Often we suffer from common infections like cold and flu and feel very lethargic. However, the severity and duration of the illness are different for different individuals.Our bodies are constantly attacked by toxins present in our environment. Every day our immune system has to deal with polluted air, processed food, and contaminated water. It provides soldiers which our body use to deal with the attack of pollutants. A frail immune system escalates the chances of falling sick.Most people turn to vitamin C after they’ve caught a cold. That’s because it helps build up your immune system. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells. These are key to fighting infections.If you think citrus fruits have the most vitamin C of any fruit or vegetable, think again. Ounce for ounce, red bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C as citrus. They’re also a rich source of beta carotene. Besides boosting your immune system, vitamin C may help maintain healthy skin. Beta carotene helps keep your eyes and skin healthy.Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins and minerals. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fiber, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your table. The key to keeping its power intact is to cook it as little as possible — or better yet, not at all.Garlic is found in almost every cuisine in the world. It adds a little zing to food and it’s a must-have for your health. Early civilizations recognized its value in fighting infections. According to the National Center for Complementary garlic may also help lower blood pressure and slow down hardening of the arteries. Garlic’s immune-boosting properties seem to come from a heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin.Though, symptoms of frequent exposure to infections and low energy are typical of low immunity.Factors like stress, improper nutrition, chronic disease, poor liver function, inactive thyroid, and toxins impact our immunity. Despite this, there are many natural ways to boost the immune system. Here are some foods to help boost immunity:
1. Turmeric
Turmeric (haldi) is an excellent preventive remedy for monsoon related infection. Take ½ tsp turmeric powder mixed with ½ tsp of honey twice a day to prevent a cold. It also helps relieve bloating and indigestion. It boosts the immune system and prepares it to fight disease. Drinking fresh turmeric juice — by blending the fresh turmeric with a little water, straining it, and having 30 ml of this preparation once a day — boosts immunity.
2. Ginger
Ginger is valuable for immunity boosting, according to Ayurveda. Include raw ginger in your regular diet. Ginger tea is used as a remedy against flu, colds, sore throat, nasal congestion, and sinus pain.
3. Honey
Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood cells to fight bacteria and viral diseases. Mix two teaspoons of honey with an equal quantity of ginger juice and consume it frequently.
4. Cumin seeds
They are rich in antioxidants and hence boost immunity. Cumin seeds are also rich in iron, vitamins A and C, which boost the immune system. Black cumin seeds are also used as a natural medicine in treating asthma.
5. Clove oil
It has a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect, and thereby clears the nasal passage. This is useful in various respiratory disorders including coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and tuberculosis. Chewing a clove bud eases sore throats.
6. Ajwain
In an acute attack of a common cold or migraine headache, put ajwain powder in a thin cloth and smell it frequently. Also, drinking hot water after chewing ajwain reduces phlegm and cough.
7. Black onion seeds
These (kalonji) are very effective in treating diseases caused by a weakened immune system. Kalonji seeds are a rich source of essential fatty acids, which are important constituents for the production of immune cells and for the growth and maintenance of the nervous system. Onion seeds can be added to vegetables, dals, and chutneys.
