Since the outbreak of this COVID-19 pandemic, there are still plenty of questionable medicinal concoctions and folk remedies floating around. What has now been trendy is ‘boosting’ your immune system.

Unfortunately, the idea that pills, trendy super foods, or wellness habits can provide a shortcut to a healthy immune system is a myth. Our innate and adaptive immunity trigger various responses while fighting with the pathogens. Most of the symptoms that we actually observe aren’t caused by a virus itself but due to response of our immune system to that virus or any disease causing pathogen. 

Thus the concept of ‘boosting’ one’s immune system is presumably making these responses even more active or stronger.

When we are supposed to protect ourselves from the virus from outside, we need to protect ourselves beginning right from within our body by strengthening the immune system. The immune system is indeed complex and is to a great extent impacted by the environment around us.

GO AHEAD!

·        Your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle.

·        Vitamin C is known to be the most important immunity vitamin. Foods like Orange, lemon, guava, kiwi, gooseberry, cauliflower, tomato, capsicum and mint will provide your daily dose of Vitamin C.

·        Vitamin B6 is vital to support biochemical reactions in the immune system. Vitamin B6 rich foods include milk, fish, meat, eggs, green vegetables

·        Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight off infections. This vitamin can be obtained from nuts, green leafy vegetables and vegetable oils.

·        Supplement your body wisely– Vitamin supplements aren’t beneficial to your immune system unless you are deficient. Even micronutrient deficiencies can be treated with diet. Supplement only when doctor advices

·        Make a stress free routine– Stress does not only causes adverse changes in our diet but also gradually suppresses our immune system.

·        Do not resist to move around– Engage yourself in moderate exercise. This will help release good hormones in your body and strengthen your immune system.

·        Limit excess intake of sugars and unhealthy fats– If not taken in moderation, excess of sugars and refined carbs may lead to obesity and thereby increasing the risk of diabetes and cardio vascular disorders.

·        Do not forget to sleep well– Sufficient sleep is necessary to help your immune system to function well. Both these functions are closely related to each other. According to National library of Medicine ‘If you’re having trouble sleeping, try limiting screen time for an hour before bed, as the blue light emitted from your phone, TV or laptops may disrupt your circadian rhythm, or your body’s natural wake- sleep cycle.’

No products can truly strengthen your immune system; all that can help is your diet and a healthy lifestyle. Use food as a lifestyle medicine.

STAY FIT, STAY HEALTHY!