Boosting Immunity with a Seasonal Diet

 

We always catch ourselves subconsciously ranting about our poor diet patterns and unhealthy lifestyle choices, but the one thing we have never heard so much about is our immune system.

Panic attacks after watching the news on the pandemic, to sniffles during a monsoon and a cough fest during winters, we have all had the moment of thinking, How can I increase my immunity?

Yet, until you receive to your mind the message to buy special supplements or lay in vitamin gummy bears that suspiciously taste like candy, questioning our decisions about what our grandmas have been regaling all of us with since we were at least four, and maybe even younger that a seasonal diet is the best friend of your body.

Seasonal diet focuses on eating the fruit, vegetables and whole diet foods that are naturally picked and produced in your place. Think of mangoes in summer, amla in winter or pumpkin in autumn. It is to dine in tune with the Earth rather than fighting the winter chill with cold salads or hot spicy pakoras during the Earth's scorching hot summer days.

Science backs the fact too that in-season healthy foods are not only higher in nutrients, more affordable, environmentally friendly and suited to meet the demands of your body at the particular time.

Your immune system works like your bodyguard. It does not allow the bad things, such as viruses, bacteria, and toxins, into the first-class lounge that is your body. And as it happens with every good team, it requires proper fuel to remain strong. Doctors from the best nutrition hospital in Delhi advise eating seasonal foods as they also carry a whole lot of vitamins (such as C, D, and A), antioxidants, minerals, and fibre, all of which your immune system lives on. Besides, the fresher the food, the higher its nutritional value. So, to unscramble the seasons along with their immunity boosting foods that are provided to us by Mother Nature, they are as follows:

1. Summer: Food Coolers and Water Foods

The season with high temperatures, excess sweat, dehydration and exhaustion.What must an individual eat to boost their immunity?

● Watermelon, cucumber and muskmelon: Low calories; lots of water = hydration +vitamins.

● Mint and coriander: Refreshing herbs which are stomach-calming (and also make your chaas tastier).

● Mangoes: Contain a substantial amount of vitamin A, which maintains the good health of the mucous membranes (yes, it is also important for immunity boost!).

You can also opt for coconut water or aam panna that will satisfy your thirst without the cola. Your gut and your skin will be grateful as well. These are summer’s healthy foods and natural diet foods at their best.

2. Monsoon: What Will Matter The Most Is Gut Health

During monsoon, there is condensation, which means bacteria are forming. The digestive tract becomes a bit temperamental, and the immunity dips. So, what are we going to eat?

● Turmeric and ginger: The anti-inflammatory heroes. Use them in tea or dal.

● Garlic: Antibacterial, boosting and immune, and they taste so good.

● Seasonal greens (moderately): Wash and sauté them, like spinach and methi.

Do not consume raw food in the monsoon. Digestion of cooked warm meals is simpler and safer to consume. These are the monsoon-approved immunity boosting foods that your gut will actually vibe with.

3. Autumn and transition months: The Calm before the Cold

The weather turns cold, viruses are out roaming, and the allergies sneak out. The question is what to eat:

● Pumpkin and carrots: They are rich sources of beta-carotene (which becomes vitamin A) and prevent problems of respiratory health.

● Beetroot: Helps in body detoxification and the circulation of blood.

● Guava and Pears: These are loaded with vitamin C and are friends of your immune boost.

Strengthen your immunity before winter comes. Herbal teas and kadhas can be started now as a warming ritual packed with healthy foods and diet foods approved by both science and Nani.

4. Winter: Warmness and Strength

Cold presents a chance for the viruses to creep in as the cold air dries out the mucous membranes. The body seeks warmth and nourishment. So, what should we eat?

● Amla (Indian gooseberry): A source of vitamin C. Eat it raw, in murabba form or in the form of juice.

● Til (sesame), jaggery and ghee: This ancient cooking trio is used to keep the joints moving, energy going, immune system active.

● Some veggies: Consider carrots, radish, turnips, and sweet potatoes high in fibre and immune-supportive vitamins.

Delicious seasonal foods such as til ladoo and gajar halwa are not 'merely sweet,' they should be used as medications in disguise.

5. Spring - Clean it Up & Restore

Nature is blossoming, and so are allergies. It is time to detox and restart. The foods to consume are:

● Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, and mosambi enhance collagen and immune cells.

● Leafy vegetables: Palak, methi and sarso are a good source of iron and folate (essential to immune function).

● Herbal teas: Teas made of basil, cinnamon and fennel aid to cool down the system after winter.

Eat less as it is springtime, and this means renewing oneself- think more steamed and less fried. This is your healthy diet springboard to an immunity boost.

A Handful of Day-to-day Habits That Go Awesomely with a Seasonal Diet

● Wake up in the morning by taking warm water and lemon to wash down the system.

● Drink one fruit juice early in the morning to start ingesting your vitamins.

● Replace refined white grains with local, raw grains such as millets, red rice or whole wheat.

● Put flavourings, such as turmeric, cumin and pepper, into the everyday food routine, they are small artillery to your stomach and immunity.

Not to mention, immunity is not constructed in one night, and no, it is not a weekend cleanse or a capsule that will miraculously help. It is leisurely, seasonal and all about the way you treat your body; how you use food in particular. Multivitamins did not exist in shiny bottles when our ancestors were born; however, there was ghee, haldi and sabzis that varied with the sun and the moon. That prudence is not bashed. So, the next time you are out shopping in the sabzi mandi or the supermarket, use the season to direct your basket. Wait till the food is ripe, when it is ripe. Your immunity as well as your taste buds will jiggle with delight. To gather more information about immunity-boosting foods, a healthy diet and diet foods with proper diagnostic care, book an appointment with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital today.