Simple Ayurvedic Tips for Preventing Infection.

Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of healing. It imparts knowledge of life. The Ayurveda system of healing is time-tested and is equally effective in today’s scenario- as it was effective in the olden days. Ayurveda stresses building immunity (body defense mechanism) strong to stay away from infections- caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses or fungi, etc. By following simple Ayurvedic tips for preventing infection. You can live a long and healthy life.

Our immune system comprises cells, organs, proteins, and antibodies, that work in synergy to defend the body by fighting outside infections caused by microorganisms. As per the UK’s Medical Research Council, we inhale app. one hundred million viruses every day. Our immune system works to keep us safe from harmful microorganisms. If our immune system is weak we get infected by bacteria, viruses fungi, etc. Thus strengthening our immunity can play a vital role in preventing infections.

How to make your immune system strong?

In the modern fast-paced and competitive world, everyone is in a hurry. Which may lead to unhealthy food choices and an erratic lifestyle. It can lead to digestive problems like- indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, acid reflux, or constipation. As per Ayurveda, these problems may be due to the accumulation of toxic substances (Ama) in the body. And are attributed to untimely eating habits, wrong food choices, sedentary lifestyle, or weak digestive systems.

According to Ayurveda principles- Pitta dosha is mainly responsible for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and regulates the secretion of enzymes and acids-which act on food for proper digestion. Any imbalance of Pitta may lead to digestive problems. Dietary changes and lifestyle changes as suggested in Ayurveda along with herbs usage can greatly improve the digestive process. And lead to a healthy gut. In Ayurveda main focus is given to improving the digestive process, which strengthens immunity to diseases and helps us prevent infection.

The immune system can be strengthened by optimizing Agni (The digestive fire). Brightened Agni – Ama ( the undigested food matter) does not accumulate in your body. Which builds strong Ojus. Ojus is the life sap that is essential energy for your strong immunity.

Agi- The digestive fire.

Agni is our digestive fire or digestive power. Agni is contained in Pitta dosha. The fire element is a dominant element in Pitta dosha and Agni. However, maintaining strong digestive power is essential for all irrespective of Ayurvedic body type.

Agni plays a vital role in nourishing our body- up to the cellular level and expelling waste products from the body. With weak Agni- nourishment of our body gets compromised and metabolic wastes start building in the body. The body will not get the required nutrients resulting in weakened immunity levels. On the other hand too much strong Agni- bodily tissues ( dhatus) can burn up resulting in a weakened body, due to excessive weight loss. Thus optimum Agni is very essential for strong immunity- The power to prevent infection.

Ama- The cause of illness.

Due to weak Agni- Ama starts building in the body. Ama is considered the undigested food matter. During the process of metabolism, Agni leads to the formation of energy and waste material that is excreted from the body. If this waste material is not excreted properly it leads to the formation of Ama. It starts building in the large intestine initially and later on if remains untreated- it spreads to other body parts. Ama is a sticky foul-smelling substance that clogs the channels of the body and tissues (dhatus). It impacts the organic functions of the body. Ama dampens the Agni of tissues in which it accumulates and weakens the immune system. Every tissue(dhatu) has its own Agni. Therefore the simple Ayurvedic tips for preventing infection are based on optimizing Agni to avoid the formation of Ama in the body. Following a few Ayurvedic tips helps in avoiding the formation of Ama:-

• Consume seasonal food as per your body constitution.
• Eat freshly prepared and properly cooked food in a peaceful atmosphere.
• Drink warm water or water at room temperature. Avoid consuming cold water and cold beverages.
• Eat as per your hunger. Do not indulge in overeating. Night meals are to be consumed 2-3 hours before sleeping.

When your Agni (digestive power) works at its optimal level. The Ama does not accumulate in the body- Ojus-the essential energy for your immunity gets optimized and works at the required level- to prevent you from infections.

Ojus- The Vigor

Ojus is considered a life sap and essential energy for the immune system. Ample Ojus strengthens immunity, thus preventing us from infections. It is very important for healthy and disease-free long life. Whereas deficient Ojus leads to compromised immunity- infections and ill health, which may result in a shortened life. Ojus is built in the body when all the tissues are properly nourished. It is recognized as resistance to infections, physical strength, brightness in the complexion, and eyes.

Thus maintaining the quality and quantity of healthy Ojus is the focus of Ayurvedic tips for preventing infections and leading a healthy life. The following factors that may affect healthy Ojus should be avoided:-

• Unhealthy feeding habits.
• Drugs and stimulants.
• Overindulging in work.
• Stressful conditions
• Excessive sexual activities.
• Not living as per cycles of nature.

Tips for healthy Ojus.

The following few tips should be adopted for healthy Ojus:-

• Fixing daily schedule for work and rest.
• Cut down your stress levels.
• Avoid the consumption of drugs, stimulants, and processed food.
• Consume seasonal available fresh foods.
• Fixing the daily schedule of sleeping focusing on the quality and quantity of sleep.
• Engage in intimate relations that are nourishing and as per your body constitution and health.

Ayurvedic tips for preventing infection- Balancing Agni and Ojus levels.

