Let's talk about stress and immunity!
It's May 2020 - And We all know it's been a crazy 2020!
With the Lockdown and all the news and information floating around us right now, it has created a lot of unwanted stress in our lives. This stress has created a different mindset for everyone, some are feeling bored, some are eating mindlessly while others are having anxiety.
When we experience stress or anxiety our body produces a stress hormone called cortisol. Too much cortisol opens doors for more inflammation and reduces our immune system in the long run.
But did you know that stress weakens our immune system?
First let's understand the basics. What is the immune system exactly?
Immune system is a network of cells and tissues that are constantly on the lookout of invaders. These invaders could be anything from bacteria, viruses, parasites that attack our body. The immune system is the body's defence system against these unwanted invaders. Simply put if the immune system encounters a pathogen, for instance, a bacterium, virus, or parasite, it mounts a so-called immune response. Every body has it's own immune health but we can add health to our immune system by building a healthy lifestyle.
So what do we do right now?
We need to use this lockdown time to reduce stress and make lifestyle changes to build our immune health. We can't change the situation outside our homes, but we can use this time at home to focus on our health and build a lifestyle which is beneficial both for us and our families. Let's focus on our health and make sure what we eat helps us be healthy and strong!
Can Nutrition and Foods really help us?
YES!
Nutrition plays 80% role in our body composition.
YOU ARE WHAT YOUR EAT!
Nutrition helps us in building both our physical and mental health. But the confusion many of us have is where to start when making these healthy lifestyle changes.
So here are 5 Superfoods that we should add to our daily diet to build a better immune health. Don't we owe that much to our body which is constantly working to help us?
YOGHURT - Nutrient dense yoghurt is probiotic that reduces inflammation in the body. Its magnesium, selenium and zinc content play a major role in strengthening our immune health. Its probiotics properties are known to improve moods, reduce anxiety, depression and stress.
TURMERIC - Turmeric is about 3 - 5% of curcumin, a photo derivative which contains healing properties. The healing properties of Turmeric aids in making our immunity stronger and equip it better to fight infections such as cold, cough, fever. The curcumin is also known to reduce body inflammation and relieve symptoms of depression by relieving chronic inflammation.
CITRUS FRUITS - The citrus fruits family such as grapefruits, oranges, lemons and lime are an excellent source of Vitamin C, a nutrient that strengthens the body's immune system. In fact 1 medium orange is all the Vit C you need in a day to meet your requirement. Also loaded with B Vitamins, potassium, phosphorous, copper citrus fruits benefit our overall immune health. Vitamin C is also known to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone which the body produces in situations of stress.
GINGER - Anti - inflammatory and anti - oxidant properties of ginger are known to boost immune health. Ginger is also known to boost immune health. Ginger when used in aromatherapy has a soothing effect on our nerves and calms the mind. Ginger tea can help balance moods, increase energy and reduce blood pressure and depression.
GREEN TEA - Loaded with powerful antioxidants each green tea has its own unique properties. Chamomile tea strengthens the immune system. Tea infusions such as cinnamon, peppercorn, clove are also known to boost immunity. Jasmine, lavender are known to have a calming effect and reduce stress and elevate moods.
GARLIC - Garlic contains allicin – a property which is released when you cut into the vegetable (this property is also the cause of the vegetables distinctive smell). This, along with the antioxidants inside the vegetable, help to fight off infection and strengthen the immune system. Garlic is one food which is packed with antioxidants that neutralise free radicals in the body and helps elevate moods and boost energy levels.
DARK CHOCOLATE - Packed with fiber and antioxidants, dark chocolate helps prevent cell damage from free radicals. Loaded with potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents dark chocolate is known to build immune health and fight depression.
So don't think too much and start with these simple yet powerful foods to build your immune health and trust me within few weeks you will see some amazing changes in your body.
So till next time Stay Home and Be safe!