For centuries it has been told that we are what we eat – which roughly translates to – the state of our body and health are determined by our food habits. The importance of a good diet is directly proportional to overall health and immunity, and in the current day, immunity is key. Whether it is fighting off diseases, working hard, or living our best life, the need of the hour is to enhance the body’s immune system and keep illness of any form away. By ensuring a good diet and mindful eating habits, the body’s defense system is renewed and its ability to ward off imbalance – amplified.
But how does one naturally boost immunity? The answer lies in our everyday habits. Building and strengthening immunity is not an overnight process but a task that takes consistency, and mindfulness. More than often, health experts advise resorting to supplements to give the body adequate nourishment. This could be in the form of vitamins, herbs, and other supplements, both natural and synthetic. But the easiest way to build and enhance your immune system is right in your kitchen – In your food, your diet.
For a diet to effectively enhance the immune system, there are a few factors that need to be considered, and Ayurveda balances out all of these factors considering optimal health and immune function as the outcome.
Nutrition and Immunity
LINKING DIET AND IMMUNITY
The human immune system is complex, with multiple responsibilities. But with the right diet, it can be enhanced for optimal functioning. Nourishing the body with nutrients can do wonders for the immune system. In the Ayurvedic system, whole food is considered more nourishing and high in nutrient value.
START WITH
- Cutting down processed foods that have no life force
- Focus on whole foods that have an abundance of life force
- Start incorporating foods rich in Vitamin C, D, A, Iron, Protein, and Zinc.
- Spice up your food with healthy spices like turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove
The reason experts ask you to load up on natural foods rich in nutrients is that these foods support the body in carrying out cellular functions and go into defense mode if and when required. The above-mentioned nutrients can be found in both animal-based and plant-based diets but ultimately also boils down to personal preference in the diet. Ideally, a plant-based diet is easier on the body as it is easily digestible and the body easily soaks up the nutrients. Additionally, plants are by nature rich in fiber, making them a healthier and more beneficial choice among the two.
LINKING DIGESTION AND IMMUNITY
The gut plays a very important role in enhancing the body’s immunity. The digestive tract consists of a multitude of immune cells, implying the fact that what we put in our body plays a very important role in our immunity. Diet plays a key role in triggering and mediating immune responses when pathogens invade the gut.
This is when we talk about ‘good bacteria’ or healthy microbiota in the form of prebiotics. Prebiotics help enhance the digestive system which in turn enhances the immune system. It is always a good idea to incorporate a healthy dose of natural prebiotics in your diet to keep your immune system functioning well.
Some natural prebiotics are
- Cabbage
- Onions
- Asparagus
- Artichokes
- Leeks
Keep in mind that a healthy and diverse diet is sufficient to provide beneficial bacteria to help nurture the health of your microbiome.
LINKING PRANA AND IMMUNITY
Food is not just responsible for providing the body with energy but also the energy of the life force or what is called PRANA in Ayurvedic terms. Prana is the energy that pulses through all living things and is the living force that gives us the radiance, vitality, and enthusiasm to get through every day. A key metric to notice is how natural food feels alive as opposed to the processed food which looks good and tastes good but is devoid of any useful nutrient value. Natural food has and will continue to provide the body with the necessary nutrients to strengthen the immune system and lead a happy life.
LINKING BALANCE AND IMMUNITY
In Ayurveda, there is a concept of qualities – Guna. Guna is what one would call a descriptive term to understand how a particular food will help our body and state of being. Food holds the power to balance the body, a greater balance that comes with great mindfulness. The key here is to identify what our body truly needs. Food brings balance – an example of which is demonstrated by how the body reacts to a steaming bowl of soup on a cold winter evening. Finding balance is important to enhance the immune system because the immune system can only be healthy as long as the body is healthy.
Being mindful of our food habits and diet is essential to bring about a balance that in turn fuels the immune strength. When consumed thoughtfully, food holds the power to relieve imbalances, mitigate the effects of the changing seasons and external stressors, while supporting the strength and vitality of our systems overall.
If you do not quite know how to find a better-balanced diet, get in touch with us so we can understand you better and offer a diet that will enhance your immune system based on your personal preferences. Call (323)229-2930 for a personal consultation with Vaidya Jay Parla and embark on your journey towards a healthier, and better you.