immunity Archives - Page 7 of 8

April 16, 2020 By Navnee Garg Leave a Comment

Coconut Oil As An Immunity Booster

Given the current situation, the pandemic has gotten most of us to focus on our health. We are in fact taking a step towards eating clean and boosting our immunity to fight the virus. But, boosting immunity is not a temporary need, we should always focus on it. It is our shield against infections and disease. Let’s look at one food which helps us do this – Coconut Oil!

We use butter, ghee or refined oil while cooking our meals. These are not only fattening but they also make us lethargic and weaken our immune system. On the other hand, coconut oil is a well-known superfood which can be used as a supplement for cooking. It has Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) which make it easier to digest. This fantastic oil has antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which help to keep us healthy and immune.

Why Coconut Oil to Boost Immunity?

Coconut oil is blessed with two special ingredients which makes it excellent for immunity. These are lauric acid and caprylic acid – both have antiviral properties. Both the acids are well known for fighting off yeast overgrowth (candida) along with bacterial infections. The composition of coconut oil consists of 50% lauric acid which is converted to monolaurin by the body – which is an antiviral agent that fights off a variety of pathogens and viruses. Though it hasn’t been found to be a proven cure for any disease, the antiviral properties in coconut oil have been through extensive research. Coconut oil also enhances our metabolism in addition to strengthening the immune system which will protect the body against atmospheric impurities.

How Do You Use It Effectively?

If you’re looking to boost your immunity naturally, simply use a teaspoon of coconut oil a day.

As Cooking Oil: Use a teaspoon of coconut oil for cooking purposes which would help to curb fatigue and muscle pain with regular usage. You can stir it in coffee to make bulletproof coffee or you can even use it in any of your dishes like oatmeal, soups, smoothies, stews, or even make dessert and cook your veggies in it. If the taste is an issue, you can also use coconut butter which retains all the fiber naturally found in coconut, along with some of the oil.
For Skincare: We absorb everything we put on our skin directly into the bloodstream, within minutes of contact. Try mixing it in your moisturizer as this shall help you build a shield against viruses and bacteria. This can help you protect your skin just like internal organs when it comes to fighting off immunity invaders. Women can also use it as make up removers to keep the skin glowing and healthy.

Remember, though coconut oil has many benefits, it is not a cure for any illness. One needs to have a balanced diet, exercise well, stay hydrated, sleep well and stay stress-free to live a healthy life. That being said, if you are already taking a healthy balanced diet and want an extra boost, try to add some superfoods in your diet, including coconut oil and garlic, which also has immunity-boosting properties. Avoid refined coconut oils and go with extra-virgin and organic for the best quality.

For more tips on boosting immunity and immunity-boosting foods, tune in to GOQii Play. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Stay home, stay safe and #BeTheForce!

April 3, 2020 By Sunita Arora 4 Comments

Healthy Eating Tips and Suggestions While in Lockdown

Although questions have been raised regarding the transmission of COVID-19, there is currently no evidence to suggest that it can be transmitted through food or water systems. Proper home food safety is advised, including promptly refrigerating foods, keeping raw and cooked foods separate and heating food to the appropriate internal temperature. Today I’ll be sharing the list of foods which you should include for good nutrition and health, boost immunity and some healthy eating tips which you should follow.

7 Healthy Eating Tips While in Isolation

Include Green Vegetables: like spinach, kale, broccoli in the diet regularly. Spinach is packed with numerous nutrients & antioxidants which increases the body’s immunity to fight against infections.
Don’t skip Vitamin B in Diet: as they contribute in recognizing a pathogen first and act as a security measure for our immune system. Include fortified cereals, mushrooms, fortified dairy products, legume, nuts, and seeds to boost the immune system.
Boost immunity with Vitamin C: Include fruits like oranges, lemons, kiwis, avocadoes, tomatoes, berries etc. Vitamin C helps to protect our body cells from oxidative stress which is the main cause of the production of free radicals and inflammation in our body.
Eat Healthy Snacks and Avoid Junk: You may spend all the time at home which makes your reach for comfort food easier. Avoid chips, biscuits, namkeen cookies, etc. and replace them with healthy snacks like roasted chana, makhana, air popcorn, nuts, sprouts and berries.
Include Vitamin D-Rich foods: The more you stay inside, the more your chances of Sun exposure will be limited. You can sit at your balcony or near a window where you can get good sunshine and enjoy a good time with family. Also include Vitamin D rich sources in your diet like fortified dairy-free milk, tofu, orange juice, mushrooms, etc.
Add Ginger & Garlic: to your food to strengthen your immune system and to enhance flavour. These foods have medicinal properties to fight viruses which mainly cause common cold and flu.
Include Good Protein in Dinner: such as legumes, lentils, chickpeas which contain vitamin B, iron, zinc, magnesium to kill pathogens. These Protein-rich foods also repair body tissue, fight viral and bacterial infections. They also maintain the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes.

