New Delhi: While the world is taking all precautionary measures to stave off the deadly novel coronavirus, strengthening the immune system is vital to fight COVID-19 as and when till the time a vaccine is available.
ETV Bharat spoke to renowned nutritionist Dr Deepti Verma as to what it means to boost the immune system at this time of crisis.
Q1. So how does the immune system actually work? Is it possible to boost it to combat infections like COVID 19?
A1: Even if a vaccine is found, it doesn’t act on the virus 100 per cent because virus gets in your blood stream, enters the cell and attacks the nucleus of the cell. So anyhow, it is important to build body immunity as the body has all the capabilities to fight any kind of bacteria or a virus.
When a virus enters a well-immunised body, it will manifest as a mild fever and the body will be able to fight it. This is how the body works. So, building immunity is key in today’s time. In a way the pandemic has made us realize the importance of good health, eating right and living a good lifestyle because these are the things that contribute to building the immune system.
Read: Maintaining nutrition during COVID-19 lockdown
First of all, there has to be a routine set in. For example, waking up little early after the sunrise and going to bed about 3-4 hours after the sunset. This is what strengthens the immune system. The morning sun has the power to empower the White Blood Corpuscles (WBC) and the fighting agents to an extent so that it can fight any kind of virus or bacteria. Lifestyle, food time, good sleep cycle, possibly boost the immune system.
Q2. Prime Minister Modi has directed the states to develop herbal remedies for immunity against COVID-19. What is your opinion on this and will it be effective?
A2: The PM in his speech has already stressed on the importance of the guidelines of Ayush ministry. Herbal remedy works like magic, it’s just that people in India are not aware. In India everything is herb-based. While cooking, people use ‘garam masalas’ like cinnamon, ‘elaichi’. It has got highly medicinal benefits. The Indian kitchen is like a pharmacy.
The first thing we have always undermined is the use of ‘turmeric’ which is abundant in India. But there is a need to use raw turmeric (turmeric root) which is easily available or fresh grounded turmeric. So, the raw form of turmeric can be consumed in the form of turmeric tea adding a hint of grated ginger in the boiling water. Sipping a concoction of this can work wonders to fight such a virus. The Ayush ministry has directed that it be taken two cups a day. Turmeric does wonders as it contains bio-active compound ‘curcumin’ which is so powerful that besides killing virus, it behaves like a chemotherapy to treat malignant tumours. Turmeric is also capable of shrinking the size of the tumour.
Read: How to curb sugar cravings during lockdown
Secondly, ‘cinnamon sticks’ (dalchini) again works wonders. It contains a bioactive compound called ‘caumadian’ which not only boosts immunity, it helps to reverse diabetes, prevents the clumping of platelets in the blood, lowers the blood pressure and has multiple other benefits.
And then there is the sacred basil leaf (tulsi which is one of the best antibiotics and an anti-viral. Clove (laung) is something which keeps the fever down besides producing antibodies, WBC. WBCs are germ-fighting agents. Intake of herbal concoctions can produce WBCs which helps fight viruses. The herbal concoction which is stressed upon by the Ayush ministry is made up of all the essential herbs.
There is no denying that food can improve mental health and wellness but people end up craving for food out of boredom and stress during this lockdown, which at times proves to be unhealthy. What do you recommend in this regard?
There is a science behind it. Our hunger and the thirst receptors are very close to each other. Whenever we are thirsty, it is always the hunger signal that gets released, so we end up eating when actually, the brain wanted to direct us to drink water. So, to avoid binge eating, consumption of water is very important. Engaging in physical activity in the form of walking, exercise, yoga, meditation, can also help control binge eating as it releases hormones that control the appetite. But importantly, do not get into a sedentary lifestyle.
Q3: What all foods can we eat to help keep our immune systems balanced?
A3: Tips to be followed
· Turmeric tea twice a day with a hint of honey and garlic or turmeric milk
. Two seasonal fruits in a day
· Consumption of home-cooked food like chapatis and vegetables. Avoid junk food
· Nuts and flaxseeds as they supply Omega 3 which helps in boosting immunity. Omega 3 is a fatty acid which is healthy as it does not let any germ get inside the cell. Almonds, walnuts contain Omega 3
· Salad a must as it works as internal body scrubber
· Drinking lots of water and proper sleep is a must.
Eating late is one of the causes of non-communicable diseases and that is where we are going wrong in India. Awareness is the beginning of transformation in lifestyle and consistency is the key to master our health.
