Do you have the antibodies to be immune?

With the world locked up in their homes for over a month, there is pressure to stagger the rules of social estrangement and eventually issue ‘immunity passports.’ Concepts like herd immunity and antibody test kits are going around as adaptability seems to be the obvious way, until a possible vaccine arrives. Amid so much speculation and hypothesis, the only word that gives hope is Immunity. Although doctors around the world admit that they still have difficulty explaining the concept to most people. “There is no rocket science associated with strong immunity. When we align the way we eat, sleep, think, and move with nature, everything that is labeled a disease or condition tends to go away, ”says Luke Coutinho, Holistic Nutrition and Exercise Physiologist.

TYPES OF IMMUNITY

We are all endowed with three types of immunities. One is innate (or natural) that we are born with. The second type is adaptive immunity / protection that develops throughout our lives and the third is passive or borrowed immunity, something like breast milk for a newborn. However, we allow our bodies to weaken and become victims of external threats. Just as we plant more trees and clean our homes to disinfect our surroundings, we also need to vacuum and replenish our internal system on time. Immunity is everything when it comes to prevention and healing, it is the body’s first and last line of defense. Immunity is what empowers the body to fight germs, bacteria, pathogens, and viruses, and it also recognizes and destroys stubborn cells and cancer cells.


THINK DEEP, DREAM DEEP, BREATHE DEEP

How did the world fall prey to a virus? Because we allow a sedentary life, deprived of the sun and caused by stress, to take over the defense mechanism of our body. Our immune system can be affected if it does not have regular interactions with the natural world. One more reason why we should focus on boosting our immunity right now, as we are trapped within the four walls of our home, away from nature and its healing properties. It is your lifestyle that is building a strong immune system or destroying it slowly or quickly. Recent studies from the University of Reading show that stressful thoughts can actually lower levels of immune antibodies. Incorporate deep breathing or meditation into your morning schedule and feel the change. Restful sleep is equally important. Scientists believe that we secrete higher levels of cortisol, the hormone that protects the immune system, during sleep than during the day, “says Dr. Anjali Hooda, a clinical nutritionist.

WORK AND RECOVER

People are using physical fitness as a way to cope with the crisis. Excellent! But watch how much you exercise. Every step you take on the walking trail or treadmill actually increases your white blood cells, strengthening you internally. So exercise is perfect for strengthening immunity. However, don’t go overboard. “Excessive exercise reduces and weakens immunity. Training without proper nutrition and vitamin levels in the body is dangerous for immunity. Less is more when it comes to exercising, “adds Coutinho. Keep your workouts short and powerful. Jumping, walking, yoga, Pilates are fantastic exercises that boost immunity, as are short runs and weight lifting. And what is more? “Exercise is the best antioxidant supplement you will get!” Dr. Hooda says.

FOODS AS MEDICINE

Protein is a must. Research shows that deficiency of high-quality protein can lead to depletion of immune cells, not allowing the body to make enough antibodies. “A person who weighs 60 kg needs at least 40 gm of protein per day from nuts, legumes and vegetables. Homemade dahi is the best source of bacteria and protein and an excellent immune food, “says Dr. Hooda. Get enough vitamin C as it works as a great eliminator in the body, cleaning all the mess. Vitamin D is also essential. “Many people are deficient in vitamin D3 and most think that this is just a bone vitamin, but it is also a precursor to good immunity and one should aim to control D3 levels,” adds Coutinho.

IMMUNE AGENTS

Probiotics: Maintaining a healthy and infection-free intestine is very important for good immunity. So eat a lot of gut-safe yogurt.

Almonds: A handful of almonds can help boost your immune system from the effects of stress. A 60 gram serving contains almost 50% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E, which helps maintain a healthy immune system.

Garlic: It offers several antioxidants that can help fight invaders of the immune system. Directly attacks bacteria and viruses.

Ghee It is the easiest fat to digest, contains essential fatty acids and is a great immunity booster. Both milk and ghee must be organic and free of additives.

Turmeric: Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, it is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, detoxifying and surprising for digestive health.