Winter is still holding sway and it`ll help to take precautions against common infections like cough, common cold and flu like symptoms. The immune system is the most powerful weapon the body wields to fight infections.

Immunity confers on us the strength to withstand the onslaught of diseases and everyone needs it.

Children need it so that they are protected from infections and don`t fall ill and in turn can study well, attend school regularly and go out to play without any worries.

Men need it so that they can also protect themselves from infections and don`t fall ill and can do their jobs without difficulty.

And women need strong immune systems to remain disease free so that they can take care of their family.

However, it is not uncommon to suffer from infections such as common cold, flu and ear infection and get symptoms like a runny nose, itchy throat, earache and even sinusitis during winter.

Many families spend thousands of rupees on physician consultations during winters.

If you come to know how to prevent viruses from entering the body and how to heal the body naturally, you save money and time.

And this can be accomplished through Ayurveda with its unique immune modulating properties that help in strengthening our body`s defense system.

`The best and the healthiest way to fight these infections is to boost our immunity system so as to fight the onslaught of germs and viruses,` says Dr NM Aggarwal from New Delhi´s Sir Gangaram hospital.

`A perfect blend of some precautions and a regular dosage of immuno-nutrients in our diets will work marvels for your body and mind,` says Aggarwal.

During winters, germs such as viruses and bacteria get a favorable condition to propagate and grow which may cause susceptibility to infections.

To keep ourselves away from these infections a healthy diet plays a vital role.

People can take health or dietary supplements of Vitamin C and anti-oxidants to enhance immunity system of body.

Good supplements ensure immunity

Taking supplements is wise but the selection of good supplements is wiser because it makes a big difference.

It is better to choose supplements that can cater to our needs in a natural and safe way. Ayurveda is a good choice because of its time-tested formulations.

Says Aggrawal: `Immuno-nutrients are substances that help build your body`s immunity. They augment the body`s ability to fight infection thereby reducing the chances of infection.

`Regularly consuming these nutrients strengthen your body protection cover.`

Besides supplements, we need to stick to what may be termed a `natural lifestyle` because this also affects immunity.

Staying awake late into the night, eating at irregular times, overeating, exposing the body to excess stress and fatigue alters the body rhythm and can have bad effects on digestion.

It is therefore important to follow the Ayurvedic daily routine so as to keep the digestive system and other bodily rhythms working smoothly, which in turn, may help to strengthen immunity.

Ayurveda advises light, warm, fresh cooked foods and foods containing immune-enhancing ingredients.

Avoid eating or drinking stale and unhealthy food or liquids which affects digestion, leading to more production of `ama; Also avoid heavy, oily diets as these become difficult to digest.

It`s winter: Boost your immunity with these foods

• For healthy and filling snacks, include foods such fresh fruit, whole-grain crackers or snacks like those made from oats, ragi or cracked wheat, A handful of roasted nuts - almonds, pistachios, walnuts, sprouted pulses are also ideal.
• Eat raw vegetables like carrots, red and green pepper, celery, cucumber - add low-fat cottage cheese, or saute vegetables in low-fat dressing.

Source: IANS
Image: Flickr/creativecommons littlebluehen