If there is one thing that the Covid-19 taught us, it is to have a intact immune system throughout the year and seasons. Ayurveda - the science of life says a balanced diet is a major pillar of our life. The timing, quantity, and quality of our food determines our capacity for building immunity and resilience for our body and mind. An intact immune system is the crux of a healthy and mindful life. Through constant interaction with the microbes in our environment, and within our gut, we learn to fight against new microbes, which helps to strengthen the immune system.
Ayurveda concept of immunity are Bala or the concept of strength, Vyadhi Kshamathwa or the concept of resistance to illness development, and Ojas or the concept of supreme resilience. The concept of Bala explains the ability of the system to repair and nourish itself and be effective in disease prevention, whereas Vyadhi Kshamatwa is the ability of the immune system to fight against the disease-causing pathogens, it is purely denoting the function of our immune system and recovery after coming in contact with pathogenic organisms. Vyadhi-Kshamatva is an Ayurvedic term for natural and acquired immunity. It describes the connection between the immune system, the nervous system, and digestive health. It helps us understand why inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and emotional issues can trigger underactive or overactive immune responses. The preventive aspect of our immunity function is majorly related to our digestive system. The preventive aspect of our immunity function is majorly related to our digestive system.
Ojas is the life-giving sap that nourishes all of the tissues of the body. Ojas is the final product of physiological transformation happening in our body as part of tissue nourishment. The seven layers of tissues are nourished one by one as a result of properly functioning metabolic pathways and the result of this process is Ojas. Ojas is considered as the essence of the food we consume, and Ojas is the force that enables us to sustain change over time. The function of Ojas is not just explained as resistance to disease but it is resilience to any form of unfavorable physical, mental or environmental change which would normally create an imbalance, leading to disease, but is otherwise dealt with effectively due to the presence of Ojas.
Gut health is key to a strong immune system. Healthy digestion reflects a healthy mind and body and helps build greater resilience and strong immunity.
Yoga is considered the “sister science” of Ayurveda and brings us the tools to strengthen our bodies and our minds through the practices of asana, pranayama, and meditation. Many of these techniques have been shown to help strengthen the immune system when practiced regularly.
Factors that help augment immunity in Ayurveda
• A well-balanced diet (with all six tastes and qualities balanced), based on one'sdosha
• A regular yoga practice
• Include a variety of spices into the daily dietary routine. Most spices are high in their oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and reduce cell damage and maintain integrity
• Regular detox plans like fasting
• Consumption of Rasayana (rejuvenating anti-oxidant and immunomodulator) herbs that are identified as adaptogens: Amla, Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Holy Basil (tulsi), Shatavari and Shilajit.
Ayurvedic remedies for improving immunity
o Consuming preparations & formulations composed of immunity booster herbs like Giloy, Neem, Turmeric, Amla, Garlic, Ginger, etc.
o Start the day with Tulsi, Pippali (fruit of long pepper) and ginger tea to strengthen and cleanse the upper respiratory tract.
o Use turmeric and black pepper in the meals daily, to boost immunity and reduce ama (toxins). Turmeric can be taken as a drink with almond milk or added to morning oats to prepare a nourishing golden porridge.
o Take 15 ml of Amla juice daily. Optionally, take Chyavanprash to supply extra antioxidants and strengthen the immunity.
o Drink plenty of warm water. Staying well hydrated will keep the throat and mucous membrane moist, supporting its action as a good barrier to all microbes.
But as we read the answer is not just one tablet, one preparation or one herb. It is a lifestyle where healthy & mindful living - eating go hand in hand. So here is further emphasis laid on rather the part of our lives that has the major impact on our being - FOOD.
EAT WARM, COOKED FOODS AND WARMING SPICES
You know how when you wash your dishes with cold water, they don’t get clean as easily as they do when you use hot water? Our bodies operate like this, too. This is why the first recommendation for protecting immunity is increasing the temperature of your food and liquids. Digestion is poetically envisioned as being like a fire in Ayurveda. When you put warm substances into a fire, they kindle it. Cold substances extinguish the fire. The fire of your digestion works the same way. The act of cooking your food allows the stove (or slow cooker) to ‘pre-digest’ some of your food for you. This means that your body, which is lacking in fire does not have to work as hard to process and metabolize what you eat. When you add digestive spices like cumin seeds or powder and turmeric to your food, these spices are like friends that work to powerfully ignite your digestion. You can also benefit from even more heating spices like garlic, ginger, black pepper and cloves.
Consume immunity boosting foods such as watermelon, wheat germ, yogurt, spinach, sweet potato, broccoli, garlic, ginger, pomegranate juice etc for improving your overall immunity. Watermelon contains glutathione, an antioxidant which helps in strengthening the immune system. Eat the pulpy red flesh near the rind to get the most glutathione from the watermelon. Wheat germ can also be consumed to increase immunity. It is a great source of antioxidants, B vitamins and zinc. Wheat germ also contains a great combination of protein, fibre and some healthy fat.
Low fat yogurt contains probiotics which may help in easing the severity of colds. Spinach is a natural immune booster and is considered as a super food due to its ability to increase immunity in the body. Spinach contains folate which is highly beneficial in helping the body make new cells and repair DNA. It also contains fiber and antioxidants such as vitamin C. Substitute coffee with tea as it helps to increase immunity in the body. Sweet potatoes help in removing the damaging free radicals with the help of beta-carotene that converts to vitamin A. This results in increasing immunity in the body and might even improve the aging process. Similar to spinach, broccoli is also a great immune boosting food that is very beneficial to the body. It contains vitamin A, C and glutathione which all help in increasing immunity. Raw garlic is very effective against skin infections. With its ability to fight fungi, bacteria and viruses it is considered a very good immune boosting food. A garlic supplement can also be consumed to reduce body cholesterol. Therefore, consuming immunity boosting foods is a great way to increase immunity power.
Hope you had a good read & you implement what you read here today! Extending Healthy Horizons is what we at PRM live by!! Hope this extends healthy horizons in the universe of your life!
Happy living.