It’s part of the nature to have rainfall. Rainy season is a time for celebration, life and passion. But at the same time, the disease factor is also well known and obvious. People become prone to suffer from low immunity and hence fall sick frequently when the monsoon arrives. That is why strengthening your immune system is a prerequisite for keeping various fatal ailments at bay.

Not feeding your body certain foods, ensuring you’re getting as many health-boosting vitamins and nutrients as possible and taking good care of few things can help keep your immune system strong.

• Staying hydrated is vital to support immune system functioning. Water helps your body produce lymph which carries white blood cells and other immune system cells.
• Make a handful of almonds part of your daily diet to help ward off viral infections.

• Consume a lot of vitamin C rich foods that include orange, grapefruit, strawberries, tangerines, spinach, kale and broccoli. The more colourful fruits and vegetables are, the better they are for building up the great immune system. Choose these fresh fruits and veggies from the farmers’ market aiming at every colour of the rainbow.
• Vitamin B6 is a vital immune system booster. It is found in green vegetables and chickpeas. Chicken and cold water fish such as salmon and tuna are also rich in nutrient but eating fish during monsoon season can make you ill as it is the breeding season for fish and prawns.
• Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds and spinach are powerful antioxidants that help the body fight off infection.

• Try eating more hydrating foods such as cucumbers, celery or watermelon. Being rich in folic acid, fruits and vegetables are super foods to boost the immune system.
• Improve your vitamin D levels by exposing yourself to morning sunshine and consuming egg, cheese, milk and fortified cereals.
• Incorporate healthy oils like olive oil, canola oil in your balanced food diet as these oils strengthen the immune system.
• Having oatmeals at breakfast can greatly support your immune system. It is a super pack of soluble fibre, vitamins and minerals.
• A glass of red wine a day boosts immunity and protects the body against common illnesses like cold, fever and stomach disorders. Consumption in controlled quantities has to be taken care of. Otherwise, it can damage the liver and destroy the immune system.
• Garlic is a natural antibiotic, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal agent that helps to protect the body against a variety of illnesses.
• Ginger is excellent to protect the body against a host of disorders. Being a strong antioxidant, antibiotic, antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, it helps relieve throat pain and congestion and also destroys cold viruses and improves gastric mobility.

• Turmeric contains curcumin whose antioxidant action improves the functioning of the immune system.
• You can keep infections and autoimmune diseases at bay eating flax seeds every day. Flax seeds play an important role in modulating the response of the immune system.
• Regular consumption of green tea is a great way to boost the immune system.
• One tablespoon of honey a day is extremely good to protect the body against viruses, fungi and bacteria. It soothes a sore throat and improves digestion.
• Restrict consumption of simple sugar as it lowers the ability of white blood cells to fight and destroy bacteria.

• Try to avoid overdoing beverages that can make you dehydrated like coffee.
• Monsoon-related diseases can cause due to consuming unhygienic food and water. Avoid eating roadside snacks like pani puris, chats, tikki, samosas and Chinese food as they all may contain contaminated water. Fried foods can also cause an upset stomach and acidity as they may be fried in oil stored for several months. This oil is an absolute dietary villain.
• Roadside juices can be made out of stale fruits or fruits that are cut in advance. They may get infected. Consume only homemade fresh fruit juice avoid eating pre-cut fruits. Mangoes should also be avoided.
• It is better not to have carbonated drinks, especially during the monsoon. These drinks reduce mineral levels in our body.

• Exercise regularly. Remain stress-free and keep smiling. Doing yoga and meditation are great ways to deal with stress.
• Have adequate sleep. It not only improves your immune system but also elevates your mood and energy level.

So, get ready to enjoy the great joys that rain brings. It is the God’s love that is truly unconditional. Make the rainy season in your favour completely.

 Immunity fortifies the body against external invasions by microorganisms, allergens and parasites