Types Of Immunity
Innate Immunity:
is the immunity that we are all born with. It includes the external barriers of the body such as the skin and the mucous membranes of the throat and gut.
Adaptive Immunity:
is the immunity that we develop through the course of our lives from exposure to diseases and vaccines.
Passive Immunity:
is immunity that is gained from another source. Examples of this are the antibodies that a baby gets from its mother through the placenta before birth and her breast milk after birth.
Factors That Compromise Immunity
When it’s working well, the immune system protects you from illness, without you noticing a thing. However the immune system can be compromised by poor lifestyle and stress, leaving you susceptible to infections and illness. Some of the factors that can diminish your immunity are
Stress
Insufficient sleep
Poor diet
Lack of exercise
Habits such as tobacco use and alcohol consumption
Being overweight
Poor handwashing hygiene
Nutrient deficiencies
Loneliness
Immunity In Children
A newborn’s immune system is fragile -- and doesn’t mature until the baby is about 2-3 months old. However, the baby is protected by the antibodies from its mother. As the baby grows, you can build its immune system with immunizations, playing outdoors, good hand washing hygiene, a healthy diet and adequate sleep.
Immunity In Adults
As you grow older, the immunity that you’ve acquired throughout childhood and adolescence begins to weaken. Your body doesn’t respond as quickly to fight off bacteria and viruses that invade our systems, and we tend to fall ill more frequently. There’s no set age for when this begins to happen. So it’s important to pay attention to your health and lifestyle.
Immunity In The Elderly
Ageing takes a toll on the immune system -- allowing more infections, inflammations and diseases to take hold. Even vaccines are not as effective in people over 65. This phenomenon even has a name: immune senescence. However, with the right nutrition, older people can maintain a healthier immune system.
How Can You Boost Your Immune System?
While your immune system works hard to fend off infection and illness, your environment and lifestyle can take a toll on how it functions. Mindful changes in lifestyle and diet help promote immune health, and in turn protect you from infections and illness.
Here are some things that you can do.
Limit exposure to chemicals & carcinogens
Take your vitamins
Exercise regularly
Cut sugar
Mind the alcohol
Quit smoking
Lose the extra pounds
Watch sun exposure
The Ayurvedic Approach To Immunity
Ayurveda subscribes to a holistic approach to health, and immune health is no exception. Along with a balanced diet, proper sleep and adequate exercise, there are several health boosting remedies that you can take to promote your immunity. Here are some suggestions that have been issued in public interest from the Ministry of AYUSH: http://ayush.gov.in/
Curcumin Milk
Turmeric is a well known immunity booster. Half a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of milk, to be taken once or twice a day.
Chyawanprash
10 mg of chyawanprash every morning is recommended for people of all age groups.
Herbal Tea
A decoction made from Tulsi, Dalchini, Kalimirch, Sunthi, and Munnaka. Lemon and jaggery are optional.
Yoga
Daily practice of yoga and meditation for 30 seconds lowers stress and enhances the body’s natural defences.
Oil Pulling Therapy
Swish sesame or coconut oil in the mouth, and then rinse with hot water once or twice a day.
Mindful Cooking
Use of Haldi, Jeera, Dhaniya and Lahsun in cooking to enhance flavour and boost immunity.
Warm Water
Drinking warm water throughout the day cleanses the system.
Kalamegha
Kalamegha has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties and is a natural immunity booster.
Guduchi
A rasanaya herb, Guduchi activates the immune system and improves overall health. It is especially effective against illnesses such as fever, jaundice, skin disease, and tuberculosis.
Haridra
A vital ayurvedic herb, haridra contains curcuminoids and has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It balances the pitta dosha in the body that detoxifies the body and promotes healing.
Immunity Products
Zandu Care also offers a variety of products that can help build immunity. They give you the ability to fight off all kinds of infections and illnesses.
