The World Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed Covid – 19 (Coronavirus) to be a global pandemic. Although countries grapple with the immediate dangers that this virus poses to humanity, individuals can take a few crucial steps to combat the pandemic.
Although it is critical to mention hygiene standards such as frequently washing your hands, particularly if you have traveled by public transportation, If you’re traveling, use an alcohol sanitizer to clean your face, wear a mask (cover your nose and mouth), and stop touching your hands or mouth. There are also several ways to boost immunity, which is critical at this stage.
Individuals with such pre-existing diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory problems, are at a greater risk of developing Covid 19 complications, which worsens with age as general immunity declines. If you have a strong immune system and don’t indulge in things like smoking or vaping to fight the virus’s onslaught, Covid 19 can trigger a mild infection in the younger generation with no underlying illnesses. Here’s a list of things you can do to boost your immune system.
Improve Your Eating Habits to Boost Immunity
The food you consume has a major impact on your overall health and immunity. Consume low-carbohydrate diets to help regulate elevated blood sugar and blood pressure. A low-carbohydrate diet will help to delay the progression of diabetes, whereas a protein-rich diet will keep you in good health. Often, eat vegetables and fruits high in beta carotene, ascorbic acid, and other essential vitamins on a regular basis. Certain foods, such as mushrooms, tomato, bell pepper, and green vegetables like broccoli and spinach, can help the body develop resistance to infections.
If going out to get groceries isn’t a choice during social distancing, you can get your regular dose by taking omega 3 and 6 fatty acid supplements. Ginger, gooseberries (amla), and turmeric are all-natural immunity boosters. Some of these superfoods can be used in Indian cuisine and snacks. Garlic, Basel leaves, and Black cumin are only a few herbs that can help to boost immunity. Sunflower seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and melon seeds are high in protein and vitamin E.
Yogurt, Yakult, and fermented foods are all good sources of probiotics, which are essential for the body’s nutrient absorption. There are also excellent choices for the elderly.
Make No Sacrifices When It Comes to Sleep
Sleeping for 7-8 hours is the most effective way to help your body to boost immunity; less sleep can leave you exhausted and hinder your mental activity. Sleep deprivation prevents the body from sleeping, impairing other bodily functions that have a direct effect on your immunity. The flu vaccine’s effectiveness is harmed by a lack of sleep.
Keep yourself hydrated
Keep hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day. Hydration aids in the removal of toxins from the body and reduces the risk of the flu. To beat the sun, citrus fruit juices and coconut water are also viable options.
Don’t Forget to Exercise
A healthy diet should be accompanied by a regular exercise schedule. Remember to exercise on a regular basis; even light exercise will help the body release toxins. Depending on the endurance, 30 to 45 minutes of exercise is recommended. It is a good time to begin exercising if you have not already done so. You can exercise at home using a variety of Youtube channels and applications. Regular exercise boosts metabolism, which has a direct link to overall health.
Relax and unwind
These are trying times, and remaining indoors for an extended period of time may have negative consequences for your mental health. Another issue that is impacting millions of people around the world is the increasing fear of a pandemic. Although the confusion can be daunting, there are a few simple measures we can take on a daily basis to help alleviate stress. Stress has been shown to have a negative impact on boosting immunity.
- Meditate on a regular basis
Stress activates the hormone cortisol, which impairs your response to your immediate surroundings and makes your body vulnerable to infections, leaving you feeling anxious all of the time. Meditation is a tried and true activity for calming the nerves, and it is the perfect way to alleviate tension. If you need assistance with meditation, there are many YouTube channels with instructional tools to assist you.
- Smoking, alcohol, and other addictive drugs should be avoided.
Certain activities, such as smoking, vaping, drinking alcohol, and abusing substances, have been linked to compromised body defenses and respiratory illnesses. Smoking and vaping have been shown to reduce lung capacity and kill the cells that line the respiratory tracts; these cells are essential for fighting viruses that enter through nasal orifices. According to new studies, people who consume a lot of alcohol are more likely to develop ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), which is one of the disorders triggered by Covid 19 infection. If you’re reliant on all of these, exercise caution, as abrupt withdrawal can be dangerous.
- Traveling
Avoid going on any trips that aren’t absolutely necessary. The majority of Covid 19 positive cases are imported cases that spread to populations later. To prevent the risk of publicity, avoid using public transportation and going to public locations. If you must drive, wear a mask over your nose and mouth and bring an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you at all times. Remember to sanitize any time you touch something, as the Covid 19 strain can live on surfaces for hours or even days. When accessing doorknobs and handles, use the non-dominant hand because they are often touched by several people.
Supplements and foods that boost immunity
Although all of the above suggestions are beneficial, a fast boost to your immune system is needed to keep it fighting fit. If you’re worried about having enough nutrients from your diet, talk to your doctor about starting a supplementation regimen to help your immune system. A few popular supplements and superfoods that can help are mentioned below.
