Infections and Immunity

The changing season in summer affects the immune system of the body. The body becomes unable to fight against infections and diseases when the immune system becomes weak. As a result, we become ill again and again.

The immune system will get strengthened and fight against infections if we take care of certain things.

Fresh cut fruits and vegetables
Wikimedia Commons by Peggy Greb

Symptoms of Infections

The dangers of viral and allergic infections increase in summer. The general fever, cold, cough, and flu of any type are the symptoms associated with seasonal changes of cold in mornings and evenings and the heat during the day. The problems like viral fever, bronchitis, diarrhea, respiratory problems, and sore throat are common in this season.  The children, aged people, and pregnant women need special care as they generally become afflicted with these problems.

What to Eat

It is better to take a sufficient amount of liquid diet like buttermilk, fruit or vegetable juice in this season. The liquid diet removes toxic substances from the body. Take the nutritious diet and avoid junk food. Also, avoid the intake of cold things. Add whole grain, green vegetables and pulses, and lentils in sufficient amount to the regular diet.

Take care to add enzymes, vitamins, and minerals to the diet chart. Take care to eat wheat, barley, corn or maize like items. Don’t forget to eat a salad with meals. Take lemon, orange and Indian gooseberry too.  

What to Do?

1. Take a sufficient amount of water as it activates and helps in the proper functioning of kidneys which remove the toxins from the body.

2. The complete and balanced diet including fruits, vegetables whole grains and other nutritious foods strengthen the immune system.   

3. The vegetables like broccoli, Brussels, cabbage etc fight against cancer cells and boost the immune system of the body.

4. The proper cleanliness of the surrounding atmosphere is also necessary to give strength to the immune system as the risk of infections increase in dirt and filth.

5. Properly clean the vegetables and fruits before use.

6. Make it a habit to thoroughly clean the hands before eating anything.

7. Always keep the clothes clean. The harmful germs breed in dirty clothes.

8. Avoid the stress of all types as it disturbs the digestive system which weakens the immune system as a result.

9. Regular exercises and yoga keep the person mentally and physically healthy.

10. Excess fats in the diet also weaken the immune system, but the right fats are necessary to build immunity.

11. Zinc is such a mineral which increases the antibodies, t cells and white blood corpuscles in the body which further boosts the immune system. The zinc deficiency exposes the body to the attacks from bacteria, virus, and parasite.

12. Obesity hampers the proper functioning of the immune system and the chances of an infection increase. Therefore it is advisable to decrease the weight in order to strengthen the immune system.

13. The minimum sleep of at least 6 to 8 hours is necessary for the proper functioning of the brain.

14. Take care of physical fitness. The body constantly comes in contact with dangerous virus and bacteria which weaken the immune system and cause illness and disease. So the defense system by strengthening the immunity is very necessary. The best way to increase immunity is nutritious diet and regular exercises.

15. The intake of colored and green vegetables including fruits proportionately increases the immune system.

How to Increase the Immunity

The winter season has begun, but we can not stop air pollution and the cold weather. So the best way to combat these vagaries of nature is to increase the immune system. If your immune system is strong then we would be able to save ourselves from several diseases.

There are several natural ways in which the immune system could be strengthened. The first and the foremost among these is the balanced diet which means the diet containing sufficient proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Even a small amount of healthy fat is also necessary.  

Eat everything, but eat moderately and never go in excess intake of anything. There are several other ways in which we can strengthen the immune system.

Sit in Morning Sun

Vitamin D plays the most important role to increase the immune system. But you have not to take any type of supplements, just get up in the morning and let the sun rays fall on your body for 10 to 15 minutes. This will replenish the vitamin D in the body.

Sleep

A minimum of 7 hours of sleep is necessary to strengthen the immune system. Insufficient sleep creates stress which increases the cortisol hormone in the body. Several studies have revealed that increased levels of cortisol affect the immune system of the body.

Take Probiotics

There are millions of bacteria in our intestines. These are the friendly bacteria and are related to our immune system. So it is advisable to include such foods in the regular diet which may increase the number of these good bacteria. For these, the intake of curd and buttermilk is the best option. The oil-free pickle like the lemon pickle in moderate amounts is also beneficial.

Basil, Garlic and Ginger

The intake of basil, garlic and ginger can take the immune system to the highest levels. These foods can also save us from several infections. The regular intake of all or any one of these reduces the risks of infections.

Water

Drink enough water. The presence of toxic substances in the body creates infections and the intake of water helps the body to flush out the toxins.

Regular Exercises and Yoga

The regular exercises maintain the proper levels of blood pressure and help the nutrients to reach all the cells and tissues. It also removes the toxic carbon dioxide from the body.

Similarly the Yoga exercises especially those of breathing, open the blockage of the respiratory tract and nose. It cleans the lungs, increases the flow of oxygen to different parts of the body and as a result strengthens the immune system.