With the pandemic has swept across the nation with no warning whatsoever, our focus is currently on the body’s immune system. Everyone wants to know how to build it and strengthen our natural defence mechanism. This is not just against one particular illness but all of them. So what is everyone talking about? Let’s read to know more about immunity. 

What is immunity?

Immunity is the ability of the body to defend itself from 'foreign bodies.' It is how the body enables either natural or acquired resistance to illnesses. Our innate or natural immunity (present at birth) provides immediate response to these foreign invaders. Adaptive immunity has a memory and provides long-term immunity against specific pathogens. Before we look for ways to enhance immunity, let’s examine why immunity is so important. 

Why is immunity important? 

As long as your immune system works fine, you will not notice its presence at all. This immune system has a crucial role in your wellness and longevity. Its fundamental purpose is to protect your body from viruses and bacteria. Without it, they'd have free reign, and you'd be steadily falling ill.

A robust immune system is your body’s best self-defence against any illness.

How does immunity work?

The immune system works by identifying your body’s cells and alien pathogens, thus enabling it to destroy what could potentially harm you. The problem arises when there is not enough power to fight illnesses or if the immunity wrongly identifies and marks your own body cells as dangerous to attack them. 

Why does it require nourishment? 

It is a myth that once we take a supplement to enhance immunity, we are good to go. It is not quite so. Like we need food for energy, we need to take regular additional supplements just for our immunity. This is because, just as we run and lose energy, various emotions and specific lifestyles can harm our immunity as well. 

How does immunity reduce? 

Unhealthy habits, stress, and inadequate nourishment can negatively affect your immune system. Sedentary life, negative emotions such as anger or loneliness, a diet high in saturated fats slowly reduce your ability to fight illnesses in the long run. A weak immune system is unable to protect the body and fight for it effectively. This makes us vulnerable to various illnesses and infections. This, in turn, requires medicines. What if we could prevent us from falling sick in the first place? 

If you are looking for ways to enhance immunity, you must work on your mental and emotional state too.

Can immunity be increased? 

Your immunity needs to be nurtured with a healthy diet, the right amount of sleep, and regular exercise. Washing your hands regularly, being fully vaccinated, and maintaining hygiene is critical to your immunity as well. 

Why is naturally enhanced immunity better? 

Your body runs on the fuel you provide it with. Enhancing your immunity naturally nourishes your immune system and enables it to fight illnesses in the best way possible. There are no side effects, such as constipation or drowsiness, when you strengthen your body with herbal ingredients. 

What kind of nourishment can be given?

Our diet plays a crucial role in sustaining and maintaining our immune system. Natural herbs and spices such as ginger, turmeric, garlic, cinnamon, and clove can help us maintain a proper balance of vitamins and minerals in our body to make it stronger. Simple consumption is not sufficient to enhance the immune system. The way we consume it also matters. Since the major part of our immune system is in our stomach, we mustn't upset it by consuming them inappropriately. 

Top Five tips to enhance your immunity by taking care of your gut

To help the immune system, adequate hydration, and sleep help. Optimal nutrition, as several micronutrients, may play a role. Exercise may help to decrease the general level of inflammation. Avoidance of smoking and alcohol are significant factors as these are toxins. By appropriately consuming the right nutrients, you can bring nourishment to your immune system. 

1. Curd: Curd has essential bacteria and is hence considered as the best food for our gut. Regular consumption inhibits cholesterol and prevents high blood pressure. The live active cultures found in yoghurt fight disease-causing germs and keep your stomach and intestinal tract protected. 

Best way to consume curd for immunity: Raita is a popular way of consuming curd. Slightly dilute it and add flavours with jeera powder, salt and dried mint. Tomatoes and onions can be added as well. 

2. Ginger: Abundant in nutrients, ginger comes with immune-boosting properties that help us fight diseases and infections. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in ginger are critical in keeping diseases away. 

Best way to consume ginger for immunity: Immerse ginger pieces in boiling water for 10 minutes. Add some lemon juice or honey. 

3. Garlic: It eradicates pathogens that inhibit the immune system in our body. It also has antiviral properties, but what makes it an immunity booster is the presence of Allicin. This helps in fighting several ailments.

Best way to consume garlic for immunity: Eating it raw and chewing garlic releases the Allicin in the mouth, which is then absorbed by the body.

4. Cloves: Cloves have the highest oxygen radical absorption capacity and pathogen killing capacity among all other herbs and spices. This aids the immune system in fighting off oxidative damage and free radicals. Eugenol also can help ease infections and fight disease-causing bacteria in the body. 

Best way to consume cloves for immunity: Put at least two cloves into your tea each morning, and chew them up after you have finished your drink.

5. Turmeric: Turmeric strengthens our antiviral defence mechanism. Curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound present in it, is a powerful antioxidant that is also critical in defending us against illnesses. 

Best way to consume turmeric for immunity: When consumed with milk, turmeric combats cough, and cold. The fat present in the milk helps in the absorption of turmeric. 

Why is it essential to enhance your immune system naturally? 

Researchers from Harvard and MIT investigated the side effects of antibiotics and how bacteria could develop resistance to them. They found out that the drugs can work against the body and weaken the immune system's ability to fight off the illnesses. It is a widely appreciated fact that chemicals are best avoided. 

Immune system: Use it or lose it.

Your immune system gets more potent as and when you fall ill. Compare it to muscle training. A bodybuilder or a wrestler builds muscles by using them, not resting. When you take medicines to fight your illnesses for you, you might also suppress your fever with them. This is highly counterproductive. Instead, work on your immune system by nourishing it naturally. Solve the problem at the root, not the symptoms. Adopt a natural diet and understand how to enhance immunity. 

Maharishi Ayurveda’s philosophy

Established in the year 1987 with the promise to spearhead His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ji’s mission, “Create a disease-free society,” Maharishi Ayurveda has been making the science of Ayurveda more relevant to modern lifestyle. It is renowned for its expertise, superior solutions, and over 800 research and clinical trials conducted in prestigious institutions worldwide. Based on the axiom of age-old science of holistic healing, the aim is to bring the body to its natural state by eliminating diseases or vikar from within.

Herd immunity describes the point at which a population is sufficiently immune to a disease to prevent its circulation. By promoting naturally enhanced immune systems, Maharishi Ayurveda hopes to eradicate illnesses and ensure long-term longevity and wellness. 

Connect with us to know more about how you can adopt natural ways to fight illnesses. Call our vaidya and understand your body better. Learn how to enhance immunity naturally with Maharishi Ayurveda Products