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant
This vitamin is an essential member of the immune system’s army. It aids in the prevention of the common cold. It works as an antioxidant and protects against oxidative stress-induced harm. High-dose intravenous vitamin C therapy has been shown to dramatically improve symptoms in patients with serious infections, such as sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient
Supplementing with vitamin D has a minor protective effect against respiratory infections. Since most people are Vitamin D deficient, it’s best to talk to your doctor about taking a Vitamin D supplement to help your immune system.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that can be found in WBC (white blood corpuscles), which combat diseases, need zinc to work properly. Zinc deficiency makes people more vulnerable to viral infections such as the flu, cold, and other respiratory illnesses. It’s a good idea to take a zinc supplement, particularly if you’re older.
Elderberry
Elderberries are high in minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper, and vitamins like vitamin A, B, and C, as well as proteins and dietary fiber. Elderberries contain antibacterial and antiviral properties that aid in the treatment of colds and influenza.
Garlic and Turmeric
Turmeric, a bright yellow spice, contains a compound called curcumin, which strengthens the immune system. Garlic has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that boost the body’s defenses.
SHILAJIT
Shilajit is a plant-based tar that oozes from the rocks of mountain ranges such as the Himalayas and Siberia’s Altai Mountains. It’s one of the strongest herbal remedies for supporting the immune system because it’s packed with vitamins, ionic minerals, and Fulvic acid (a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory).
While Shilajit resin is relatively new to the Western world, it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. This ancient Indian medical system uses a natural and holistic approach to achieve good mental and physical health, combining plant-based items like Shilajit with food, exercise, and lifestyle.
Shilajit resin has various health benefits, ranging from increased strength and cognitive benefits to increased testosterone levels. However, in the current climate, the Shilajit immune system benefits are taking center stage.
As previously mentioned, maintaining a healthy immune system necessitates your body receiving all of the vitamins and nutrients it requires to survive, which Shilajit can provide. Taking a small amount of Shilajit resin twice a day will help to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and even keep you from getting sick. If you do become ill, Shilajit can assist your body in recovering more quickly.
Shilajit also contains zinc, copper, iron, and manganese, in addition to the basic nutrients it provides. These minerals help the function of important enzymes such as Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione, which serve as your body’s defense against bugs, germs, and stress.
IS SHILAJIT EXTREMELY ANTIVIRAL?
A research was conducted in 2015 to examine Shilajit’s antiviral properties and assess its ability to combat viruses in isolated environments. The findings were astounding, revealing that the substance has natural antiviral properties as well as the ability to destroy some viruses. Of course, further study is needed, as with everything, but it’s a good start!
IT HAS BEEN Shown TO BE AN IMMUNOMODULATOR
Shilajit is a natural immunomodulator, which means it can help the immune system function properly. If your immune system is weak, it will be stimulated and become more active. If your immune system is overactive, it will try to calm down. It’s all about striking the right balance.
THE BIOAVAILABILITY OF OTHER IMMUNE-BOOSTING SUBSTANCES IS INCREASED
Shilajit also boosts the bioavailability of other vitamins and nutrients, which helps the immune system. This means it aids the body’s absorption of nutrients, allowing them to function more efficiently and provide many health benefits.
COVID-19 AND SHILAJIT
Now that you’re aware of the many Shilajit immune system benefits, you should think about its efficacy in combating COVID-19. Can Shilajit, on the other hand, really help with Coronavirus?
Surprisingly, we’re seeing an increase in the number of people purchasing herbal and Ayurvedic supplements as a preventative measure to improve their immune systems.
Ayurvedic experts have also emphasized the role of medicinal herbs such as Shilajit in improving the immune system, which is critical in combating COVID-19. Amalaki, Guduchi, Neem, Kutki, and Tulsi are among the herbs they suggest for naturally improving the immune system.
EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS OF THE SHILAJIT IMMUNE SYSTEM
In these unpredictable times, it’s only normal for people to seek out supplements that will help them maintain their health and provide additional protection. Shilajit is a great addition to your everyday routine because it provides a boost of nutrients while also supporting your immune system for better overall health.
Apart from leading a safe lifestyle and taking supplements, the Indian health ministry has recommended a few organic and natural ways to practice as COVID-19 prevention steps. The following self-care recommendations have been recommended by the Ministry of AYUSH as preventative measures and to improve immunity, with a focus on respiratory health.
- Throughout the day, drink warm water.
- Meditation, Yogasana, and Pranayama are also good things to do.
- Turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garlic can all be consumed in greater quantities.
- Holy basil, Cinnamon, Black pepper, Dry Ginger, and Raisin herbal tea or decoction
- If you must have sugar, substitute it with jaggery.
- To keep the nostrils clean, use Ghee (clarified butter), Sesame oil, or Coconut oil in both nostrils.
- Steam with Mint leaves and Caraway seeds inhaled.
As our healthcare professionals fight the Covid-19 pandemic, we can help by remaining indoors, socially separating ourselves from the virus, eating safe, staying hydrated, and observing basic hygiene protocols.
Let us know how you stay fit during these periods of quarantine in the comments section below.
