Leading a fruitful and joyous life involves working actively towards improving various aspects of your life. Health, among all other fronts, ought to be the first priority. Vedas have preached about treating our bodies like someone we love and adore.
So, to live a healthy life you have to nourish your body and mind, you have to care for it consistently.
Diseases and sickness bring suffering and discomfort to us. The only entity that prevents us from all that is our body. It protects us from harmful threats, seen and unseen. White blood cells are the little soldiers that attack any foreign substance that invades us. Our skin repairs itself when we suffer incisions. We are well protected by our body, and it is imperial that we nourish and nurture it sufficiently to keep it healthy and lead a sustainable lifestyle.
Immune system serves as the headquarters for all such activities. It helps the body fend off any infection from foreign bodies, like virus, bacteria, toxins, etc. It often reacts immediately and adapts to defeat that invading element. Our optimal health relies on the choices we make in our lifestyle, as they alter our immune system’s abilities. Here’s how you can keep your gut fresh and healthy:
- Prebiotic foods: The whole game is about keeping your gut microbiome healthy. It means you have to keep the environment in your immune system sustainable enough for it to produce good toxins and function well.
Prebiotic foods contain enzymes that help your body produce more of “the good bacteria”. These bacteria increase the development of cytokines and other similar proteins which assist the immune system to function optimally.
Foods like garlic, asparagus, onions and bananas are great sources of prebiotic foods.
- Eat the rainbow: A deliciously easy way to consume enough of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins is to eat a colorfully wide palette of healthy meals. Eat more fruits and vegetables, like sweet potatoes, cherries, red apples, kiwis, pineapple, dates, spinach, grapes, and … you get the idea.
The aim is to create a broad spectrum of nutrients for your body to use for boosting its immune system.
- Catch up to your Zzz’s: Your immune system does its work best when you’re sleeping. But if you’re up late working or binging watching TV shows all night, you’re going to become prone to more infections and inflammations. While you are resting, your body is quite active. Most internal processes like repairing, digestion, assimilation and secretion of various enzymes take place best when you are sleeping & help you feel refreshed when you wake up.
Irregular sleep patterns may result in chronic disorders and impaired bodily functions. Try to get 8 hours of sleep regularly to feel your best.
- More protein - More gains: Proteins contain high amounts of zinc. It is required to generate and mobilize your protecting soldiers - white blood cells.
Not getting enough and regular doses of protein often lead to negative effects on your T-cells. They help dispatch the antibodies to various parts of your body and are therefore crucial to your immune system’s function.
Some great sources of lean protein are beans, chickpeas, paneer, chicken, oysters and crabs.
- Manage your stress: The logic is simple. More stress equals a worse immune system. The solution is simple too! Even though stress is often talked about as a constant overlooking black cloud, with the right steps, it can get easier to deal with.
Give journaling a chance. Try meditating, yoga and mindful breathing to help you ground your thoughts. Choose one activity you find helpful and practice regularly. It will work wonders for your mental health and your gut’s health too.
Imagine giving an exam without preparation. That’s exactly what having an upset immune system feels like to your body. It’s imperative to stick to a healthy diet in order to boost your immune system to its maximum potential. Start with small changes like adding healthy foods to your diet or sleeping 20 mins earlier. Consistent baby steps will propel you yards ahead in your journey to a healthy and joyous lifestyle.
