CHOOSE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Immunity booster seems to be the new buzzword in the current scenario. Every day I hear about new recipes for boosting immunity or WhatsApp forwards sharing immunity boosting potlis or concoctions. It does seem amusing and smattering at the same time because human beings are born with a basic immune system. It does a remarkable job of defending you against diseasecausing microorganisms. Though the forwards from WhatsApp University sound enticing, but the ability to really boost the immune system has proved elusive. However, your first and foremost line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle.
A healthy lifestyle can be adopted by incorporating a few changes in your routine such as, eating a well-balanced diet and having a regular yoga or exercise regimen. Follow regular detox plans like fasting, practice basic hygiene and maintain a healthy weight. You also need to minimise stress and get adequate sleep. Apart from practicing a healthy lifestyle, the ancient Ayurveda prescribes a few herbs that you can add to our diet to help fortify the body’s ability to fight diseases.
Ginger also known as Vishwa-Aushadh in Ayurveda, has medicinal properties and is considered to be a cure to many disorders. Have an inch long slice of ginger with a pinch of rock salt before lunch, to cleanse the palate and stimulate appetite. Interestingly, a massage with a ginger infused body oil is beneficial to relieve the symptoms of common flu such as muscle ache, fatigue and headaches.
Indian Gooseberry or amla derives its name from the Sanskrit word Amlaki which means “nectar of life”. It is a super food as it is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C found naturally among fruits. Include this in your diet in the form of fresh juice consumed first thing in the morning, a homemade Murabba, or add it to your salads. It is recommended to avoid consumption of amla post sunset at night.
Holy Basil or tulsi has a strong spiritual significance in Indian culture. It has antimicrobial properties that help in fighting respiratory diseases, fever and other infections by building one’s natural immunity. You can include this as a diet supplement to beat cough, cold and mild fever by consuming 2 spoons of freshly squeezed tulsi leaf juice blended with 1 tsp of pure honey. You may also add tulsi leaves to brew a traditional cup of Indian Chai (milk tea).
My dear readers, I wish that you incorporate a healthy lifestyle as well as a few herbs prescribed by Ayurveda. This will help your body to resist and fight disease causing microorganisms. Stay safe and stay healthy!