How to boost Immune System against COVID-19

With the Outbreak of COVID-19, the foremost concern across globe is How stay away from this deadly evil ? while most of us talking about the precautionary measures suggested by World health Organization, and are preferring to stay at home and cancel all travel plans, avoid any gathering etc. But we also need to keep in mind that building a strong immune system synergized with the others measures will expel the Virus in a more prominent way.

What is COVID-19 ?

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans. https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

How to Boost Immunity Against Virus

1- Hit snooze on that panic button - Avoid stress

Constant stress and over thinking can weaken the immune system and its ability to fight off Antigens, making you more susceptible to infections.

Stress hormone released in body can suppress the effectiveness of Immune system.

So, if you feeling a little stressed, consciously take time out to employ some calming or relaxing stress-reduction techniques,

meditation and music can be one of the best ways.

2- Consume immune-boosting vitamins-

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, the Wonder vitamin is a water-soluble vitamin well known for its role in supporting a healthy immune system. Consider eating foods rich in vitamin C like oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, kale and broccoli.

3- Super foods for Immune system-

Spinach

Spinach was the world’s first superfood for a reason.

High in folate, magnesium and iron, the nutrients in spinach help cells to function at their best which, in turn, boosts their response to infection.

Not only that, but spinach is also high in vitamin C, an essential micronutrient your body can’t produce.

Sweet potato

While regular potatoes aren’t counted towards your five a day, sweet potatoes are, because they’re an excellent source of beta carotene, vitamin C, and potassium. Beta carotene is crucial because your body converts it to vitamin A, which plays an important role in boosting immune function.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt is rich in probiotics, which help to boost immune function and may even help reduce the severity of illness or infection. It’s also high dose of protein and vitamins D, B2 and B12, all which are necessary for a robust and healthy immune system.

Watermelon

This cheap, tasty fruit is a talented immune booster. Watermelon is high in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, all of which give your immune system a boost.

Almond

When it comes to preventing and fighting off colds, vitamin E tends to take a backseat to vitamin C. However, vitamin E is key to a healthy immune system.

Papaya

Papaya is another fruit loaded with vitamin C. You can find 224 percent of

recommended amount of vitamin C in a single papaya. Papayas also have a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects.

Papayas have decent amounts of potassium, B vitamins, and folate, all of which are beneficial to your overall health.

4- Exercise

Low- and moderate-intensity exercise naturally lowers cortisol levels and helps with immune-system function, says Dr. Diamond. One Medical recommends 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. If you’re apprehensive about germs in the gym, walk or run outside.

What Ayurveda has to offer in fight against coronavirus

Ayurveda experts have stressed that medicinal herbs such as amla, giloy, shilajit and neem are helpful in strengthening the immune system which is key to fighting the deadly virus.

Eating a tablespoon of Chywanprash daily enhances immunity and it may help prevent the spread of the virus, according to Ayurveda experts.

Giloy

Tinospora Cordifolia, which is also known as Giloy or Guduchi, has been known to be extremely effective in case of fever, infections and various chronic complications associated with these. The word Giloy itself stands for ‘amrit’, or what we call the ‘elixir or life’. No wonder why it has been one of the most valued herbs as recognized by the system of Ayurveda.

The Giloy leaves have various therapeutic properties, such as being antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, detoxifier, rejuvenative, analgesic, anti-stress, anti-cancer etc. However, it has best been known for its immune-modulatory functions. Being both preventive as well as curative in nature, it works as a natural means to boost our immune system. Its regular consumption leads to a significant increase in the WBC count, which eventually results in improved resistance to a variety of disease-carrying agents. Simply consuming about 1-2 grams of this herb twice a day is sufficient. Apart from treating chronic fever, giloy also reduces the symptoms of stress and anxiety, moderates premature signs of ageing and exhibits some incredible gastrointestinal protective properties.

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

People have since long been taking Tulsi leaves in order to find relief from the symptoms of viral. A nice, warm herbal decoction made using some 5 -10 fresh leaves of tulsi or Holy Basil, offers a variety of benefits, owing to its anti-bacterial, anti-biotic and germicidal properties. You may add half to one spoonful of clove powder while the leaves are boiling.

Garlic

Garlic or Lahsun is another great herbal therapy for viral infection. You may try taking the same as it is in its crushed form, or add it sliced or pounded to warm, freshly prepared soups. Garlic is loaded with natural properties of being anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral.