How to Boost Immunity and Fight Corona Virus?

Today when the world is anxious over Coronavirus and WHO has declared it a pandemic, the one thing of utmost importance is how to boost our immunity, and protect or guard ourselves against it. With some of these dos and don’ts, infections can be avoided. Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses common among animals that can get transmuted to humans.

Do’s -Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. Medicated soap is considered more effective than sanitizers.

Don’t– touch your face, eyes, nose, mouth, those are the entry points for viruses in your body.

Symptoms: Fever, dry cough, breathlessness. Running nose might not always be a symptom.

Boost your Immune System

The immune system is a complex web of cell organs and proteins that protect or neutralize the body from hundreds of microbes and bacteria in the atmosphere. Boost the defense mechanism of the body to combat the pathogens like bacterium, virus, flu, and other diseases by five basic natural essential ingredients.

1.Vitamin C

One of the top immune boosters is vitamin C. Deficiency in vitamin C results in a weak immune system and reduces the resistance against certain pathogens. Citrus fruits such as sweet limes, guava, oranges, grapefruit, lemon, papaya and pineapple along with kiwis and berries contain large amounts of vitamin C. But the king of all sources of vitamin C is Indian Gooseberry or Amla with a vitamin C concentration of 600 mg to 1800 mg of ascorbic acid in every 100 g. Fresh amla juice contains 20 times as much vitamin C as is present in orange juice.

2. Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that help maintain good health. The best probiotic food is curd (homemade) which has healthy live bacteria very beneficial for people with lactose tolerance. Remember the bacteria gets killed in processed curd. Buttermilk is low in fat and calories and contains important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, riboflavin, calcium, and phosphorus. Healthy bacteria strengthen the digestive system and make the immune system strong. Tempeh is a good substitute for meat or tofu. It is a  probiotic-rich grain made from soybeans and a great source of vitamin B12.

3. Garlic

Garlic, when crushed, or chewed, has powerful enzymes and antimicrobial agents that act as an immune booster. The garlic bulb contains sulfur which wipes out bacteria. It also has antioxidants that fight free radicals in the bloodstream.

4. Turmeric- Super Food

Turmeric’s list of properties are multiple, it is an antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral. Turmeric’s miracle active compound is curcumin which is rich in antioxidants which are compounds often found in plants that can protect the body’s cells from damage caused by activated molecules known as free radicals.

5. Healthy Lifestyle

The first step for a strong and healthy body is a healthy lifestyle. The immune system function is at its optimum when it is supplemented by a healthy diet and living.

• Adequate sleep and stress-free living by regular practice of yoga and pranayama. Sleep deprivation and stress overload increase the hormone cortisol which weakens the immune function.
• Tobacco and alcohol undermine basic immune defense, raise the risk of bronchitis and make the lungs vulnerable to infection.
• Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, these provide your body with the nutrients your immune system needs. A study in older adults showed that boosting fruit and vegetable intake improved antibody response to the Pneumovax vaccine, which protects against Streptococcus pneumonia.
• Vitamin D – Get a natural dose of vitamin D, catch some sun rays. Sunlight triggers the skin’s production of vitamin D, 10-15 minute of exposure to the morning sun is enough. Low vitamin D levels may lead to a greater risk of respiratory infection.

Disclaimer – Though these are only preventive measures, if you feel your symptoms are severe, please consult your nearest health centre or medical practitioner.

Contact Jagadguru Kripalu Yoga and Naturopathy Hospital for lifestyle consultation

by Pragya Sinha