How to boost the immune system naturally?

The concept of Immunity is known from ancient times. But after the pandemic of COVID-19 and coronavirus episodes, everyone is talking about Immunity and everyone wants to know “How to boost the Immune system against Covid-19?”

People are more conscious about their health now and they are searching for “Best Immunity Booster Products” to fight against the deadly coronavirus and other infectious diseases.

What is immunity?

When we are talking about immunity, we should know what is immunity and immunity system?   

In simple words, Immunity is the ability of our body to prevent the invasion of pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and other harmful foreign bodies.  These pathogens stimulate the immune response in our body which is produced by the ‘immune system’ in our body.

Our immune system is a complex network of different cells, tissues, organs, and proteins. Together, they form a structure and whenever any pathogen attacks the body, they recognize them and destroy them quickly to prevent our body.

Immunity and Covid-19

Since the onset of COVID-19 and its spread, it has become a global pandemic disease. It is a life-threatening disease for everyone, but, the elderly, people having systemic diseases (like diabetes, heart, and kidney disease) and a person with low immunity are most likely to be affected.

Although, no supplement, diet, product, or any particular lifestyle can give you a guarantee to protect against COVID-19, other than proper hygiene and social distancing. Some products are known as ‘immunity boosters’ and can help to boost your immunity.

What are natural immunity boosters?

Immunity boosters are the products that help to boost the immunity of our body and support the immune system to fight against disease-causing microorganisms. 

They can be any fruits, vegetables, foods, and supplements rich in certain vitamins and minerals. You can also boost your immunity by exercise, yoga, and a change in faulty lifestyle habits. 

Why do we need an immunity booster?

As earlier said, our body has many cells, tissues, and organs that play the first line of defense against infections and harmful micro-organisms. 

However, due to some internal or external factors, our immune system becomes weak or unresponsive, which leads to easy invasion of pathogens and other harmful foreign bodies. 

That is why our immune system should be in good harmony so that it can protect our body as well as possible. 

There are several ways to harmonize our weak immune system. We required some specific food, drinks, herbs, and lifestyle changes to boost our immunity. 

How to boost the immune system?

As of now, there is no scientifically proven direct link between a healthy lifestyle and good functioning of the immune system. But still, nutritious food, herbs, and lifestyle changes might impact positively our health.

There are many ways to strengthen our immune system. Follow these given steps and boost your immune system:

• Avoid smoking and alcohol intake
• Drink adequate water (6 to 8 glasses per day) to stay hydrated
• Take healthy food including fresh fruits and vegetables 
• Take proper sleep of at least 6-8 hours
• Do regular exercise or yoga
• Try to minimize the stress in your life – Mental as well as physical
• Maintain hygiene, to avoid infections

Best immunity booster foods

To strengthen your immune system, you should eat nutritious food that is rich in vitamins A, B, C & E. It should contain minerals like iron, zinc, selenium, and antioxidants. 

Following are some food items that are rich in minerals, vitamins, and have antioxidant properties. These can be found in your kitchen easily: 

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a common ingredient of our food and gives a yellow color to our gravies. 

This is an important spice of the Indian kitchen, rich in curcumin, a compound found in turmeric. 

Turmeric contains many compounds called curcuminoids, out of them curcumin is important.  

Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that produces anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a great immunity booster.

2. Ginger

Ginger is another ingredient that has been used by our grannies since ancient times for colds, coughs, and sore throats.

Ginger is also a potent antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Its immune-boosting properties destroy free radicals in our body and prevent the onset of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, indigestion, and other chronic diseases.

3. Garlic

Due to its strong smell and good taste, garlic is used in cooking by most Indian families. 

Garlic contains many important nutrients including calcium, potassium, selenium, iron, Vitamin B & C, and other nutrients. 

Garlic boosts the immune system and effectively prevent and treat cold and sore throat. It also helps in the detoxification of harmful metals from the body.

It also reduces the high cholesterol level in the blood and prevents heart attacks and many cardiovascular diseases. It also lowers high blood pressure.

4. Citrus fruits

Bright color, juicy & refreshing, sweet & sour delicious taste of citrus food add fun and taste to our diet. 

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which is an important nutrient in our diet and helps to strengthen the immune system.

Citrus fruits also contain flavonoids, fibers, and other vitamins and minerals including Vitamin B, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. 

They produce anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and help to treat cold and flu. They contain dietary fibers, improve the digestive system, and prevent many gastrointestinal diseases.

5. Spinach

Spinach is a dark green leafy vegetable, high in nutritional value, and adds a delicious taste to food. 

Spinach contains many minerals & vitamins and is rich in antioxidants, which help to boost the immunity of your body.

High contents of Vitamin A, C, and E in spinach help to fight against infections as well as replenish the blood cells to strengthen the immune system.

