| Our hectic lifestyle makes it imperative for us to be on | | | | exposed to fomites (objects that tend to accumulate |
| guard — always. “Immunity is our body’s ability | | | | germs upon contact, such as taps, keyboards and |
| to defend itself against infections. And a lot of it | | | | door handles). |
| depends upon our lifestyle and our ability to cope with | | | | |
| stress.” Stress, in fact, can be quite lethal since it is | | | | SHAKE IT BABYIf you are becoming horizontally |
| a silent killer. It doesn’t just lead to major ailments | | | | challenged and people call you a desk jockey, chances |
| but also brings down your immunity. “When | | | | are, you are leading a sedentary lifestyle. Just make |
| stressed, our adrenal gland releases more | | | | sure you do at least 45 minutes of aerobic exercise |
| corticosteroid — a hormone that suppresses | | | | every day. With a little more time to spare, nothing |
| immunity. Lack of rest and an irregular lifestyle increase | | | | beats yoga, running and jogging. Just take your pick, |
| stress. That is reason enough for our immunity to | | | | but make sure you keep moving. In fact, a study by |
| nosedive.” | | | | the University of North Carolina proves that those who |
| Studies prove that those who are exposed to stress | | | | walk 45 minutes a day are half as likely to catch flu as |
| run a higher risk of developing infections (74-90 per | | | | compared to those who don’t. The best part is that |
| cent) and are more likely to catch a cold (27-47 per | | | | regular exercise ensures the smooth functioning of |
| cent) than those who are hassle–free. Another | | | | your organs, musclesand tissues. In effect, you end up |
| study suggests that chronic stress may wear down | | | | feeling much healthier. |
| the immune system and make you more vulnerable to | | | | |
| ailments. So how do you find out if you are a victim of | | | | EAT HEALTHYIf in your quest for weight loss, you |
| poor immunity? “If you fall sick too often, suffer | | | | have said ‘goodbye’ to carbs and fat, you are |
| from frequent upper respiratory tract infections, fever | | | | starving your body of vital nutrients. You need a |
| or an upset stomach, you need to work on your | | | | balanced diet to shore up your immunity. “Our body |
| immunity. What’s worse, low immunity levels may | | | | needs a blend of everything—from carbohydrates |
| lead to allergies, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid | | | | and fats to vitamins and minerals. While carbohydrates, |
| arthritis,” | | | | proteins and fats (which fall under the category of |
| Here is a checklist on what you need to do to up your | | | | macronutrients) are needed in larger quantities, vitamins |
| immunity levels: | | | | and minerals (also called micronutrients) are required in |
| SNOOZE SESSIONYou need at least six hours of | | | | lesser quantities,” says dietician Dr Ritika |
| sleep. “The best time to catch up on sound sleep is | | | | Sammadar. Vitamin C (lemon, oranges, amla), too, |
| between 10 pm and 6 am. Sleep balances hormone | | | | plays a key role in strengthening immunity. That apart, |
| levels, helps you think better and recharges your | | | | dry fruits (almonds and walnuts), turmeric and garlic |
| body.” So go, catch up on those 40 winks. | | | | work wonders. |
| | | | |
| COME CLEANIt might feel as if you are back to the | | | | GET VACCINATEDIt’s one of the smartest ways |
| nursery but cleanliness does ensure overall wellness. | | | | to keep yourself disease-free. A seasonal flu |
| Maintain basic hygiene like keeping your hands clean, | | | | vaccination (available at your nearest hospital) could do |
| since it is one of the best ways to ward off illnesses. | | | | the trick. |
| Make sure you wash your hands with a soap prior to | | | | More information about Health & Fitness Tips log |
| eating and after coughing, sneezing or using the | | | | on to Health and Beauty Secret. |
| washroom. Also, wash your hands after you are | | | | |