Immunity and Ayurveda
Immunity is the body’s way of preventing disease.
Children are born with an immune system composed of cells, glands, organs, and fluids located throughout the body.
The immune system recognizes germs that enter the body as “foreign invaders” (called antigens) and produces proteins called antibodies to fight them.
The immune system that can produce antibodies fast enough to keep it from causing disease. This protection is called immunity.
If the immune system is not functioning well then it can result in disease, such as autoimmunity, allergy and cancer.
The immune system is a complex system of structures and processes that has evolved to protect us from disease.
Molecular and cellular components,Tissues and Organs make up the immune system which provide non-specific and specific protection against Microorganisms,Microbial toxins and tumor cells
The main function of the immune system is to protect humans from pathogenic microorganisms,infections and diseases.
Factors affecting immune system are
1) Poor diet :- Diet has a direct link to immune system and vitality.
2 ) Stress:- Being under mental, physical, emotional stress will ultimately lead to having negative effects on the immune system.
3 ) Lack of exercise:- Those that exercise and walk at least 30 minutes per day not only live longer but it is proven that they fight sickness better and get sick less often.
4) Lack of sleep:- It need around 7 hours of sleep per night
5 ) Sugar :- Excessive Sugar suppresses the immune system
6 ) Drugs :- taking antibiotics had reduced levels of cytokines — the hormone messengers of the immune system.that weaken immune system
7 ) Alcohol :- Alcohol weaken the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. Excessive alcohol consumption or long term alcohol abuse can lead to immune deficiency in two ways — nutritional deficiency and reducing white blood cells
8 ) Lack of Vitamin D :- If there is not enough vitamin D the immune system go down and disease can develop.
9 ) Dehydration :- Can affect energy and sleep, and the have inability to get toxins/waste material out of the body.
10 ) Refined Grain :- Refined grains, such as white flour, instant rice and many types of fast food contain few nutrients and little fiber compared to the natural whole grains they are derived from.
11) Additives and Toxins used in Food industry :- Additives and colors are one major cause of asthma, cancer and many other disease creating a toxic environment for health.
12 ) Not going outdoor :- Not enough outdoors or fresh air and sunshine. Sun (in appropriate amounts) enables Vitamin D synthesis which helps boost our immune system.
13 ) Working in an air-conditioned environment :- This can increase risk of catching others viruses and bacteria.
14 ) Less Fluid intake:- Drink 8 glasses of water per day.
15 ) Mental State of being :- How feel about self , especially unhappy, unwell or depress that affects immune system negatively.
An immune system is important to a person’s life because it is the first line of defense against microorganism that makes everybody sick.
To boost immune system in a natural way, then Ayurveda is the right path.
In Ayurveda the immune system is called Ojas.
It is a fine vital energy, concentrated in the heart Chakra. When the health of a man gets weaker, this is a sign that the Ojas energy in the body has decreased.
When the Ojas level is low, people are vulnerable to various infections, illnesses such as ulcers, even cancer.
Ayurveda believes that the negative emotions also can be a reason for Ojas decreasing. Such feelings are the hatred, anger, worry, guilt, envy, jealousy, excessive fatigue or hunger.
The low level of Ojas vulnerable to various infections, allergies, tiredness, feeling of lethargy and fatigue, breathing problems, digestive problems, lack of appetite, chronic insomnia.
Another aspect of the immune system is its hyperactivity of Ojas, when attacking the body’s own cells by thinking them of foreign invaders. This inability to distinguish the foreign organisms and healthy cells is called autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The body also have a natural intelligence called Tejas in Ayurveda.
This natural intelligence is needed for many functions, such as regulating all metabolic activity, i.e. managing use of energy and blood.
Intelligence directs digestion, and sensitivity to immune system.
Cells communicate with each other intelligently via hormones and other chemical messengers.
All of these intelligent activities are work under Tejas.
When Tejas the intelligence of the body is disturbed due to the presence of toxins or a trauma, Tejas is blocked and it can’t distinguish the cells properly.that’s also weaken the immunity
So According to Ayurveda Any activity, Any food and any herbs which enhances Ojas and Tejas is boost for immunity.
Here are some Ayurvedic way to boost immune system.
1) Eat healthy food :- Eat a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and light dairy products.
2 ) Exercise regularly :- Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes keep fit and well
3 ) Good Sleep :- Sleep early wake up early .Maintain regular time
4) Keep digestive fire strong :- Eat when you are hungry.Do daily activity to keep fire strong
6 ) Drink green tea :- Drink herbal tea / decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry Ginger) and Munakka (Raisin) - once or twice a day. Add jaggery (natural sugar) and / or fresh lemon juice to your taste, if needed.
