Ayurvedic tips to improve your immunity

If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s the importance of a strong immune system. Not only does this prevent us from getting ill in the first place but it can also stop any long-term effects from lingering around. 

But as we head into what’s known as the flu season, how can you ensure that your body is resilient enough to fight any infections and strong enough to recover quickly? There’s only one answer, and it’s been around for thousands of years… 

Immunity according to Ayurveda

Good digestion and gut health is key in Ayurveda. This is because proper digestion of food and nutrients nourishes our tissues, feeds our heart and builds immunity. 

In Ayurveda, there are three types of immunity - the one we inherit and are born with, the one which develops and the one which is acquired through our diet and lifestyle. 

It’s believed that our dosha, digestion and state of mind can all have a direct impact on our immunity as well as alcohol, sleep, stress, and medication. For this reason, Ayurvedic practitioners recommend daily rituals that nourish the body and mind. 

Top tips for boosting your immunity

Ayurvedic practices say that having a good diet that includes herbs and spices, and carrying out specific daily rituals can help to support our doshas, digestion and immune system. Some of the simplest tips are: 

Eat a whole food diet

Ayurveda believes a healthy immune system is based on a natural and whole food diet, with few refined ingredients. Not just this but food which is cooked, and therefore easier on our digestive system, should be eaten, and cold/raw foods avoided. Salt should be avoided after 7pm similar to heavy carbohydrates. 

Vegetables, fruit and foods rich in vitamin A, B, C and E all play important roles in the proper functioning of our body as do nuts and pulses. 

Include spices 

Whether using as part of your daily diet or looking for additional supplements, certain spices have been proven to maintain and restore your immune system. Ginger, Turmeric, Garlic and Tulsi have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties as well as keeping your digestive system working and managing toxins.

Another superherb, Ashwagandha, is packed with antioxidants and works to improve the tissues in our body, helping to build up our immune system. All of these can be found in our Gold Shield capsules, which have been designed to refresh, reset and rejuvenate your body. 

Exercise gently

Yoga, meditation and regular gentle exercise can help to foster a strong and healthy immune system. In fact, yoga and meditation have been shown to lower anxiety and stress levels which can boost antibodies and promote positive brain function.

Studies have also shown that being outside and exposing yourself to Vitamin D is a great way of supporting overall health. Why not get up early and go for a slow morning walk to start your day, or replace your morning commute with a bike ride and tick off two things at the same time as many return to the office.

Carry out self-care rituals

Ayurveda says that you should try to do the same thing at roughly the same time every day to create a routine - this goes for waking up too. Other wellness activities could include starting the day with warm water and lemon or honey to stimulate your digestive system, using a tongue scraper to remove any toxins built up overnight, enjoying a massage to keep our bodies relaxed and moisturised in the winter season and adding a few supplement capsules to give our mind, body and soul the helping hand it needs. 

Detox regularly

Undigested food causes toxins and bacteria to spread around the body, in turn, making you feel ill and having a wider impact on your mental health. By detoxing and cleansing regularly, you can ensure that you’re not at risk of any infections or illnesses. Daily supplements, such as Gold Shield, and lots of fruit and vegetables can help with this. You could also try a four-day Ayurvedic detox. 

Get a good night’s sleep

Ayurvedic practices believe that you should aim to get at least eight hours of sleep. Not only will this help you to rest and recover but, while we sleep, our bodies can regenerate properly. It’s during this time that our immune system also releases cytokines which help it to grow and be strong. 

As well as this, Ayurveda suggests that you should be awake in daylight hours as much as possible. According to the Ayurvedic clock, you should be up before sunrise and asleep before 10pm, when the body has an induced dullness period. You should also keep about two hours between sleep and your last meal. 

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