It is often during times of widespread panic and global scare caused by a particularly infectious virus, that we are reminded of the absolute importance of practising and maintaining good hygiene and building our immunity. Pathogens such as viruses can rarely ever be defeated with a simple “cure” as they keep modifying their genetic material in accordance with their hosts. So, until a viable precautionary vaccine is invented, strengthening our immunity remains to be our safest bet.
The difference between an epidemic and a pandemic is that the former is a disease or an outbreak that spreads uncontrollably and when there is a sudden increase in the number of infected cases. A pandemic affects a wider geographical area and infects a large number of people. Often, the virus is allowed to spread quickly because humans have little or no immunity to combat it.
Amid such circumstances, there are various steps that we, as a community, can take.
We should make sure that those who are more susceptible to the threats of a virus (those with weak immunity) are kept indoors as frequently as possible – the elderly, expectant mothers and the infants.
We can additionally make home-cooked meals, try our best to ensure that the working populace works from home, give a few days of paid leave to our domestic help as they are more exposed to such viruses because of their daily travel and usage of crowded public transport. We should regulate and monitor the entry and exit of those responsible for making deliveries.
We should ensure to keep ourselves and our surroundings sanitized, avoid touching our hands and face, and remember to similarly keep our pets and their paws clean. We should limit going outside and gathering in groups and only step out for daily essentials.
Our innate immunity is imparted to us from the B&T lymphocytes in our bodies. Their manufacture is co-dependent on the physiological processes that are being undertaken in our bodies. For example, if our stress levels are higher than usual, our immunity invariably takes a toll therefore, keeping a positive outlook helps.
In today’s day and age, where social media plays a big role in news dissemination, we should make sure that we do not believe each and every story we get through these media and get into panic mode. We should rely on information provided by relevant authorities in this regard and follow their guidelines.
We should aim to get enough amount of quality sleep to regulate our hormones and strengthen our immunity by encouraging the thymus to release more pathogen-fighting lymphocytes.
India is a country that is massively wealthy in terms of the natural resources it owns, like plants that have the potential to enhance and strengthen our immunity. Various plants, herbs and spices like neem, tulsi, saffron, turmeric, pepper, cinnamon, star anise, ginger, and garlic contain highly effective phytochemicals and antioxidants that are used by the plants themselves to prevent microbial action. These natural ways to boost immunity are highly beneficial and help prevent many bacterial and viral infections.
Vitamin D from sunlight, enriched foods or as a supplement is essential to build immunity as it helps produce antimicrobial proteins in our bodies. We can also include foods rich in Vitamin C such as citrus fruits and kiwis and zinc-rich foods such as dry-fruits, seeds & nuts that are needed for the body’s immune system to work properly. Honey is another great source of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that is highly beneficial for our immune system.
Bhookha Haathi’s 100% natural products based on dried fruits, nuts, herbs, spices, seeds, grains & honey are great supplements to boost the immune system that our regular diets otherwise are deficient of. Sourced directly from farmers & producers Bhookha Haathi Replace range of proprietary health food products celebrate pure, powerful, healing and health-promoting ingredients that are without any preservatives, added colours or artificial flavours.
Written by: Jahnabee Adhikari
Jahnabee is a part-time blogger, full-time dog lover. She believes that writing actually possesses the potential to change the world. She can be often found fantasizing about poetry or buried nose-deep in a Sudha Murthy novel.
Thanks for this inspirational and very well written article.