7)Take ayurvedic supplements :- Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar free Chyavanprash.
8 ) Golden Milk :-Half tea spoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk - once or twice a day.
9 ) Spices :- like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) are use in cooking.
10) Nasal application :- Apply sesame oil / coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils (Pratimarsh Nasya) in morning and evening
Despite a healthy diet and lifestyle sometimes our immune system is not potent enough to manage infections in such cases and take herbs Or Ayurvedic Supplements that boost immunity.
There are various herbs in Ayurveda that support immunity, they are as follows
1)Amla (Emblica officinalis) :- A well-known ayurvedic herb that has been used for the purposes of enhancing immunity and longevity.
Amla Tablets
Its fruits are rich in antioxidants and have other properties so it is used for immune boosting purposes.
Those who consume Amla regularly they are likely to live a disease free long life.
Amla formulation which is well known for its immune
boosting action –is CHYAWANPRASH HERBAL IMMUNITY BOOSTER which Improves Digestion and Metabolism Protect and Strengthens the Respiratory System Antioxidant and Immune Booster,Nourishes the brain cells and Improves memory,Cardiotonic, Anticarcinogenic.
Chyawanprash .
2)Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) :- It acts as a natural immune booster. it is widely used as a general health tonic in stress and anxiety .
This herb is full of antioxidants because of that Ashwagandha is generally used in all kinds of immune boosting medicine.
Ashwagandha Tablets.
3)Brahmi ( Bacopa Monnieri ) :- Is stress reliever & immunity builder.
Brahmi Tablets
5)Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) :- Tulsi is known as the king of herbs and it rich in phyto-nutrients and full of anti-oxidants.
Tulasi is an immunomodulator,antitussive and expectorant. taking tulsi daily help to boost immunity, and prevent recurrence of infections.
Tulasi Tablets
Tulasi Arka
6)Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – This herb has the potential to fight against all the diseases.Ginger is anti-inflammatory, supports digestion, helps with motion sickness, reduces pain, rich in antioxidants, boosts immune system. It acts as a powerful stimulant for the immune system.
7)Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) :- Regular use of Yashtimadhu is known to boost immunity, the enzymes present in the root plant that helps the body produce lymphocytes and macrophages that protect the body from microbes, pollutants, allergens and cells that cause autoimmune diseases, further keeping you away from infections and allergies and in turn boosting your immunity.
Yashtimadhu Tablets
8)Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) :- The major constituents in Kalmegh are diterpene lactones known as andrographolides. These bitter constituents are believed to have immune-stimulating , anti-inflammatory, fertility-decreasing, liver-protective, and bile secretion-stimulating actions this properties that help to fight against various infections by directly stimulating the immune system.
9)Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) :- It supports usual functions of the immunity as well as the digestive system of human body.
Shatavari Tablets
Shatavari is used in ayurveda as an immunity booster. According to a 2004 study, animals treated with shatavari root extract had increased antibodies to a strain of whooping cough when compared to untreated animals
10)Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) :- Giloy is a universal herb that helps boost immunity”. It is a powerhouse of antioxidants which fight free-radicals, keep your cells healthy and get rid of diseases. Giloy helps remove toxins, purifies blood, fights bacteria that causes diseases and also combats liver diseases and urinary tract infections.
Amruth Tablets
Guduchi is an herb that has immune modulator action. It has various other properties like antiviral, antibacterial, etc. that help to fight against various pathogens by developing specific antibodies by its immune modulator action. It is an effective remedy to accelerate the body’s immune power. It also eliminates toxins from the body.
11)Turmeric plus pepper :- Increase Immunity and Respiratory Strength with Turmeric Plus Tablets
Turmeric Plus - With black Pepper - Anti Oxidant - Plus Immunity Supportive
Turmeric Plus Tablets
It's best to combine turmeric with black pepper which increased bio availability or absorption in the presence of piperine, which is one of the active compounds of black pepper.
Black Pepper :-Increase bio-availability,Helps in losing weight,Detoxifies body,Prevents cancer,Cleanses intestines and stomach,It consists of potassium that helps in regulating heart rate and high blood pressure,Helps in producing red blood cells,Rich in vitamin B and produces calcium,Prevents constipation.
12)Bringaraj ( Eclipta Alba) :- Has immune simulator activities, improves digestion, liver tonic.
13)Shankapushpi ( Convolvulus pluricaulis ) :--strengthens Immunity, Tridosha balance and memory sharpener.
Regular use of ayurvedic suppliments,Pranayam and meditation brings higher immunity. Higher immunity improves quality of life by keeping a person protected from diseases, ailments and illnesses.
