IMMUNITY BOOSTERS AND COVID 19










Covid 19 which is caused due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV 2) is creating a massive loss to both lives and livelihoods. On 12  March, 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) announced it as “PANDEMIC”. The whole world is facing a huge problem out of which coronavirus disease (Covid19) cases are rapidly increasing day by day in Assam too. This is because of movement of peoples from other states to Assam as mentioned by Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal although Assam Government is taking good action to combat this pandemic. The only way to get rid of this virus is social distancing at present. Along with it, peoples must take a preventive measures by having foods which boosts and improves our immune system. Followings are some food sources enlisted and explained briefly which can help to boost the immune system.
1. Vitamin A (Beta- carotene): It is a fat soluble vitamin and helps in the development of the immune system by helping our body to respond to various infections.
Food sources- Carrot, pumpkin, ripe mango, ripe papaya, ripe tomato, sweet potato, orange, jackfruit etc. .
2. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) :It is a water soluble vitamin and is vital to support biochemical reactions in the immune system. It is essential in formation of white blood cells (wbc) and also helps in maintaining the lymphatic system. 
Food sources- Chicken, fish like salmon and tuna, chickpeas, green vegetables, banana etc. .
3. Vitamin C: It is also a water soluble vitamin. It is an antioxidant which is a key to increase white blood cell production which fight against infection.
Food sources- Amla, guava, lemon, mausambi, orange, pineapple, pomegranate, ripe tomato etc. .
4. Vitamin D: It also helps in boosting immunity in our body. Vitamin D can be synthesized inside our body by exposure to sunlight for 10-15 minutes daily.
Food sources- milk, yoghurt, eggyolk etc. .
5. Vitamin E: It is a fat soluble vitamin which is an important factor for regulating and supporting the function of immunity in our body.
Food sources- Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, avocado, broccoli, vegetable oils like sunflower oil, olive oil, coconut oil etc. .
6. Probiotics: These are called good bacteria which helps our immune system to get resilience. 
Examples of probiotics are yoghurts, buttermilk, cheese etc. .
7. Herbs: Herbs can be taken in  the form of tea or by using it as ingredient in food preparation. It will improve gut activity.
Examples- Garlic, ginger, ginseng, black cumin, pepper, liquorice etc. .
Apart from these other important factors are:
  • Don’t stay thirsty. Get well hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water everyday.
  • Good sleep is very essential i.e. 7-8 hours a day.
  • Exercise regularly. 30-45 minutes daily.
  • One can have green tea which is an antioxidants (polyphenols) gives it an immune boosting effects.
  • Limit fat, salt, sugar and alcohol consumption.
  • While shopping always give priority to fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and fish products.
Therefore,  in the present pandemic situation one should take an important count on nutrition too. Although it is not a magic pill that someone is taking vitamin c source foods like lemon only for one day and next day he or she is free from disease. Its not like that, one must include immunity booster foods regularly in his or her diet. It will make the immune system of your body stronger enough to fight against any infections whether viral or bacterial. 
Stay Safe
Eat Right
Maintain Social Distancing


Author 
Mousumi Gogoi
PhD Research Scholar

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