We are in year 2 of the Covid pandemic and we are all learning to live with this current situation. Masks are now a part of a daily life – we do not step out without one. Our masks also have a fashion statement, like our bags or shoes, we wear matching colourful masks. From hugs, we have moved on to either Namaste or fist bump. Washing hands after returning home or having a shower has become a norm. Our immune system keeps us safe from parasites, diseases and toxins, so that’s why our immunity our responsibility.
We have friends and relatives battling with covid, some successfully winning against it and some unfortunately losing it. One of the key learnings with this pandemic has been the increase in awareness of self-care. Many wanting to build up their immunity levels. Individuals who had health at the bottom of their to-do list, have now found time to take it up to the top 5.
Building immunity is a journey toward good health. It does not happen overnight. We need to be conscious and mindful in improving and building our immunity levels. Consistency is the key. We can start by making small changes in our lifestyle and be consistent till that change becomes a habit.
Good health is a trinity of body mind and soul. We need to take time to exercise and work on our fitness. We need to take time to relax and enjoy the life around us with nature. We need to be mindful of what we eat.
So here are a few pointers / changes to your daily eating habits which can go a long way in building your immunity.
1. Include antioxidants in your diet. They contain Vitamins C, B and E which helps reduce the risk of disease and help fight off infections. These include berries, garlic, onion, carrot, pumpkin, and eggplants.
2. Anti-inflammatory foods are essential to building a strong immune system. Apart from upping your intake of vegetables and fruits, another easy way to include it in your diet is to sprinkle maybe ½-1 tsp. of turmeric on your food while cooking it. (Turmeric is a super food).
3. Squeeze lime on your food or marinate the food with lime and black pepper or simply have lime juice – lime enhances the taste of food increases the iron absorption from the food. Vit C which is also present in the lime helps in absorption.
4. Use garlic and ginger paste for tempering the food, it is helpful in fighting cold and cough.
5. Have 1/4th tsp cinnamon powder with hot water after every meal as it helps assimilate and metabolise carbohydrates better.
6. Have hot soups (coriander, pepper, garlic soup) – it keeps your respiratory tract free of infections and helps in reliving constipation
How we go about implementing these changes is entirely up to us. We need to have and maintain a sustainable and healthy lifestyle – for that we should “EAT RIGHT. BREATHE WELL. STAY FIT.”
