We discussed in detail about immunity in previous blog. In this blog, we try to know that how our life style habits have influence on immunity and how to strengthen our immunity through AYUSH system in brief manner.
How to augment immunity in daily life?
Immunity is a complex mechanism and unable to understand that what exactly happens inside. Strengthening our own immunity is one of the ways to overcome the disease at present. Choosing a healthy life style and following general good-health guidelines is the single best step to keep our immune system work properly.
Some healthy ways to strengthen the immune system are Eating healthy diet, Regular physical exercise, maintaining healthy weight, getting enough sleep, no smoking and Cutting alcohol intake.
Healthy diet
Adequate and appropriate nutrition is required for all cells to function optimally including the immune cells. Micronutrients and multiple nutrients support the optimal immune functions. Eating the plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains are advisable. Limiting the saturated fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars are important.
Regular physical exercise
Exercise immunology is relatively new area and emerging research suggests that immune system is very responsive to exercise. Exercise mitigates effects of aging on immune system. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Obesity
Excess weight can affect our body functions. Obesity is linked to impaired immune functions. Obesity may also lower vaccine effectiveness for numerous diseases including Influenza, Hepatitis-B and Tetanus etc.
Insomnia
Recent scientific evidence is building that Sleep loss can regularly affect different parts of immune system.
Smoking
It increases the risk for immune system problems including Rheumatoid arthritis.
Alcohol
Excessive intake of alcohol can weaken the immune system.
Right life style habits are important for well- functioning of immune system which is critical for survival. If we taking care of ourselves, immune system will take care of us.
The AYUSH way to build immunity
Siddha and Ayurveda are an Ancient traditional medical systems of India and Both systems covered the disease prevention under Karpam and Rasayana respectively.
Siddha gifted many tips to prevent the disease and ageing. Siddhers tried in various ways to make mortal body into immortal. Siddha literature clearly dealt that the diet and daily routines for the purpose of preventing disease under the heading of,”Pini anugha vithi”(Disease prevention). In which, Do’s and Don’ts of our habits explained clearly.
The next important thing is Kaya Karpam. Kayam means Human body and Karpam means Stone. Through this process they tried to make the human body into stone like structure. Nearly 108 Karpams are prescribed and it is classified into Pothu Karpam (Generalised) and Sirappu karpam (Specific disease). Karpam preparations which contain herbals, minerals and things of animal origin are prescribed for preventing the disease and ageing. That why siddhars are called as,” Narai, Thirai Moopu ariya nal udampinar” (Their body never experience greying, wrinkling and ageing). Ginger - Honey is one of the karpam mentioned in literature. If we take regularly, it will provide safety to human body like a fort.
Yogam also classified under Karpam and few postural exercises prevent the ageing and getting body diseased.
Ayurveda explained disease prevention in detail under the heading of Rasayana. It is defined as the drugs which minimizes the impact of old age and prevents diseases is known as Rasayana (Stimulant and energizer). Ayurveda emphasized that consumption of Rsayana helps in promoting longevity, memory power, intellect, health, feeling of youth, attractive complexion, strengthens all senses and glow. Various Rasayana preparations are prescribed in Ayurveda literature.
Tinospora cordifolia (Seenthil). Emblica officinalis (Nellikkai), Glycyrrhiza glabra (Athimathuram) and Withania somnifera (Amukkara) are the noted immune adjuvants in siddha system of medicine. Recently, AYUSH department issued guidelines to improve immunity in consultation with subject matter experts. Few examples are Kaba sura kudineer, AYUSH kwath and Arcenicum album30 etc...
Conclusion
By virtue of above facts, we understand that immunity is a defence mechanism of human body and it is important to strengthen our own immunity in natural way to mitigate the disease.