January 26 is celebrated as Republic Day in India every year, denoting a very salient occasion in our country’s glorious history. It was on this exact date back in the year 1950 that the constitution of India was formally approved and published as a key document of governance. Our courageous freedom fighters not only toiled for independence of the nation, but also framed the basic rights and privileges eligible for and applicable to each and every citizen of India.
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In this regard, besides the various social and economic aspects, health should also be considered a fundamental right and privilege of every individual, regardless of gender, age, religion, caste. Moreover, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic extending over the past two years and with a vast number of infections still being reported presently due to the omicron variant, immunity has taken centerstage in the domain of health and wellness among the population at large, be it a man or woman, young or old.
Enhanced overall wellbeing of every citizen of India is integral to attaining the goal of a healthy, developed and thriving country. Hence, in addition to following COVID-appropriate behaviour of wearing face masks, using hand sanitisers and getting vaccinated, adopting some simple tips to bolster immunity helps prevent the rampant spread of coronavirus infection and stay healthy.
5 Healthy Ways To Uplift The Immune System:
Protein-Rich Diet
Proteins are a vital nutrient that carry out central metabolic reactions in the cells, repair damaged tissues and even promote the growth and development of all organs in the body. Furthermore, proteins are composed of amino acids which are required by immune cells to develop disease resistance and build a strong support system within the body. Eating a protein-rich diet daily by including foods such as lentils and legumes – chickpeas, kidney beans, peas, as well as eggs, fish, milk, yoghurt, nuts ensures optimal nutrition for all bodily tissues and better immune functions.
Herbal Drinks
The time-tested Indian system of medicine – Ayurveda – offers a plethora of valuable herbs and spices that work remarkably well to augment immunity. Popular examples include tulsi, giloy, pudina which are used in preparing a distilled solution known as a Kadha – by boiling and simmering in water and filtering out the concentrated herbal extracts. Additionally, a powerful concoction called Kabasura Kudineer prepared with ginger, pepper, clove, haritaki, guduchi and many more herbs confers proven benefits for boosting lung health, breathing functions and treating respiratory ailments of cough, cold, fever, sore throat and flu.
Beneficial Antioxidants
Antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols, as well as active substances in foods like curcumin in turmeric and gingerol in ginger supply noteworthy merits for uplifting the immune system and thwarting infection and illness. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of phytonutrients – plant-based components that possess marvellous antioxidant properties to flush our harmful free radicals, toxins from the system, lower inflammation and prevent the onset of chronic disorders like diabetes, heart disease, cancer.
Ample Hydration
Drinking 8 glasses i.e. 2 liters of water every day is crucial for physical fitness and mental wellness. As the human body is made up of 60 per cent water, with all cells and tissues requiring the liquid to maintain structural integrity and carry out biochemical functions, consuming sufficient water daily is key for hydration and building improved immunity. Moreover, water aids in eliminating toxins from the kidneys, liver, aside from providing oxygen to blood supply and maintaining electrolyte and acid-base balance in the body, which in turn boost immune functions and avert disease.
Nutrition Supplements
Vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc are actively involved in promoting immune system functioning in the body. While food sources deliver carbohydrates, proteins and fats in vast amounts, vitamins and minerals are at times not supplied in adequate quantities by the diet. Taking vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc supplements as per the dose recommended by doctors helps obtain the necessary amounts of these crucial nutrients, prevent nutrient deficiencies and preserve optimal immune functions in the body.