Improving immunity with ayurveda

Immunity

Immunity is the function of certain cells, enzymes and immunomodulatory cells that attack the microbes in the environment and prevent them from causing diseases.

Although our overall health and lifespan have increased, our immune system has gone weaker.

Symptoms of Low Immunity

Dependency to diseases

Low resistance

Allergies

Fatigue

Low energy

Weakness

Respiratory issues

Stress and depression

Digestion issues

Chronic insomnia

Causes of Low Immunity

Genetics

Poor mental health

Pollution

Poor diet

Lifestyle and metabolic issues

Immunity according to Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, Vyadhi Kshmatva is the ability of the immune system to fight against pathogens, on coming in contact with them. there are 3 types of immunity :

Sahaja Vyadhi Kshamatva - This immunity is inherited by birth.

Vyadhija Vyadhi Kshmatva - This type of immunity develops when an antigen enters the body. Your body is protected by the production of antibodies.

Yuktikrit Vyadhi Kshmatva - This type of immunity is acquired with the help of a healthy diet, lifestyle and general well-being.

Agnibala

Agni or digestive fire is essential for a strong immune system. Healthy digestion process nourishes the seven tissues (sapta dhatu) which feeds the heart and builds immunity. When there is imbalance in agni, the metabolism is affected and immunity is decreased.

Ojas

Ojas nourishes and orders the functioning of the body. Ojas has to be built to fight infections and pathogens. A healthy level of Ojas indicates proper tissue nourishment and it is considered as the essence of the food we consume. Ojas is actually, supreme resilience to any form of unfavourable change leading to a disease, through the imbalance of doshas.

State of mind - Mansik doshas

According to Ojas concept, excessive anger, craving, worry, sadness and exertion impact immunity. Emotional balance and nourishment play an integral part in the normal functioning of our immune system. Prana, Manas, and Rasa originate from the heart, the seat of Ojas. Hence, Ayurveda lays emphasis on daily rituals on dinacharya that nourish both the physical body and emotional heart for a strong immune system.

Ayurvedic remedies to boost Immunity

Immune strengthening herbs

For strengthening and cleansing the upper respiratory tract, start your day with a herbal tea made of Tulsi, Pippali and Ginger.

Consume 15 ml of Amla juice daily.

Turmeric and black pepper must be used in meal preparations daily. It reduces ama (toxins), also in addition to improving immunity.

Tulsi, liquorice, Guduchi, Ashwagandha help in nourishing Ojas.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of warm water and fluids. This way your throat and mucous membrane will remain moist, acting as a barrier to all microbes.

Dehydration is called, 'Aap Dhatu Kshaya' in Ayurveda. It leads to the imbalance of salts, fluids, and minerals.

In order to prevent dehydration, Ayurveda recommends consuming 2-3 litres of water everyday.

Ayurvedic diet for immune boosting

Your nutrition directly affects Ojas and builds or weakens immunity.

The immune system can be made strong by having a well-balanced diet prepared as per your dosha levels. Foods rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants boost your defence mechanisms tremendously.

Antioxidants eliminate free radicals, which are responsible for various chronic health conditions.

Foods rich in fibre, help in maintaining your gut microbiome, boosting your immunity and preventing infections in your digestive tract.

Avoid added sugars as they affect your immune system significantly.

Milk and ghee help in building Ojas.

Reset your sleep cycle

It is during sleep that your body engages in various biological processes like storing new information in the brain, detoxification, repairing damaged cells, regulating hormones and proteins, and restoring energy. While you are asleep, your nerves, present across the body, communicate and reorganize so that you can start your day in a healthy manner. Cytokine proteins are released by your immune system.

So, sleep for at least 6-8 hours to boost your natural immune system.

According to Ayurveda, staying awake at night (Ratrijaagaranath) causes a rapid aggravation of Vata. The body tissues get weakened and immunity is depleted.

Manage your stress levels

Your immune cell functions are greatly affected by Manovyatha or mental stress disorders. You should take time out of your business schedules, and do some stress relieving activities like meditation, yoga, exercise, spending time with loved ones, travelling, music, reading or your favourite hobby.

In order to keep your stress levels in control, you can go for regular Ayurveda's head massage procedures with exotic formulations.

Exercise regularly

Taking into account your doshas, exercise is very important. Moderate exercise for half an hour daily powers your vitality. Pranayama calms the mind and also purifies and toughens the body. The immune system is positively affected by alternate nostril breathing.

Ayurvedic Supplements

In case, your diet lacks adequate nutrients, you can use supplements to keep your immunity on track. They increase the power of digestion.

Herbal supplements made of triphala, ginger, amla etc promote deep nourishment with essential vitamins, which aid in building a powerful immune system. Sitopaladi is a traditional formulation.

Ayurvedic Medications

Brahmi Vati, Ashwagandha ghrita, Brahmi ghrita, Manasamitra Vati, Saraswatharishtam etc are recommended for building general immunity.

Immunity boosting at Jeevess

The Detox treatment, Panchakarma therapy carried out at Jeevess helps augment body immunity. Njavara kizhi and Pizhichil treatments are some other effective procedures for boosting immunity. Regular yoga practice at Jeevess enhances immunity levels to a great extent. Well-balanced diet is made available, rich in all six tastes customized to one's doshas. Rasayana herbs in the form of formulations strengthen your immune system.

Visit Jeevess and make your immune system strong enough to stay hale and hearty.