7 Valuable Tips While Purchasing Food During Lockdown

Go Easy on Frozen Foods: As we all know most of the frozen food items are high in sodium, fat, and calories. You can try them if fresh fruits and veggies are not available or too costly but remember that canned and frozen fruits and vegetables provide the same nutrients as fresh but don’t forget to drain and rinse them before use.
Minimize Your Purchases for Tempting Foods: such as chips, sodas, cookies, and ice cream which can affect your immunity. They are high in empty calories and run up your grocery bill as well. Shop wisely and give priority to nutritive foods in place of junk foods.
Keep Costs Down: while shopping online or at the store. Go for low-cost alternatives. Instead of buying everything ready-made, try to make some food items like hummus, salsa dip, purees, etc. at home. Don’t overstock food items. Check the labels for expiry date while shopping or after receiving through courier.
Use a Disinfecting Wipe: while purchasing grocery from the store. Wipe your hands and grocery cart handle then put the wipe in a closed dustbin. After shopping don’t forget to wash your hands or use a sanitizer.
Use Contactless Payment: For making payment through card or in case of online payment, you can use your contactless card. If you are making payment by using a normal card where you have used a keypad, tapped the buttons and screen with your finger, then use a hand sanitizer after completing the payment transaction.
Eat Fresh As Much As Possible: Try to eat freshly cooked food, avoid storing food in the refrigerator and avoid wastage of food. Always cook food in limited quantities as per your need so there aren’t any leftovers which you have to store and eat forcibly the next day. Don’t compromise immunity and gut health in this tough time due to stale food.
Eat Out Safely: If you are ordering cooked meals or you want to have take-out meals, take the food home right away and eat it while it is hot. Avoid storing leftovers. Order in required quantity only. If you want to store leftovers safely, wrap tightly and refrigerate and make sure that you reheat leftovers thoroughly before eating.
Reconnect with Family During Meals: Try to eat maximum meals together at the table without television so that you can pay attention to each other and do not overeat. After the meal, you can engage in some fun indoor activity. It’s also a good time to try healthy recipes from Healthy Reads or GOQii Play – both within the GOQii App.

We hope this article helps you make the right choices. Do leave your thoughts below. For more healthy eating tips, tune in to experts on GOQii Play.

#BeTheForce

March 28, 2020 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 1 Comment

How To Use A Mask The Right Way!

A mask is a barrier between the nose, mouth and the rest of the world. This small piece of cloth is extremely useful in preventing the spread of contagious infection that spreads through air. A mask prevents you from spreading infection and prevents the infection from coming on to you from others. A mask could be a piece of cloth covering your nose and mouth (your scarf or the basic cotton ones we see being sold these days) or specially manufactured to prevent infection (the ones we see doctors wearing).

Should I use a mask?

The answer is ‘yes’ and ‘no’. If you are healthy and everyone at your home is healthy, do not wear it. I suggest this because the precautions to using a mask must be followed at all times under all circumstances.
Wear a mask if you have an infection (any infection like cough, cold, etc) or if you are a caregiver.
Wear a mask if you are stepping out of your house, do not take it off when talking to people or under any circumstances. Take it off and put it for a wash immediately once you are home.

WHO says, you should use a mask:

If you’re taking care of a person with infection (any infection)
If you have any infection

How to Use a Mask

A mask alone is not the only answer to protect you from an infection. Use alcohol-based sanitizers or wash your hands before, during and after using the it
Before you touch your mask, wash your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water
Cover your mouth and nose and ensure there are no gaps in between
Once you pull off the mask, because of the breath, the dirt will stick to it from the inside. Do not use it again, get a fresh one.
One time use masks to be used once. Period!
Since the mask is protecting you from infections, it has all infections on it. So do not touch it when it’s on.
Discard it in a paper bag and then throw it in the dustbin.
If you’re using one made from cloth, you can wash it in warm water, dry it in a clean place and reuse.

