Question

How can we boost our immunity article
about 150 to 170 words
​

Answer 1

Answer:

The idea of boosting your immunity is enticing, but the ability to do so has proved elusive for several reasons. The immune system is precisely that — a system, not a single entity. To function well, it requires balance and harmony. There is still much that researchers don't know about the intricacies and interconnectedness of the immune response. For now, there are no scientifically proven direct links between lifestyle and enhanced immune function.

But that doesn't mean the effects of lifestyle on the immune system aren't intriguing and shouldn't be studied. Researchers are exploring the effects of diet, exercise, age, psychological stress, and other factors on the immune response, both in animals and in humans. In the meantime, general healthy-living strategies are a good way to start giving your immune system the upper hand.

• Don't smoke.
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
• Try to minimize stress

Answer 2

Answer:

Explanation:

When we are supposed to protect ourselves from the virus from outside, we need to protect ourselves beginning right from within our body by strengthening the immune system. The immune system is indeed complex and is to a great extent impacted by the environment around us.

There are many factors that affect the functioning of the immune system.

A healthy lifestyle involves eating nutritious food, practising hygienic habits, walking and exercising regularly, maintaining good emotional and mental health and having adequate sleep.

It is important to understand that these factors play a significant role in regulating and boosting immunity .

Gut microbiome

A healthy body has a healthy gut. The microbes living in our gut, collectively known as microbiomes play an important role in the body’s response to infectious pathogens like coronavirus.

It is thus important to maintain a healthy gut which helps to prevent impaired digestion that can damage the vital organs like lungs causing respiratory failure.

This is the reason we should think of supporting rather than ‘boosting’ our immunity. Recent research has proved that that the gut microbiomes can be controlled with a good food regime and a healthy diet.

There are many uncertified and unverified claims made on supplements to boost immunity. Instead of following those prescriptions which do not have any scientific evidence, we should consider eating time-tested foods routinely consumed by us.

We are all very well aware that our home made food recipes that had been passed on to us through many generations are definitely capable of providing and sustaining all that is essential for us to strengthen our immunity. They have been found to have the most desirable and positive impact on the gut microbes.

Recommended foods rich in antioxidants and minerals to improve immunity:

Rich in Vitamin A:

Cereals, legumes, yellow and orange coloured vegetables and green leafy vegetables

Rich in Vitamin B (B6, B9, B12) :

Cereals, legumes, green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, soy milk, dairy products fish, chicken and egg

Rich in Vitamin C:

Orange, lemon, guava, kiwi, gooseberry, cauliflower, tomato, capsicum and mint

Rich in Vitamin E:

Nuts, green leafy vegetables and vegetable oils

Rich in Vitamin D:

Egg, fatty fish, milk and its products

Exposure to sunlight is also help improve Vitamin D levels.

Rich in iron:

Cereals, legumes, dry fruits, fish, and chicken

Rich in zinc:

Wheat germ, dried beans, nuts, tofu and Sea foods

Rich in selenium:

Cereals, nuts, mushrooms, meat and chicken

Rich in antioxidants, condiments and spices:

Garlic, onion, ginger, pepper and green tea.

It is preferred to include fish, chicken and egg instead of red meat.

Apart from including the above, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle which involves, consuming nutritious foods, abstaining from alcohol and smoking or moderate indulgence, de-stressing /unwinding with hobbies, having adequate hours of undisturbed sleep, exercising regularly, walking inside your home, in the terrace or even in the balcony of your home and doing simple floor exercises. Static jogging is also recommended