Boosting Immunity through Ayurveda

Ayurveda has always emphasized on prevention of any ailment, that is giving the body weapons to be able to fight any ailments it may face. This is done through some daily regimes.

Boosting immunity

To fight against infectious diseases one must have good immunity. Malnutrition, old age diseases like cancer, cardiac disorders, diabetes, kidney disorders, etc, make one more prone to infectious disease. Ayurveda has a few dos and don’ts that will help make the situation better:

• Sleep: One must get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day. A well-rested body is an able body.
• Exercise: Get your body moving and get your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes every day. Yoga,  especially breathing exercises like pranayama will greatly help. It will rejuvenate your body and increase immunity too.
• Amla juice: You can consume amla juice, lemon juice tender coconut water especially after a walk or exercise. Try to reduce tea or coffee as much you can. 2 to 3 cup /day. These juices are tremendously helpful in improving immunity.
• Greens: Include lots of green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, amaranth in your diet. These will provide your body with the vitamins and minerals necessary to keep your body functioning in its prime condition. It is best to support sustainable practices and have only seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Reduce carbs increase proteins: Make sure your carbohydrate intake is controlled while increasing your protein intake. Carbohydrate-rich foods like rotis, rice, bread, etc, make it easier for one to put on weight and thus make one prone to lifestyle issues like obesity, diabetes, and cardiac issues, making it more difficult for the body to fight any external attackers. Pulses like green gram, kidney beans, tur dal, etc are good proteins. Chicken, egg, and fish are also great sources. Try to have soups at least 3 times a week.
• Fiber: Make sure you are eating a lot of fiber. Fibrous vegetables make sure your bowel movements are regular, helping the body to detoxify itself naturally. Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, beetroot, beans, pumpkins, spinach, drumstick, etc are great even nutritionally. Salads are a great source of fiber, have them at least once a day.
• Spices: Ginger, garlic, pepper, coriander,  turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg are touted in Ayurveda for their ability to improve immunity apart from a myriad of other health benefits.
• Avoid fried and sweet: These will get you on the road to obesity fast. If you have a sweet tooth, it is much better to have fruits in your diet for a boost in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Nuts and seeds are a good source of fats although one should avoid the salted varieties since they not only make it easier to binge, they also spike your sodium levels.
• Herbal tea:  Drink this herbal concoction. Combine a teaspoon of tulsi leaves, a pinch of cinnamon, 2 cloves, 1 cardamom, half an inch of ginger, 1/4th of a teaspoon of turmeric with half a teaspoon of jaggery with a cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes and your herbal tea is ready. Have this 3 to 4 times a day. Haldi milk is also great to build immunity against viruses and bacteria.
• Panchakarma: Panchakarma treatments are very effective in treating lots of diseases and are great at detoxifying and revitalizing the body and the mind These treatments are considered as the best immunity boosters.
• Herbal Kwathas: If you are prone to respiratory and stomach problems you can take some medicines like some kwathas like Indukantam, Chyavanaprasm, Vilwadi leham etc, etc are effective. It is better to consult with a doctor and decide.
• Supplements : Thriphala, Ashwagandha, Guduchi, etc are good rejuvenators. If you can take 10mg of Thriphla choornam with hot water once a week, it will take care of your stomach.