There are different types available in the market. In the current epidemic, it is suggested to use the N95 respirator face mask to protect one from contracting COVID-19. All the indications to wear it stays the same as mentioned above. This mask filters particle (95% of very small particles) from the air that is breathed through it. These respirators filter out at least 95% of very small (0.3 micron) particles. It is said that these masks can filter most of the bacteria and viruses. And hence its utility. If these are properly fitted and worn, minimal leakage occurs around edges of the respirator when the user inhales air.

Currently, we increasingly see common vendors selling masks on the road side, people wear to check and keep them back. This is unacceptable and we are creating a pool of infection by such practises. Ensure you sanitise and clean the mask properly, before you put it on. Keep your it only for your use and no one else’s.

However, in the current scenario where masks are required by the medical fraternity more than the common citizens, I must reiterate that your mask against COVID-19 must be ‘social distancing’ and nothing else.

You can get N95 masks from the GOQii Health Store within the app.

Stay safe. Stay at home. #BeTheForce against COVID-19!

January 15, 2019 By GOQii Editor 1 Comment

Immunity and India-India Fit Report 2019

Build your immune system

29% of the teenagers in India fall sick annually, followed by 26% of adults-India Fit Report 2019

Immunity is the ability of our body to defend itself against infections, diseases, or other unwanted biological invasions. The higher your immunity, the less likely you are to fall sick. If you are someone who frequently falls prey to cold and cough, think no more, you just have weak immunity. Being the body’s first and last line of defence, immunity is essential to keep your body strong and resilient. There are many factors that determine how good your immunity system is for example, the area you live in, your lifestyle, eating habits etc.

According to the GOQii India Fit Report 2019 Titled-Insurance: An Investment in Health, around 25% of the population in India suffer from a constant cough, cold, and sore throat. That speaks volumes about the immunity system of an average Indian, doesn’t it? In order to understand Immunity on a deeper note, let’s take a look at how the human body builds its Immunity.

“The younger your body is, the more prone it is to getting a cough or cold. The body is developing at this stage to become stronger and more immune to illness.” Indicates, the India Fit Report 2019. The data collected showed that 29% of the teenagers in India fall sick annually, followed by 26% of adults, senior citizens at 21% and at last older adults at 19%.

Further, the report adds that teenagers catch a cold and cough easily compared to adults because as you get older, your body matures and builds a much stronger immunity to keep you healthy. The India Fit Report advise you to take measures to build your immunity if you are over 20 years old and often fall sick.

Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Chennai recorded the most cases of cold and cough as per the GOQii India Fit report 2019. A total of 11% Indians fell sick at least 3 times a year and this showed a serious lack of immunity. Delhi amidst other cities stood out for the highest percentage of people falling sick at 13%. All of these nos. indicate a serious case of weak immunity among Indians.

“With increased pollution and constantly changing the environment, the air we breathe and the food we eat is all contaminated. We really have to fight to build our immune system which is what helps us survive a day on day,” says the India Fit Report 2019

Here are some ways to boost your immunity and fight off diseases efficiently, as per The GOQii India it Report 2019.

Get Adequate Rest and Sleep: Sleep is very important for a healthy body because adequate sleep ensures that the body is well relaxed and this also helps the cells to repair and replace, thus contributing to strong immunity. Adequate rest also includes getting quality sleep without distractions, so keep that in mind.

Eliminate sugar and processed foods: Processed foods come packed with refined sugar, which is a major culprit in weakening your immune system. If you are planning to boost your immunity, it is advised to avoid sugar content in your diet.

Boost Gut Health: Having a healthy gut and intestinal system is very important for our well being. A healthy gut hosts healthy bacteria which teach our immune system about what to fight against. It works like an Artificial Intelligence system which is constantly learning. In short, if you have bad gut health, you will have an inexperienced immune system.

Manage stress effectively: Many studies have proved that the higher your stress, the weaker your immunity system. A stressed out person is more likely to fall sick than a relaxed person. So try to keep the stress under control, it plays a major role in boosting your immunity

Include Indian spices in meals: Spices have been widely used in the field of medicine in India and China. They not only add taste and flavour to your food but also help you build your immunity. Add spices like Ginger, Garlic, Turmeric, Clove and Cumin to your meals and stay free from diseases.
Limit exposure to chemicals: Exposure to chemicals play a very big role in weakening your immunity. You’re most likely to come in contact with them in the form of Pesticides on your fruits and vegetables, so make sure you wash them properly before consumption.

To read more Download the report from Indiafit.org