With COVID – 19, spreading its tentacles at an alarming rate and with no antidote till date to combat it, self-isolation and quarantining seems to be the only hope to prevent the virus from spreading further. With the aged and those with pre-existing medical conditions at far greater risk of contracting the virus owing to their lower immunity levels, the time is now, to look inward for foods within the home to help you fight the on-set of the infection.

Use natural herbs and spices :

Use this time to build a great immune system with foods and some easy-to-do home exercises, to help you stay fit. Time and again research has proven that, foods with ingredients like Vitamin C & E and certain types of herbs are great at boosting immunity. Fruits and vegetables which are rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin C, E and even Zinc can surely help build greater immunity. Herbs like turmeric, ginger, garlic, Tulsi and black cumin are proven to have medicinal and curative properties which have now been embraced globally.

Curcumin, for instance, an ingredient found in in the ubiquitous turmeric is a widely recognised ingredient for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties. Some research also points to having Tulsi with black pepper and honey provides strength to the body to fight diseases and infections. Being rich in Vitamins C, B1 and B6; minerals (phosphorous and iron), Garlic is not only a great flavour-adding agent to the food, but also a rich source of immune booster owing to its nutritive, antifungal and antiseptic properties. Key ingredients present in Garlic – sulfur compound allicin .

Preventive health check-ups.

It goes without saying, that preventive healthcare should the core for the government’s efforts in achieving health for all. Thanks to the mushrooming of chain labs and media awareness, Indians today are opening up to the concept of preventive health check-ups.  Lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, stroke, cancers and cardiovascular diseases have been long hitting us.

Detailed studies indicate that the prevalence of these diseases have resulted in an increase in the mortality figures by at least 50% in every Indian state between 1990 and 2016. Infact, every year, roughly 5.8 mn Indians succumb to heart and lung diseases, stroke, cancer and diabetes. Not far behind, non-communicable diseases are expected to comprise more than 75% of India’s disease burden by 2025.

The Government has made a good move by implementing the National Health Protection Scheme under Ayushman Bharat, to provide universal health coverage to over poor and vulnerable families. However, as a country, we are still far away from developing a robust health coverage system for our entire population. According to the WHO (2005), the estimated loss in India’s national income due to heart diseases, stroke and diabetes in 2005 was US $9 billion as compared to US $3 billion. These losses are projected to exceed US $200 billion in the next decade.

An increased tax exemption would encourage people to opt for regular health check-ups, thereby aiding in early diagnosis and in turn reducing the burden on secondary and tertiary care facilities.  Nevertheless, it is encouraging how corporates are making pre-employment health check-ups a mandatory part of the recruitment process. Not just pre-employment, they are offering yearly check-ups to all employees which will help to make a healthy society.

Mrs. D.A. Kalpaja
Chairperson
Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre

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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.

The post Immunity boosting foods to help keep safe during pandemic appeared first on Health Vision.

With COVID – 19, spreading its tentacles at an alarming rate and with no antidote till date to combat it, self-isolation and quarantining seems to be the only hope to prevent the virus from spreading further. With the aged and those with pre-existing medical conditions at far greater risk of contracting the virus owing to their lower immunity levels, the time is now, to look inward for foods within the home to help you fight the on-set of the infection.

Time and again research has proven that, foods with ingredients like Vitamin C & E and certain types of herbs are great at boosting immunity The magic lies in the “ingredients” that are present in these foods which are highly effective in building immunity. Few “daily” foods which are excellent immunity builders, especially in times such as these are fruits and vegetables which are rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin C, E and even Zinc. These changes in the diet of the elderly can surely help build greater immunity. Foods with dark leafy greens such as spinach, carrots, apricots, peas, broccoli, red and yellow peppers have good amounts of beta-carotene and are surely great food options.

1.Staying hydrated: Ask anybody and without batting an eyelid they would say “drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day”. The same principle applies here too.  One could also include green tea, coconut water and even some homemade fruit juices which will go a long way in boosting immunity.

2.Foods rich in Vitamin C: Various researches have proven that vitamin C is an important aspect of improving immunity, be it kids, adults or even elderly! Fruits like oranges, papaya, kiwi, and guava are rich in vitamin C and should be included in their diet. Also, veggies like eggplant, bell peppers, beetroot, spinach, and cauliflower are known to be quite rich in vitamin C and are good for immunity.

3.Herbs: Naturally occurring substances in our very own humble herbs like turmeric, ginger, garlic, Tulsi and black cumin are proven to have medicinal and curative properties which have been embraced globally. Curcumin, for instance, an ingredient found in in the ubiquitous turmeric is a widely recognised ingredient for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties. Some research also points to having Tulsi with black pepper and honey provides strength to the body to fight diseases and infections. Being rich in Vitamins C, B1 and B6; minerals (phosphorous and iron), Garlic is not only a great flavour-adding agent to the food, but also a rich source of immune booster owing to its nutritive, antifungal and antiseptic properties. Key ingredients present in Garlic – sulfur compound allicin .

4.Foods rich in Vitamin E: Some researches have proven that vitamin E is vital for maintaining the overall health of elderly people, including their immunity. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can protect you from various infections, bacteria and viruses. Include soaked almonds, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, and even hazelnuts to get the daily dose of vitamin E.

In times such as these when even stepping out for a few minutes exposes you to a significant risk of contracting the infection, staying at home, locked-down can be stressful too on the mind, body and soul. Use this time to build a great immune system with these foods and some easy-to-do home exercises, to help you stay fit.

Dr Anju Majeed,

Director & Senior Scientist, Sami-Sabinsa Group.

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