Before talking about immunity boosters, let us talk about what is immunity for real? Until now, we have heard that immunity is the strength of the body that protects us against microorganisms. Well, it is right. But let me tell you the simple but complete definition of immunity- The state of the body being sensitively resistant towards foreign organisms, cessation of their entry into our circulation, and fighting against them if they were able to enter the circulation to prevent them from wreaking havoc our body is called immunity.
In the case of COVID-19, the virus enters the nasal cavity first, stays there for 1-2 days, and starts replicating. Though the virus load in this stage is very low, these people can still spread infection. In this stage, innate immunity is not effective. But it is not entirely impossible to not defeat the virus at this stage if the infected individual’s immunity is strong enough to detect the virus as it works as a silent killer in this stage.
In the next few days, the virus migrates to the respiratory tract and at this stage; a strong immune response is triggered. Research shows that 80% of people’s body is immune enough to attack the virus and recover at home.
About 20% of the patients proceed to the third stage that is when it reaches the gaseous exchange level (alveoli). The elderly are more at risk because of the low level of innate immunity.
Therefore, in such a dreadful virus like covid-19, immunity is the mighty hero. If one has immunity, he has it all.
Now we can discuss how we can boost our immunity and fight against the infections like covid-19.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle
By a healthy lifestyle, I mean to adopt certain habits to make our body naturally fit and sound.
- Wake up in Brahma Muhurta (around 5-6 Am) because at this time the humor named Vata is in its dominant state and it is healthy as well as easy to wake up at this time. After it becomes a routine, the imbalance in any system of our body starts resolving and functions in a natural way.
- Breathing Exercises (Pranayama) do wonders when practiced right. They strengthen the respiratory system, making the gaseous exchange efficacious. They stimulate our glands to function meticulously which ultimately boosts our immune system. Simple pranayama like anuloma-viloma holds immense power as it can fight against many diseases like asthma, bronchitis, etc.
- Practice Yogasana and meditation for at least 30-45 minutes as it helps in circulating the internal energy throughout your whole body making your immunity stronger.
- Sleep between 9-10 PM since afterward it is the time of Kapha-utaklesha which weakens our immune system when provoked.
Healthy and Nutritious Diet
Food rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other essential nutrients should be incorporated in your daily dietary regimen. Fruits (like orange, mango, banana, apple, etc.), green vegetables (spinach, broccoli, etc.), healthy oils (almonds, walnuts, etc.), butter (almond butter, peanut butter, etc.), dairy products are rich in all the essential nutrients.
Avoid fried and fast food.
Try to control your alcohol consumption and if you cannot completely cut it out then consume it in moderate quantity so that it isn’t affecting your liver.
Keep your body hydrated and prefer warm water. If you are not a plain water person then you can squeeze a lemon in your water bottle, or add some salt and cumin powder, or 7-8 peppermint leaves,; whatever suits your taste.
Natural immunity booster Herbs and spices
Herbs and spices like Holy Basil (Tusli), turmeric (haldi), cumin (jeera), coriander (dhaniya), ginger (adhrak), garlic (lahsun), cinnamon stick (dalchini), cardamom (badi elaichi), etc. should be incorporated in the dishes you cook, tea or juice whatever you prefer.
Decoction or Herbal Tea
You can make kadha (decoction) from spices and herbs like tulsi (basil leaves), black pepper, cinnamon stick, etc.
Giloy juice is considered to be one of the best immunity boosters.
Hunza tea is also good for immunity.
