What Is Immunity? Causes, Symptoms, and Top Ways to Improve It Naturally

What is Immunity?

Do you often wonder, “What is immunity?” It is the body’s ability to defend itself against harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins. It involves a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to recognize & neutralize foreign invaders or harmful substances. The immune system is also responsible for helping you heal/recover quickly from injuries, surgeries, infections, and other ailments.

What are the symptoms of low immunity?

Watch out for these symptoms of low immunity —

• Extreme tiredness

• Fever, without any reason

• Sudden weight loss

• Profuse sweating, especially at night

• Rashes, itching, or inflammations on the skin

• Pain and soreness in muscles

• Numbness in fingers and toes

• Inability to focus

• Sudden hair loss/thinning

• Swelling in the lymph nodes

• Frequent cold, cough, and flu-like symptoms

• Abdominal pain and cramps

• Diarrhoea, indigestion, vomiting, and other irritable bowel syndrome symptoms

What are the causes of low immunity?

Your immunity may be low because of one or more of these causes —

• Overconsumption of sugar and/or sugary foods (like sweets, candies, beverages loaded with sugar, etc.)

• Eating too much oily foods (like fries, chips, and other junk food)

• Overconsumption of processed & refined foods, baked foods, frozen foods, unhealthy street foods, etc.

• Not getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night

• Not following a proper lifestyle (no physical exercise or leading a sedentary lifestyle)

• Drinking and/or smoking

What are the ways to increase immunity?

If you want to understand how to improve immunity at home naturally, you can consider the tips listed below —

• Follow a healthy diet daily to improve your immunity naturally. Ensure you consume enough whole grains, green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, lean proteins, and other immunity-boosting foods daily.

• Start including at least 30 minutes of physical exercise in your daily routine. It can be activities like walking, jogging, running, etc. The more active your lifestyle, the higher your immunity levels are.

• Monitor your BMI (Body Mass Index) regularly. While the ideal level is 25, you should ensure your BMI doesn’t exceed 30, as it hampers your overall immunity. Check with an expert and follow a weight management plan that suits your body the best.

• Not getting enough sleep every night can cause irregularities in your immunity levels. Ensure you go to bed at the same time every night, and aim for at least 7 hours of restful sleep daily.

• Always get your vaccines on time. Maintain a record, and check with your doctor when your vaccination is due. These help to fight against diseases and keep your immunity high.

• Refrain as much as possible from tobacco and alcohol. These toxic substances can cause your vital organs to malfunction, impacting your immunity significantly.

What are the ways to increase immunity?

Try these tried and tested home remedies to improve immunity to see a marked improvement in your overall health:

• Turmeric –

Rich in curcumin, turmeric has been used for thousands of years in many Ayurveda medicines. It is rich in antioxidants and helps to keep infections and inflammation at bay. A glass of turmeric milk every day can help improve your immunity.

• Garlic —

Known for its medicinal properties, garlic is rich in the immunity-increasing ingredient, allicin. Eating 3 to 5 cloves of garlic daily can improve immunity.

• Ginger –

Ginger is effective in fighting against inflammation and germs. You can chew a piece of ginger daily as it aids digestion and fights germs.

• Green Tea –

Since it is rich in antioxidants, green tea (all flavours) helps protect your body against the oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

• Apple Cider Vinegar –

A couple of teaspoons of apple cider vinegar taken regularly can improve immunity.

• Citrus fruits –

These are rich in vitamin C and promote the production of white blood cells in your body, thereby strengthening the immune system.

Some other foods you can consume regularly to improve immunity are:

• Bell Peppers

• Broccoli

• Spinach

• Sunflower Seeds

• Nuts, especially almonds

• Yoghurt

• Papaya

• Kiwi

• Poultry

• Shellfish