One of the main Ayurvedic tips for preventing infection is maintaining the balance between your Agni (digestive power) and Ojus (vitality or the life sap). And preventing Ama accumulation in the body. Your body’s immunity to infections can be strengthened by optimum levels of Agni, which will reduce the accumulation of Ama and helps in the formation of healthy Ojus. Ojus-building foods are generally heavier and need strong Agni for digestion and nourishment up to the cellular level. People with strong Agni require heavier healthy foods for their metabolic processes and to build healthy Ojus. However, people with erratic or weak Agni may require additional spices like- ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, etc to digest heavier foods and should limit the consumption of heavier healthy foods as per body needs.

Signs of Ama accumulation.

You can get prevention from infections by maintaining a balance between Agni and Ojus and reducing Ama accumulation in the body so that immunity can be strengthened. Following are the few signs of Ama accumulation in your body:-

• Low or irregular appetite.
• Foul breath.
• Irregular bowel movements.
• A thick coating on the tongue.
• Feeling sluggish or lethargic.

Ayurveda provides individualized treatments – depending upon your body constitution, Ayurvedic body doshas, and symptoms of body doshas.

Simple Ayurvedic tips for preventing infection

Following are a few simple Ayurvedic tips for preventing infection and keeping us protected from invading microorganisms. But without adopting healthy lifestyle practices- Ayurvedic tips for preventing infection may not help.

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Use of Herbs.

Including garlic, onion, ginger, turmeric,  pepper, cinnamon, etc in your diets can help you in optimizing the balance between Agni and Ojus and limiting Ama formation. With healthy Ojus your immune system works at the required level to protect you from infections. Moreover, these kitchen herbs help you keep away from infections as they have antioxidant, detoxifying, and antimicrobial properties.

There are a number of herbs that specifically support Ojas. Among them are the ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) stem, and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) root. These herbs are categorized as Rasayana in Ayurveda.

Herbal Tea.

Herbal tea enriched with herbs has antioxidants, which help in fighting infection. Herbal teas are a healthy option in modern times- and may prove to be a gift to the health of people around the world. It possesses healthy living advantages like- improving digestion, removing toxins from the body, and maintaining healthy B.M.I. (Body mass index), etc. They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Drinking freshly prepared- natural herbal tea can give you- a calming, relaxing, and refreshing effect on your body and mind. For more reading about Herbal teas <<= Please click.

Fluid intake.

Drinking an optimum quantity of freshly prepared fruit juices and keeping well hydrated helps the body to eliminate toxins and harmful microorganisms. Antioxidants present in juices help fight free radicals, harmful to cells of the body. The water intake quantity requirements vary from person to person. It depends upon- age, sex, activity level, and health conditions. There is no such formula for optimum water intake. However, the Institute of Medicine has suggested guidelines for optimum water intake. They suggested that a healthy adult should drink 78-100 ounces (about 9-13 cups) of fluids per day on average.

Essential Oils.

Lemon has powerful antibacterial properties and stimulates the production of white blood cells (W.B.C.) the main part of the body’s defense mechanism against infections. Tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil possesses antiviral properties and may provide protection from viral infections. They can be used in oil diffusers or as hand sanitizers by mixing in aloe vera gel and isopropyl alcohol. Lavender oil has a calming effect and may help in inducing sleep. It can be used in an oil diffuser or by adding some drops to warm water while bathing.

Yoga and Meditation.

The brain and immune systems work in coordination. During stress, the brain produces more cortisol – the stress hormone, that produces the body for emergency situations. But the immune system gets suppressed. Practicing yoga and meditation relieves stress. That helps in the formation of healthy Ojus necessary for the strengthening of the immune system. The body’s immune system works at its optimum capacity thus preventing you from infections. Remaining in a joyous state also helps the body to relieve stress and enhance the immune system.

Meditation is also one of the main Ayurvedic tips for preventing infection as it strengthens immunity by relieving stress and preventing infections. It also helps in lowering high blood pressure- a precursor to heart diseases, decreases tension-related pains such as tension headaches, ulcers, insomnia, muscle, and joint problems, increases the energy level, and increases serotonin production that improves mood and behavior. Even W.H.O. (World Health Organisation) considers meditation from India as the best therapy. It also plays a vital role in relieving various health conditions like- migraine, high blood pressure, stomach-related problems, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other sleeping disorders like- sleep apnea, hormonal imbalance, etc. Meditation not only helps in stress management, or anger management. It completely manages your mind and relieves you of negative thoughts that are responsible for many ailments and is one of the vital Ayurvedic tips for preventing infection.

Exercise

Leading a sedentary lifestyle, sitting all the day on computers may impact your immune system adversely, due to weakening of Agni and accumulation of Ama. The daily routine of exercise helps in strengthening immunity and preventing infections. Simply walking for 20- 25 minutes may help. Exercising leads to the release of endorphins, which are hormones that affect the brain positively, helping you de-stress and sleep better, leading to reduced stress and a strengthened immune system.

Eating a healthy balanced diet, containing fibers, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, adopting yoga and meditation, and remaining well hydrated and in a joyous state can help you make your immunity strong to keep away from infections.

Practicing proper hygiene, maintaining social distance, washing hands with soap and water, using sanitizers and masks, practicing safe sex, and seeking medical advice as and when required should also be given priority.

Wishing you a healthy and disease-free life.

(For awareness purposes only).

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