Following up from our first Zoom Workshop featuring founding CEO Punam Chopra and Nomita Hathiramani, founder of Coco Glo here are their top tips for boosting your immunity.

 

1. Incorporate vitamin C and D

a. Vitamin C is available in many fresh products and one can never get enough of it. The good thing is that your body absorbs as much as it needs and the rest is removed. All kinds of citrus fruits, berries, and the one most impactful is AMLA (the Indian gooseberry) this is used in

Traditional Indian medicine. Immune health largely depends on vitamin c for energy and strength. If you want the over counter form avoid those with flavorings. Pure ascorbic acid is best taken as is and requires 2g diluted in water.

b. Vitamin D – not a vitamin but a prohormone, or a precursor to a hormone. It not only builds teeth and bones, but is crucial in balancing insulin levels, brain stimulation, emotional and mental wellbeing, and the basic functioning of the body. The best form is sunlight but one cannot depend on it so I recommend taking it in supplement for in a capsule. And to get tested for it regularly

 

2. Turmeric – It is more than just a spice.

The king of all herbal medicine therapy and has a particularly important role in Traditional herbal medicine. Its main enzyme carcumin, is what helps in prevention and treatment of cancer. The rizhome is extracted to create capsules mixed with long or black pepper as an activating agent. It not only helps in joint and ani inflammation support but goes deeper in building your body’s defense against the environment and free radicals. One can also boil up the root of powder with a pinch of black pepper and drink it in a cup every day.

Turmeric.com – good reference guide

 

3. Spices – According to Ayurveda, any food that transforms quickly into Ojas is good for immunity.

Ojas is the end product of complete digestion that creates strong immunity, radiant complexion and vitality. Ways to boost immunity include having easy to digest foods, choosing foods for our unique body type and season and cooking with immunity-boosting spices.

Spices help unclog blocked channels in the body which prevents ama (toxins) from building up. Keeping the body clear from toxins is one of the best ways to strengthen our immunity.

 

4. Key Herbs for Wellbeing:

a. Tulsi – or Holy Basil is the queen of all herbs Is used in many herbal therapies for optimal health benefits. It is also now being used as one of the components in many supplements, even in western herbal therapy.

b. Neem – which works as an anti-bacterial agent, works to clear toxins of your intestines, helps with humidity, and clears skin issues like eczema and pimples too. Recommended for 2 months and a break of 15 days before starting again.

c. Triphala for gut and colon cleanse, and the compositions of Amla, Turmeric, and Neem works wonders to your skin.

d. Other natural products are Psyllium Husk for adding fiber, and Moringa- which is a plant-based source of B12, a key component to have in following a vegetarian lifestyle.

All of the above products are available at SpiceBox Organics.

 

5. Key Herbs for Mental Wellbeing:

a. Ashwagandha- a magical herb that can be taken morning and evening – is extremely potent and helps with lowering cortisol levels, stress release, and improves sleep pattern.

b. Brami and Gotu Kula – both are known to improve the brain and nervous system. Improved memory, and depression. Available in capsules, powders and tea form. A strong and powerful non drug therapy for mental stimulation and support

c. One capsule called Joy- which has Bramhi, Ashwaganda, and one more brain strengthening herb “Shankalpushpi” – has shown support towards combating depression.

 

6. Deep Breathing

Keeping your lungs healthy and airways open is just as important as boosting your immunity to protect against several respiratory conditions. 10- minutes of deep breathing exercises are a powerful way to keep your airways clear and strengthen your lungs.

How To: There are different breathing techniques; my favourite is alternate nostril breathing (Nadi shodhan). Its works therapeutically to improve your lung and it also an excellent method to center and calm the mind. You can practice this for 5-minutes either first thing in the morning or before going to bed. Anyone can do it; there are no contradictions for this practice.

 

7. Nasya

Nasya is the nasal administration of medicinal herbs, decoctions, and oils. Allergens and viruses can have a higher possibility of entry in the human body through the nasal breath-inhaling cycle. Oil is excellent for cleansing and soothing the respiratory tract.

How To: Apply a drop of warm sesame oil or a specific Nasya oil on the little finger and carefully insert it into the nostril. Gently massage the inner walls of the nasal passage. Alternate left and right nostrils until each nostril have received a total of three applications of oil.

 

8. Protein and Vegetables

a. A vegetarian diet has great protein support from many sources like peas, soya, lentils, beans, and ancient grains like sorghum, amaranth, millets, barley etc. Protein powders of the pea protein also is used in creating many protein alternatives.

b. Fermented beans like Moong, black beans, as well soya bean create a potent protein called Tempeh. The protein per serving is around 20g and can give one B12 among other nutrients.

c. Aminos, nutritional yeast, and other products like sauerkraut and kimchi also serve well in increasing B12 and better nutrient absorption.

d. Add a side of green to your meals. Celery, spinach, and kale are good additions to a smoothie or just as a side salad.

e. Seeds and nuts- omega 3, and good fatty acids which are great supplements to a vegetarian meal.

 

9. Rasynanas

Rasayana is a herb, tonic or food that restores the body’s vitality to its fullest capacity. Rasayana help increases ojas the essence of the digestive process.

Triphala is one of the most potent rasyanas in traditional Ayurveda medicine. Its ability to cleanse while nourishing the body makes it a detoxifying staple made of preparation of three fruits — bibhitaki, haritaki, and amla — which have potent healing properties. Amla berry is a powerful antioxidant and loaded with vitamin C, which helps build up the body’s immune system. The body easily assimilates vitamin C in amla much better than from synthetic vitamin c. The herbs work as a gentle laxative by stimulating the peristaltic actions of the intestines to improve elimination while removing toxins.

How-To: Take 1/2 teaspoon of Triphala powder mixed with a glass of warm water before sleeping.

 

10. Avoid mucus-forming foods

Excess mucus can lead to toxins blocking the circulation of nutrients and that’s results in weakened immunity. It is best to increase light well-cooked foods and reduce heavy mucus-forming foods such as:

• Dairy
• Aged Cheeses
• Yoghurt
• Cold foods and drinks
• Ice cream
• Coldwater
• Too many raw foods