How to Strengthen Your Immunity with Ayurveda

The need for a strong immunity was truly tested in the last couple of years. Life stood still all over the world and the want to improve one’s immunity became very important overnight. The virus has really shown us our vulnerability to unknown pathogens. The basic concept of Ayurveda is to prevent diseases that you acquire by increasing your immunity with proper lifestyle choices. Many people research how to strengthen your immunity with Ayurveda. Let us understand what Immunity is according to Ayurveda first.
 

Immunity According To Ayurveda

Let us consider our immune system and its reaction to being a fascinating skit that will continue to unfold for as long as we live. It should, without a doubt, contain certain important characters, without whom the drama would never be able to emerge. White blood cells (WBC), also known as leukocytes, are the major components or characteristics that help our bodies create and maintain a healthy immune system. They flow through the blood arteries and lymphatic vessels at all times, ensuring that our bodies are always ready to combat any alien body.

The notion of hereditary reserve and acquired reserve underpins the Ayurvedic understanding of immunity. It is properly termed as 'Vyadhi-Kshmatva' or 'self-avoidance of sickness' in the Ayurvedic Classics. Vyadhi-Kshmatva is made up of two words: Vyadhi and Kshamatva. Vyadhi means 'disease' or 'illness,' while Kshamatva means 'to fight.'

Concept Of Immunity

Ayurveda identifies three forms of immunity:

• Sahaja Vyadhi-Kshmatva — That which we acquire from our parents and is hereditary.
• Vyadhija Vyadhi-Kshmatva– That which arises when an antigen infiltrates our body. To defend our bodies, our immune system produces specialised antibodies against that antigen.
• Yuktikrit Vyadhi-Kshmatva– What is gained by good food, lifestyle, and overall well-being.
  
  Factors That Act Negatively On Our Immunity

Sleep deprivation
You are more prone to contract viruses or germs if you do not get enough sleep. You may also take longer to improve. This is due to your body's inability to produce as many infection-fighting cells and proteins known as antibodies, which aid in disease defence. Only during sleep does your body produce cytokines, which are proteins that aid the immune system.

Anxiety
Stress and worry aren't particularly effective germ fighters. In as little as 30 minutes, having worrisome thoughts will decrease your immune response. Constant stress does more damage than we think and makes it strenuous to fight off diseases such as shingles, flu, herpes, and others. Consult your doctor if you can't get rid of your anxiety or if it's interfering with your daily life.

Vitamin D deficiency
You may be aware that you require it for strong bones and healthy blood cells. However, vitamin D also helps to strengthen your immune system. It can be found in eggs, fatty fish, and fortified foods such as milk and cereal. Another important source is sunlight. In the summer, 5-15 minutes of sun exposure on your hands, face, and arms 2-3 times a week is usually sufficient. During cold seasons, you may require a little extra than usual.

Diet lacking fruits and vegetables
These meals may help your body produce more white blood cells, which are required to fight infections. Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and seeds, are high in zinc, beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, and E, and other minerals essential for good health. Plant-based diets are also high in fibre, which helps decrease your body fat percentage and boosts your immune system.

Ayurvedic Factors That Help Boost Immunity 

The preventative actions indicated in Ayurveda against illnesses indirectly result in an increase in the individual's immunity. So, let us take a closer look at what Ayurveda says about increasing immunity to help prevent illnesses and remain healthy.

• Give priority to Trayopasthambha (Ahara, Nidra, and Brahmacharya)- the three foundations of health are a balanced diet, enough sleep, and celibacy.
• Practice Achara Rasayana and Sadvritta - give more importance to healthy personal and social behaviour because it impacts both mental as well as physical health.
• Dinacharya and Ritucharya to be maintained - Ayurvedic literature discusses the daily and seasonal regimen to be followed for maintaining maximum health and illness prevention.
• Utilize revitalising treatments and Balya Oushadhi Sevanam - Rasayana formulations and medications that aid enhance immunity are unique to Ayurveda. It is very advised to provide the same under the supervision of a physician.
• Protect your Agni - Your digestive fire is the foundation of your health and longevity, so give it the attention it deserves by paying attention to your diet and lifestyle patterns.
• Perform 'Kaale Samshodhanam' - Ayurveda recommends purifying treatments based on the seasons and the individual's Balam.
• Sustain Jaatakarmadi Samskaaram – Ayurvedic prenatal and postnatal practises can help increase inherent immunity.
• Avoid Vegadharana and get good control over Dharaneeya vegas – do not inhibit natural inclinations such as sneezing, yawning, and so on, and exercise self-control over unpleasant emotions via meditation and yoga.

A healthy immune system is a delicate but sophisticated balancing act. Maintaining dosha balance and increasing immunity with Ayurveda supports an adequately functioning immune system, which aids in illness prevention. Love your body in every manner imaginable and witness how it responds by preserving immunity. 

School of Ayurveda is a leading Ayurveda College in Kerala that offers quality education through its online and offline courses. People who take up an Ayurveda course online can learn about the various benefits of Ayurveda from the comfort of their homes.