COVID -19 or Corona Virus infection was declared as a global pandemic disease by the world health organization (WHO) and while countries are struggling with imminent dangers that this virus poses to humanity, there are few key measures that individuals can take to fight this pandemic. While its crucial to maintain hygiene standards like washing your hands properly and if you are travelling by public transport, using alcohol based sanitizers, wearing mask and gloves that should cover your nose and mouth and avoiding touching your hand to your mouth are essentials to be followed.

Improving  immunity  is paramount :

Moreover, there are certain methods to improve our immunity which is paramount at this juncture. Pre-existing illness like Hypertension, Diabetic, Respiratory issues are high risk factors affecting the chances of developing covid-19 complications. People over the age of 60 also have lesser immunity and are at risk of developing complications. The younger generation with no underlying illness may develop mild infections or may be asymptomatic throughout the course of the disease.

You can also help to improve your immunity by improving your diet. The food you are eating can also play a key role to improve your immunity and overall health. Let’s talk about food that we should include in our daily diet.

1. First and most important is Vitamin C (found in fruits like oranges, grapes, bananas, carrots, apples, gooseberries) that we all know will help to boost our immunity and prevent common colds. This Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant and will help reduce severe infection including sepsis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

2. Consume more fruits and green vegetable which is rich in Beta-Carotene, Ascorbic acid, Iron (mushroom, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, tomato) which are good options to build resistance in body against infection.

3. There are several herbs like garlic, ginger, basil leaves which can help boost your immunity. Garlic contain Allicine which helps to fight against germs and boost immune systems. You can add it in your soup and curries. Anti-inflammatory gingerols and shagals in ginger will help to relieve sore throat and also act against rhinovirus which causes cold in the first place. Add in your tea to warm up on a cold day.

4. You can also have Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids like flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, chia seed, nuts and fish which may help to boost immune system by enhancing the functioning of immune cells.

5. Eat low carb diet as this will help control high blood sugar and pressure.

6. Include yogurt and curd in your diet as probiotics promote the production of natural antibodies in the body. They also boost immune cell like IgA-producing cell, T lymphocytes and natural killer cells.

7. Add iron rich foods (dry fruits, banana, liver, honey) in your daily diet which play an important role for immune cell proliferation and maturation, particularly lymphocyte associated with the generation of specific response to infection.

A nutritious diet and an optimally functioning immune system can never go wrong if you have a healthy immune system. Your body can safeguard you from any disease even against the Novel Corona Virus. Everything you need to try and improve your immunity are all within your reach. Consume these food and vitamins in your diet to develop strong immunity and in turn fight against infectious diseases and stay home to beat corona virus.

Also Read: FIVE IMMUNITY BOOSTING HERBS TO KEEP DISEASES AT BAY

Arpita Chakraborty, Nutritionist
Apollo Clinic HSR, Bangalore.

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