Reader’s Digest India – July 2019

Boost Your

Immunity!

indiapicture

42 july 2019

Reader’s Digest

W

hile a balanced diet and

regular exercise are ideal

immunity-builders, health

supplements help boost immunity.

But do consult your doc and read the

label carefully before using them,” says

Dr Ashutosh Shukla, director, and head,

internal medicine, Artemis Health

Institute, Gurgaon. Here’s a quick look

at some effective supplements.

Echinacea

This powerful herb is often used to

prevent and fight colds, but can do

much more for your system. It can

stimulate your immune system to

produce more T-cells [white blood

cells that help the immune

system fight infections]

and strengthen it to tackle

invading germs.

Ashwagandha

This traditional herb is

HEALTH

By Cynthia John

effective when taken with

cow’s milk. A study comparing

blood samples of volunteers

before and after consuming it

showed a marked increase in the

number of certain immune cells.

Zinc

Zinc increases production of WBCs

making it a great cancer fighter and

immunity-booster. Some studies show

that 30 mg of zinc taken at the onset

of a cold will shorten it by about half

a day. However, excess zinc can be

immune-suppressive, so check with

your doctor before you pop one.

Triphala

This Ayurvedic supplement

contains amla, haritaki

and bibhitaki, all of

which are known to have immune-

modulating effects, according to

Dr Issac Mathai, medical direc-

tor, SOUKYA International Holistic

Centre, Bengaluru.

Ginkgo Biloba

A powerful antioxidant-rich herb that

improves blood flow and maintains

Omega-3 fatty acid levels in the body,

it helps boost the immune system.

Ginseng

This root is known to boost the number

of immune cells in the body. A study of

323 people over four months showed

that those who took ginseng every day

had a lower frequency of colds.

ADAPTED FROM PREVENTION INDIA © JULY 2013

LIVING MEDIA INDIA LIMITED.