The best way to combat seasonal flus, viruses, allergies and even pandemic outbreaks like COVID-19 (coronavirus) is to work on one’s immunity. Building or boosting the immune system will provide you with a natural protective shield that will guard you against a number of viruses and diseases.

What is immune system?

Your body has a natural mechanism that helps fight and protect you against invasions from viruses, bacteria and germs that can make you feel sick. The aim of the immune system is to keep you healthy and active. The protection offered by the immune system that offers protection from diseases and viruses is known as immunity.

Each individual has three types of immunity:

1.    Innate immunity

The immunity which we are all born with is known as innate immunity. The external barriers like the skin mucosal membrane of the nose and throat, etc. are the first defence of the body against any viruses or bacterial attack.

2.    Adaptive immunity

This protective shield known as adaptive or acquired immunity is as the name suggests developed over time, as the body is exposed to viruses, bacteria and germs or when it is vaccinated. Also referred to as immunological memory, it helps the body register and identifies previous infections.

3.    Passive immunity

Passive or burrowed immunity is for example what the child receives from his/her mother via breast-milk.

Vaccination is one of the ways which builds a person’s immunity against known viruses and diseases. However, in instances where there is no known vaccination of the disease, it is essential to build immunity by ways that will naturally aid the body in fighting against external agents like viruses.

In the case of COVID-19 (coronavirus), as there is no cure or vaccination yet, it is necessary to implement ways that will help fight the virus by strengthening the immune system.

Ways to naturally build immunity

Making small but significant changes in the way a person lives or changes in his/her lifestyle plays a vital role in helping the body build better immunity. Modifying or rectifying certain aspects of health like managing stress, eating right, exercise etc. plays a vital role in improving one’s immunity.

Exercise

Inclusive of even moderate exercise is known to provide a number of benefits to the immune system. Engaging in an exercise like running, jogging, swimming, etc. that increases the heart rate, are proven to protect the body from age-related diseases, and also helps keep the body fit and active. Aerobic exercise is also an excellent means to get the body moving and building immunity. Working on breathing exercises revealed in Yoga like Pranayama is also effective in building the respiratory system and working on the immunity. These yoga poses are acknowledged to better respiratory health and boost immunity.

Diet

A balanced diet, which is rich in antioxidants can support and even boost the immune system to help fight the seasonal flus and viruses. Consumption of healthy fats (omega-3 fatty acids) like flax seeds, oily fish, etc., food rich in vitamin A, B6, C, D and E, vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, kale, etc. are great ways to amp up the immune system. Additionally, drinking sufficient water and the inclusion of ginger and garlic in everyday meals is also a great way to build the immune system.

Hygiene

Maintaining adequate personal hygiene is a recommended way to keep all infections, viruses, germs and bacteria at bay. The first step of personal hygiene is having clean hands. The recommended and efficient method of washing hands is with soap and water for about 20-30 seconds.

It is essential to wash your hands thoroughly before eating or preparing meals. Also, ensure to wash hands after coughing, sneezing, using the washroom or touching any public surface. In the absence of a source of water or soap, it is advocated that one carries a 70% alcohol-based disinfectant or sanitizer to ensure clean hands.

Stress management

Chronic stress or pressure is known to have adverse side-effects on the overall health of the individual and also the immune system. Managing one’s stress is crucial to help the body stay fit. This can be done by deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, etc. in daily routine to help manage stress and boost immunity.

Sleep

Research suggests that it is advised that an individual has 8 hours of sleep daily to help the body rest and restore its immune function. A good night’s sleep ensures the body does not easily get infected by seasonal flus including cold and other respiratory infections.

Herbs

Consumption of natural herbs rich in vitamins and antioxidants are known to scientifically enhance the immune system. Certain herbs focus on respiratory immunity and help fight against seasonal infections and flus. Some of the immunity-boosting herbs are:

• Tulsi – This well-known herb is an excellent aid in fighting respiratory illness like asthma, bronchitis, cold and cough. It helps boost the immune system, relieves cough/cold and also relief from inflammation in the respiratory system. Consumption of tulsi tea or hot water with tulsi leaves is an excellent way to harness the natural benefits.
• Amla – Rich in vitamin C, and known as the king of immunity, amla is an excellent way to boost the immune system and fight against respiratory disorders. Consumption of amla helps relieve chronic cough, chest congestion, tuberculosis, asthmatic symptoms, etc. Amla is the key ingredient in all immunity boosters including
• Lemon – Vitamin C is extremely helping in improving one’s immune system. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C, and it also helps essentially boost the respiratory immunity by reducing respiratory inflammation and production of mucus.
• Gilroy stem/leaves – Also known as the root of immortality, Giloy provides relief from recurrent fever and asthmatic symptoms, and also fights respiratory problems and boost the immune system naturally. It also helps detoxify the body and boost liver function.

Following above-mentioned steps can help boost the immunity and fight against all seasonal flus and viruses. With stronger immunity, the body can fight the virus systematically and sustainably.

It is also recommended, that we consume a mixture or blend of immunity-boosting herbs to give that extra boost to our immune system, especially during seasonal flus and viral infections. However, sourcing ingredients is not a task we all can easily achieve.

For the benefit of all, we at MedicoExperts, along with Ayurvedic doctors, have concocted a special immunity boosting churna that is specially created to enhance the immune system. MedicoExperts’ Immunity Booster Churna is prepared for easy and effective consumption and is made of herbs that are sure to provide protection from respiratory diseases and stronger immunity.