View of IMMUNITY: THE BEST MEDICINE FOR COVID 19

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ACCENT JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS ECOLOGY & ENGINEERING

Peer Reviewed and Refereed Journal ISSN No. 2456-1037 IMPACT FACTOR: 7.98 (INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL) Vol. 05, Issue 10,October 2020 Available Online: www.ajeee.co.in/index.php/AJEEE

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IMMUNITY: THE BEST MEDICINE FOR COVID 19 Dr. Rajesh Kumar,

Department of Physics, Government Degree College, Nanauta, Saharanpur (U.P.) Abstract:- The immune system protects the host from pathogenic organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites). To deal with this array of threats, the immune system has evolved to include a myriad of specialised cell types, communicating molecules and functional responses. The immune system is always active, carrying out surveillance, but its activity is enhanced if an individual becomes infected. This heightened activity is accompanied by an increased rate of metabolism, requiring energy sources, substrates for biosynthesis and regulatory molecules, which are all ultimately derived from the diet. A number of vitamins (A, B6, B12, folate, C, D and E) and trace elements (zinc, copper, selenium, iron) have been demonstrated to have key roles in supporting the human immune system and reducing risk of infections. Other essential nutrients including other vitamins and trace elements, amino acids and fatty acids are also important. Each of the nutrients named above has roles in supporting antibacterial and antiviral defence, but zinc and selenium seem to be particularly important for the latter. It would seem prudent for individuals to consume sufficient amounts of essential nutrients to support their immune system to help them deal with pathogens should they become infected. The gut microbiota plays a role in educating and regulating the immune system. Gut dysbiosis is a feature of disease including many infectious diseases and has been described in COVID-19. Dietary approaches to achieve a healthy microbiota can also benefit the immune system in this paper discussed various aspects of boosting immunity in the context of COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords:- COVID-19, Immunity, Immune system, Nutrients, Pandemic.

1. INTRODUCTION

According to the World Health Organisation, around 80% of the world’s population uses herbal medicines for primary health care, particularly across Europe and South Asia. Research indicates that many of these herbs not only have anti-inflammatory properties, they also help build up the body’s natural immunity. And unlike allopathic medicines like antibiotics, which can have serious side effects, most of these herbs and spices are relatively safe.

Here’s a list of herbs and spices¹ that can help improve immunity:-

Holy Basil. The leaves of this easily available plant are rich in phytonutrients (such as antioxidants, flavanol) chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals, as well as Eugenol, a bioactive compound that has anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and reduces stress and plasma glucose levels. You can chew 4-5 fresh basil leaves every morning (make sure you wash them well in running water) or infuse them with your morning tea. Basil is also an important ingredient of pesto recipes.

Ginger is well known for its anti- inflammatory, antifungal, and anti-cancer properties. In traditional medicine, ginger has been extensively used for curing colds and coughs, nausea, asthma, travel

sickness, morning sickness, arthritis, gastrointestinal complaints and even depression. Consume it as ginger tea, which involves crushing ginger and boiling it with tea leaves and water.

Powdered ginger mixed with pulverized cloves, cardamom and caraway has been used for digestive ailments since ancient times.

Fenugreek is a well-known herb in the Ayurvedic system of medicine which acts a natural anti-oxidant and strengthens immune system. It is not only used as an herb (dried or fresh leaves), spice(seeds), vegetable (fresh leaves) but also as a condiment in artificial flavoring of maple syrup or in the production of steroids. You can add fenugreek seeds as preservatives in pickles as they are rich in vitamin E. Dried leaves of fenugreek are used for flavoring vegetable dishes, fish and meat.

Herbal tea made with fenugreek, honey and lemon is a traditional remedy to treat fever. Sprouted seeds of fenugreek and microgreens are used in salads, while fenugreek fiber can be used to cure constipation. Garlic has potent anti- oxidant properties, and helps in reducing stress and high blood pressure. It also helps to enhance thiamine (vitamin B1) absorption in the body and prevents

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72 beriberi. It is always best to chop or crush garlic before consuming it, because it works better when in contact with oxygen.

Garlic is used to add flavour to almost every form of cuisine across the world.

Turmeric contains a bioactive compound known as curcumin, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Commonly used in India for curries and other dishes, it can also be consumed as a decoction (kadha) made from grated ginger, tulsi and turmeric once daily to improve immunity as recommended by AYUSH.

