overcook your food.
- Eat on fixed timings every day ant fixed intervals.
Fast one day a week, if possible