Boosting your immune system against corona virus

 In the current situation of COVID 19, it has become inevitable for us to take highest care of our health. We are taking every measure to maintain a good hygiene in order to escape the virus, however it is equally important for our body to maintain a strong immune system to fight off the virus if any of these physical barriers falls apart. 

We can do various activities as part of our daily routine to support our immune system, for example consuming the right diet, performing exercises, practicing meditation and allowing our bodies some sun exposure. 

Let us take a note of these efforts that we can make and ensure total protection against thevirus:

1. Keep yourself hydrated: Drinking enough warm water throughout the day helps clean the respiratory tract and discard any undesirable bacteria or viruses that may have been inhaled recently.
2. Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables: These are rich in different vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which help build a strong immune system.
3. Higher consumption of probiotic rich foods: For example, yogurt, kefir, pickled or fermented food items. They are rich in healthy microorganisms which help improve and restore the gut flora. An improved gut health promotes and supports improved immune function of the body.
4. High fibre diet: The undigested fibre is used by intestinal bacteria, promoting the growth of good bacteria in the intestine. These bacteria interact with our immune system and elevate its functioning.
5. Soak in some sun: Right exposure to sun raises the levels of Vitamin D in our bodies. Studies have suggested that Vitamin D plays an important role in improving the immunity against corona virus.
6. 7 hours of sleep: Get enough sleep on time. Our body is blessed with self-healing and rejuvenating properties which help restore its natural balance and optimum functioning. While we are asleep, our immune system constantly works on renewing itself and produces new cells which are released in blood stream after we wake up in the morning.
7. Exercise regularly
8. Practice yoga and meditation at home: It helps release stress, anxieties and calmsdown the mind and the body.
9. Natural immunity building ingredients: Make highest use of these ingredients like turmeric, cumin, coriander and garlic. Try adding them daily in cooking or consuming raw. Eat a tablespoon full of Chyavanprash daily in the morning. It is an excellent ayurvedic immunity booster.
10. Steam inhalation and gargling: If you feel a sour throat or any throat irritation, try inhaling steam of mint water. You can also gargle with salt and turmeric water in the morning. Turmeric has outstanding antiviral properties.
11. Avoid smoking and alcohol
12. Important immunity boosting nutrients: Increase the consumption of essential nutrients like Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin B12, Zinc and Vitamin C. These minerals help in fighting the diseases and render greater immunity. Include variety of nuts rich in Omega 3s, dairy for Vitamin B12, wholegrains for Zinc and some fresh fruits and veggies like broccoli, tomatoes, oranges for the desired intake of Vitamin C, daily in your diet.

Prevention is always better than cure. A healthy lifestyle can help you save hundreds of thousands of rupees on medical bills later in life. Plus, it also promotes a healthy mental as well as physical wellbeing. You are not only protected against hundreds of ailments, but you are also more active, happy and emotionally stable when you adopt a healthy lifestyle.