Spinach is also very good for vision and protects the eyes from harmful rays of the sun.

Spinach is low in calories and high in fibers and proteins. The high fiber content in spinach improves digestion and bowel movements and cleans out the digestive tract. 

Best immunity booster Herbs

Herbal scientist states that the extract of some herbs or plants has specific properties and may help to boost immunity. 

During the current pandemic of Covid-19, more and more people are shifting towards the natural system of treatment. Many people are searching for the best immunity booster herbs. 

Here, find the benefits of some common and effective herbs to boost your immune system:

1. Neem

Since ancient times, neem has been widely used as an important medicinal plant native to India. Its high levels of antioxidants make it a great immunity booster. 

It also has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties which protect the body from attacks of harmful pathogens.

Neem also helps to detoxify your blood and purify your blood by flushing away free radicals and toxins and thus strengthen the immune system.

You can also take the immune-boosting properties of neem by using this herb in the form of a supplement. 

Some of the commonly available neem supplements are:

• INLIFE Neem Seed Oil Supplement
• Organic India Neem Capsules
• Himalaya Wellness Pure Herbs Neem Skin Wellness

2. Amla

Amla, also known as ‘Indian Gooseberry‘ has been a popular medicinal herb since the old days. 

Amla is a rich source of Vitamin C and helps to boost immunity, effectively. Being a great anti-oxidant, Vitamin C also helps in stimulating the production of antibodies and white blood cells (WBC) in your body. 

WBCs are part of the immune system and are called the first line of defense against harmful pathogens. Amla also has strong anti-bacterial and astringent properties, which also help your body strengthen its overall immunity. 

Some of the commonly available Amla supplements are:

• Himalaya Wellness Pure Herbs Amalaki Immunity Wellness
• Patanjali Spirulina Capsule with Amla
• DABUR Amla Tablets- Health Booster

3. Tulsi

‘Tulsi’ is a well-known household herb and is found almost in all Indian homes. This aromatic plant can be found effective in boosting your immunity against pathogens and viral diseases like COVID-19. 

Tulsi, also called ‘Holy Basil’ is a powerful germicide. It contains many useful alkaloids or phytochemicals which enhance its medicinal properties. 

Its antioxidant properties help to strengthen your immune system and fight against germs, viruses, and bacteria and destroy them as soon as they enter your body. 

Tulsi can help to protect you from common flu symptoms such as cold, cough, and sore throat. This medicinal herb is also very effective in treating various fevers. 

Some of the commonly available Tulsi supplements are:

• Organic India Tulsi Capsules
• Naturz Ayurveda Tulsi Ark 
• Himalaya Tulsi Tablets

4. Giloy 

The scientific name of Giloy is ‘Tinospora cordifolia’. Giloy, also known as ‘Amrita’ is another well-known herb that is very famous among common people to boost the immune system.

Giloy is very bitter but great anti-toxic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic by nature. The high nutritional content and the alkaloids make Giloy a strong immunity booster.

Giloy increases the white blood cells (WBC) and platelet levels in the blood and helps to treat Dengue and other viral diseases. It is very effective in treating various fever and give strength to your respiratory system.  

Some of the commonly available Giloy supplements are:

• DABUR Giloy Tablet- Immunity Booster
• Patanjali Divya Giloy Ghanvati
• Baidyanath Guduchi (Giloy) Churna – Helps Boost Immunity

5. Echinacea to boost the immune system

Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower has been used to treat colds & flu worldwide. Many studies show that it helps to increase the number of white blood cells (WBC), which fight against infection. 

Its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties help to prevent or reduce the duration and severity of cold, cough, and sore throat.  

As per studies, Echinacea is a powerful immune booster and antioxidant. It has several complex substances called phenolic compound which enhances its immune-boosting properties.

There are several species of this herb but Echinacea Angustifolia and Echinacea purpura are the most commonly used species.

Some of the commonly available Echinacea supplements are:

• Amway Nutrilite Triple Guard Echinacea Tablets
• Herbal Secrets Echinacea & Goldenseal Root Capsules
• Nature’s Bounty Echinacea Capsules With New Formula in Capsules

Summary

Your immune system is complex. It protects your body from harmful pathogens. But to enjoy a healthy immune system, you should adopt a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy and nutritious food can boost your immune system.

It is also necessary to follow some positive lifestyle factors such as getting good sleep, exercising, drinking plenty of water, being hygienic, avoiding stress, and not drinking & smoking.

Taking 5 immune-boosting foods and immune-boosting herbs mentioned in this article will help to strengthen your immune system. It may help you to improve your ability to fight off coronavirus and other infections.

If you still get sick or have other health issues consult your doctor.