In current times, the importance of a strong immune system is paramount. When you have a weak immune system, it reduces your body’s ability to defend itself against pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites. You become easily susceptible to catching infections and diseases.
Thankfully, the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda provides us with several safe and natural ways to boost our body’s immunity. As per Ayurveda, strong immunity is a result of better digestion, good metabolism, healthy liver functioning, and a balanced hormonal function.
You might think that the strength of your immune system is decided at birth. But, that’s not true. Very rarely are people born with a primary immune system disorder. For most people, their erratic and irregular lifestyle is the reason behind a weak immune system.
The following factors affect your immune system negatively :
- Overthinking and anxiety
- Obesity
- Untimely, unhygienic foods, cold foods, or spicy and processed foods
- Lack of exercise
- Excess strain to eyes and other senses
- Alcohol and smoking
- Erratic sleep schedule – staying awake late at night.
Sustained release of cortisol due to anxiety suppresses the White Blood Cells count, thus causing a weakening of your immune system over time. Stress also makes it harder for your body to recover, as your stress response is weakened your immune system.
It is possible to manage anxiety by taking care of the following in your daily routine.
- Yoga and Pranayama
- Meditation
- Healthy diet
- Proper night sleep
- Exercise
Sunlight
Find a pleasant place with adequate sunlight and fresh air. Ensure that you spend some time practicing yoga and meditation there. Absorption of vitamin D is also helpful in strengthening your immune system. Listening to calming music is also helpful in managing anxiety.
Here are a few Ayurvedic super ingredients that you can add to your diet to boost immunity.
Amla
It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C and is perfect for overall immunity. It can rejuvenate and revitalize the body systems. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It is best to consume amla in raw form, though the powdered form is also available.
Ginger
It is loaded with anti-microbial compounds that help fight infections, and boost immunity levels. It also aids digestion and helps with respiratory ailments such as cold, cough, pneumonia, asthma, and bronchitis
Tulsi
It is a medicinal plant that has anti-infective properties. It helps with respiratory tract infections such as cough, cold, sore throat, and asthma. Fresh tulsi juice taken twice a day is known to boost health.
Black Pepper
It is both an antioxidant and an antibacterial agent. Therefore, it contributes to overall wellness tremendously. The piperine in black pepper aids in lung detoxification. It also increases the production of T-cells, which help fight infections.