Coronavirus attacks the respiratory system and aggravates flu-like symptoms. It attacks a body with a weak immune system which is why, Senior Ayurveda Consultant, Dr. Tarun Gupta recommends strengthening the body’s immunity by following these ayurveda backed tips to keep infections at bay.
FOLLOW A HEALTHY DIET PLAN
According to Ayurveda, we become what we eat. This is to say that following a diet plan that is balanced, suited to the gut is pivotal to good health. Including foods like cheese, yoghurt and sauerkraut enhance microbial immunity and keep you healthy. Food items like black pepper, coriander seeds, garlic, ginger, oranges, broccoli, sprouts, lemons and strawberries can help boost your immunity. It is highly recommended to consult an ayurvedic doctor to formulate a diet plan that is suited to you.
AVOID COLD, SWEET & FRIED FOOD
Drinking or eating cold foods reduce the digestive fire, which affects your overall health. Heavy and fried foods are difficult to digest, so avoid them. Enjoy sweet root vegetables, broths and soups.
ADD TULSI TO YOUR DIET
Holy basil or tulsi, has extraordinary medicinal and therapeutic properties. Basil helps the body to get rid of phlegm, irritants and suppress cough, thereby treating chronic respiratory problems. Tulsi water also contains several anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties which can take care of cold and related infections.
AYURVEDIC OIL MASSAGE OFFERS MORE THAN JUST RELAXATION
Ayurvedic oil massage or ‘Abhyanga’, calms down the nervous system, reduces stress and supports your immunity. You can use sesame oil to self- massage. You can also try oil pulling and nasya to boost your immunity.
EXERCISE DAILY
In Ayurveda, exercise holds great importance as balances the doshas, strengthens the body & boosts immunity, thus reducing the risk of many diseases and infections.
MEDITATE REGULARLY
Meditation helps calm the mind and centre your chakras. It also lowers several risk factors, like stress, associated with a bad immune system. From reduced blood pressure, better function and strengthen immunity, regular practice of mindful meditation can help balance the mind and the body and act in complete harmony.
WARM BATHS REJUVENATE AND PROTECT
Take warm baths in the evening with Epsom salts and warming essential oils like ginger, cardamom, eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon, cedar, pine, basil and juniper. A warm bath Improves blood circulation, helps relieve cold/flu symptoms and is more effective in cleansing the body of harmful bacteria.
SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL TO IMMUNITY
Sleep plays an important role in maintaining good health and giving the body well needed rest to activate immunity boosting hormones. When you sleep, your body produces essential immuno-proteins called cytokines, which act as infection-fighting antibodies necessary to keep the body healthy.
Other than the methods prescribed to boost immunity, it is important to properly cook food items and maintain good hygiene by properly washing hands in warm water. Stress is the worst immunity killer and it is best not to stress over situations but to educate oneself,
act and be better prepared.