Here is the Table of Important dietary sources of nutrients^2,3, that support the immune system

Nutrient Good dietary sources

Vitamin A (or equivalents)

Milk and cheese, eggs, liver, oily fish, fortified cereals, dark orange or green vegetables (eg, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, squash, kale, spinach, broccoli), orange fruits (eg, apricots, peaches, papaya,

mango, cantaloupe melon), tomato juice

Vitamin B6 Fish, poultry, meat, eggs, whole grain cereals, fortified cereals, many vegetables (especially green leafy) and fruits, soya beans, tofu, yeast

extract

Vitamin B12 Fish, meat, some shellfish, milk and cheese, eggs, fortified breakfast cereals, yeast extract

Folate Broccoli, brussels sprouts, green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, cabbage), peas, chick peas, fortified cereals

Vitamin C Oranges and orange juice, red and green peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, kiwi, broccoli, brussels sprouts, potatoes

Vitamin D Oily fish, liver, eggs, fortified foods (spreads and some breakfast cereals)

Vitamin E Many vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, wheat germ (in cereals)

Zinc Shellfish, meat, cheese, some grains and seeds, cereals, seeded or wholegrain breads

Selenium Fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, some nuts especially brazil nuts

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Nutrient Good dietary sources

Iron Meat, liver, beans, nuts, dried fruit (eg, apricots), whole grains (eg, brown rice), fortified cereals, most dark green leafy vegetables

(spinach, kale)

Copper Shellfish, nuts, liver, some vegetables

Essential amino acids

Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and cheese, soya, nuts and seeds, pulses

Essential fatty

acids Many seeds, nuts and vegetable oils

These energy sources, substrates and regulatory molecules are ultimately derived from the diet. Hence an adequate supply of a wide range of nutrients is essential to support the immune system to function optimally^5-7. Ministry of AYUSH also recommends the following self-care guidelines for preventive health measures and boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health.

These are supported by Ayurvedic literature and scientific publications.

Recommended Measures⁴ are:- 1. General Measures

1. Drink warm water throughout the day.

2. Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes as advised by Ministry of AYUSH (#YOGAatHome

#StayHome #StaySafe)

3. Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) are recommended in cooking.

2. Ayurvedic Immunity Promoting Measures

1. Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar free Chyavanprash.

2. Drink herbal tea / decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry

Ginger) and Munakka (Raisin) - once or twice a day. Add jaggery (natural sugar) and / or fresh lemon juice to your taste, if needed.

3. Golden Milk- Half tea spoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk - once or twice a day.

3. Simple Ayurvedic Procedures

1. Nasal application - Apply sesame oil / coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils (Pratimarsh Nasya) in morning and evening.

2. Oil pulling therapy- Take 1 table spoon sesame or coconut oil in mouth. Do not drink, Swish in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes and spit it off followed by warm water rinse.

This can be done once or twice a day.

4. During Dry Cough / Sore Throat 1. Steam inhalation with fresh

Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway seeds) can be practiced once in a day.

2. Lavang (Clove) powder mixed with natural sugar / honey can be taken 2-3 times a day in case of cough or throat irritation.

3. These measures generally treat normal dry cough and sore throat.

However, it is best to consult doctors if these symptoms persist.

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74 2. CONCLUSION

The immune system protects the host from pathogenic organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites). To deal with such an array of threats, the human immune system has evolved to include a myriad of specialised cell types, communicating molecules and functional responses. The immune system is always active, carrying out surveillance, but its activity is enhanced if an individual becomes infected.

This heightened activity is accompanied by an increased rate of metabolism, requiring energy sources, substrates for biosynthesis and regulatory molecules, which are all ultimately derived from the diet.

Through experimental research and studies of people with deficiencies, a number of vitamins (A, B6, B12, folate, C, D and E) and trace elements (zinc, copper, selenium, iron) have been demonstrated to have key roles in supporting the human immune system and reducing risk of infections. Also there is no single food that is a magic pill for a healthy body.

Apart from including these herbs and spices in your diet, you must exercise both your body and your mind regularly,

make necessary lifestyle changes, and practice gratitude

REFERENCES

1. Shrivastava, A.; COVID-19: Herbs That Strengthen Your Immune System, Outlook;

Apr 15, 2020.

2. Gombart AF, Pierre A, Maggini S. A review of micronutrients and the immune System–

Working in harmony to reduce the risk of infection. Nutrients 2020;12:E236.

Doi:10.3390/nu12010236Google Scholar . 3. Calder PC. Feeding the immune

system. Proc. Nutr. Soc. 2013;72:299–309.

doi:10.1017/S0029665113001286 CrossRe fPubMedGoogle Scholar

4. Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH recommendation.

5. Cena H, Calder PC. Defining a healthy diet:

evidence for the role of contemporary dietary patterns in health and disease.

Nutrients 2020;12:334.

Doi:10.3390/nu12020334 Google Scholar.

6. US. Department of health and human services and U.S. department of agriculture. 2015–2020 dietary guidelines for Americans. 8th edition, 2015.

Available: http://health.gov/dietaryguideli nes/2015/guidelines/ Google Scholar . 7. Gibson A, Edgar JD, Neville CE, et

al. Effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on immune function in older people: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2012; 96:1429–36.

doi:10.3945/ajcn.112.039057.

Abstract/FREE Full Text Google Scholar.