BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AGAINST CORONAVIRUS: MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INFECTION

In a season of sicknesses and fear wreaking havoc across the world , it is only pertinent to remember the legendary fitness trainer , Joseph Pilates , “Physical fitness is the first

requisite of happiness.” Indeed, to be physically fit and in the best of health’s is an important accomplishment given the pandemic in full flow and getting nastier by the day. We hereby seek to discuss ways to counter this threat of COVID-19 with whatever is available to us. Let’s begin !

Improve Your Diet

To put it simply , eating healthy food is key to having a strong immune system. We have already seen how important is it to stay fit and sound to counter this threat. So having a variety of fresh and unprocessed foods every day to get the necessary vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, protein and antioxidants your body needs is the bare minimum that you could do to strengthen your immune system. As per the WHO advisory , fruits, vegetables, legumes (e.g. lentils, beans), nuts & whole grains (e.g. unprocessed maize, millet, oats, wheat, brown rice or starchy tubers or roots such as potato), and foods from animal sources (e.g. meat, fish, eggs and milk) besides having a gentle portion of fresh yogurt is recommended to maintain a healthy body. Having the aforementioned foods as part of your regular diet can prove mighty helpful in achieving that goal.

Don’t Compromise on Sleep

Quality sleep is an essential requirement for a strong immune system and a better life. Having a 7-8 hour sleep is recommended by doctors. As per a 2004 study published in the Nature Reviews Immunology Journal , there is a direct correlation between sleep and immunity. Often times , we discount our sleep and its quality given the nature of work and stress nowadays. It is not a healthy habit to do so and there should be an effort to change this. A refreshed mind and a healthy body can contribute in a better way than a sick one and thus it becomes vital to use techniques like guided meditation , aroma therapy or oil massage to get an improved sleep.

Stay Hydrated

Water plays a key role in maintaining the body temperature , affects energy levels and brain functions , flushes out toxins , prevents kidney stones and above all , make life possible. Dehydration is alluded as the prime killer in the world and the summer time exacerbates this problem. 8 to 10 glasses of water per day is the recommended advisory to stay healthy. Taking fluids like fresh fruit juices from time to time is also helpful. Stay hydrated and prevent complications.

Never Skip Exercise

Exercising is an efficient way to improve your immune system function. As per a 1994 study published in the Europe PMC journal , it has been proven that exercise has a role in boosting the immune system functions. Daily work and the subsequent stress adds up to the already present toxicity in the body. Exercise helps in maintaining the right weight , reduces chronic pain , beneficial for heart health and stimulating the immune function. There are many forms of exercises that one can perform as per their convenience and schedule like Jogging , Cycling , Running , Stretching , Martial Arts or Yoga. It is helpful in lifting the mood and balancing the doshas as per Ayurveda. So do some exercise every day to stay fit.

Practice Meditation

Swami Dhyan Giten had said , “Give the child a taste of meditation by creating a climate and atmosphere of love, acceptance and silence.” Meditation is a form of holistic healing and not just a session in quietude. It has several benefits to it like improving concentration , reducing stress and anxiety , relaxing the breathing and calming the mind besides boosting the immune system as per a 1994 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Availing the help of guided mediations on YouTube or podcasts on Spotify by celebrated spiritual teachers like Sri Sri Ravishankar or Sadhguru can definitely ease your nerves and grant you lasting peace.

Incorporating the above recommendations can positively boost your immune system and thereby enhance your immunity in the long run. Paying good attention to your health and fitness has become a sine qua non of modern life and cannot be ignored any further. Your health is in your hands and make sensible choices to preserve it.