Wondering how to boost your immunity against COVID-19? Well as you know Covid‐19 attacks people with low immune systems and people especially people of under and over ages. The immune system is built on beneficial live bacteria that lives in the gut which protect the human body from various diseases. When the immune system response is low, weak, or damaged, it becomes an open invitation for infections such as coronavirus or other diseases like  common cold, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. A strong immune system could be the perfect solution to tackle COVID-19!  Our body uses and absorbs nutrients more efficiently when they come from whole food sources like fruits and vegetables, rather than processed foods or supplements.

Discussed below are five measures on how to increase immunity against COVID-19:

1. Take Immunity-Boosting Foods & Vitamins

Immunity boosting vegetables like carrot, spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, dark leafy greens, tomato, asparagus, and broccoli; and immunity boosting fruits like mango, citrus fruits, and strawberries.

These fruits & vegetables contain vitamins A, C, D, and E, and minerals like magnesium, selenium, and zinc that acts as an immunity boosting vitamins.

All the above foods are also immunity boosters for kids. Special care is required in terms of diet for older people during Coronavirus pandemic as they are prone to catching it faster.

2. life Style

Take Proper 7-8 Hours of Sleep

Sleeping well is one of the easiest ways to increase immunity for COVID-19. A human body naturally repairs and recovers, during sleep, from all the wear and tear. Not sleeping enough not only leaves the body tired and lethargic but also reduces immunity to fight against viruses like COVID-19.

Regular Excercise

Exercising helps raise the levels of white blood cells and antibodies that fight off infections, Home workout exercises are another way of flushing out toxins from the body through sweat.

Practice meditation

Meditation is a mindful exercise that relaxes the mind of all external chaos and distractions. A mere 10 minutes of meditation every day can make a big difference not only throughout the day but also in life as a whole. A calm mind helps in better focus, better decisions, and builds a sound body.

3. Balanced Diet

Eating a well‐balanced, healthy diet and staying away from processed junk food is very important to maintain overall health, as well as to support immune functions.Making sure you are eating a diet high in immune-boosting nutrients is one way you can take an active role in maintaining your health and wellness.Consuming foods high in vitamin A, C,D, E, B6, B12 etc.. is the key in regulating and supporting immune system function.

Staying hydrated is the best way to increase immunity to fight Coronavirus because it flushes out all the toxins from the body. Immunity booster drink such as fresh fruit juices and coconut water, along with consuming enough water throughout the day helps in keeping the body hydrated.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking and other substance abuse weakens the respiratory system, while alcohol reduces the immunity. This makes the body susceptible to catching the virus and being infected.

Avoid Non-essential travelling

Social distancing is key to fighting novel coronavirus, and hence avoiding non-essential travel will help in protecting oneself and others from the virus.

 

Ayurveda and immunity

The ancient medical science had stated long ago that plant extracts could do a lot to strengthen the body. According to Ayurveda, our body can withstand infections only when all the seven layers of our body’s tissues (Rasa, Mamsa, Rakta, Medha, Majja, Asthi and Shukra) are strong. When the seven layers are working together, our immunity will be boosted.

Ayurveda has said that certain plants and plant products can empower our immunity.Make a point to consume one or more of the following every day

Moringa

Moringa is a herb that can ward off many health complications. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, it should be your go-to herb for immunity strengthening.

So what makes moringa such a powerful immunity booster? It contains 7 times more Vitamin C than even oranges. Vitamin C is the chief nutrient that our bodies need to build strong immunity.

That’s not all, moringa also contains some other vital nutrients that strengthen your cells, muscles, tissues and help your body heal. Consume moringa for its high levels of potassium, iron, calcium and amino acids.

Neem

Neem can also keep your blood clean. It purifies the blood by flushing away toxins and this can strengthen immunity.

Tulsi

Tulsi is another wonder herb that is much favoured by Ayurveda. This aromatic leaf can be your primary line of defence against COVID-19. Tulsi or basil is a powerful germicide.

Turmeric

Every time your grandmother said you need to consume turmeric for your health, she was right. Turmeric contains curcumin– a phytochemical that can remove toxins from your body and strengthen your immune system to fight off germs and bacteria

Ginger and Garlic

Ginger has been an age-old remedy for flu and the common cold. It can also be effective against COVID-19.  It contains gingerol – an antioxidant that can power up our immune system and kill viruses. Ginger is particularly good in preventing respiratory tract infections. Add ginger to your meals or you can also have it raw.

Just like ginger, garlic too will protect you from coronavirus by stimulating your immunity. It contains allicin- a plant compound that acts as a germicide. But remember, to make the most of garlic, consume it raw or partially cooked.

TakeAway

People with low immunity are more prone for this world pandemic named as COVID‐19. To help or boost the immunity, the plant‐based foods play vital role by promoting beneficial bacteria in the body. Various vitamins like C, D, and E are investigated to provide important aspects for improving immunity. Fruits like oranges, papaya, kiwi, and guava are rich in vitamin C, while vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, beetroots, spinach, and cauliflower are known to be quite rich in vitamin C and are good for immunity. Ayurveda and herbs  like Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Moringa, Honey  ginger etc..play a vital role in boosting the immunity.More research is needed to know about the behavior of coronavirus and the role of food in its prevention.