Rain Without Pain

This monsoon, take shelter under Naini Setalvad's umbrella of immunity-boosting foods to stay bug-free

- Naini Setalvad

The beautiful sound of pattering rain, the cool breeze, the smell of wet soil, and the lush green trees make this  season one of my favourites. While my senses are rejoicing, I am still mindful of the distress that the monsoon can bring. From leaky noses and raised temperatures to persistent coughing, monsoon infections can really take their toll on anyone. This is why I make sure my immunity levels are up and I can fight back these infections with ease.

The immune system is the body's defence mechanism the army with which the body protects itself against disease-causing organisms such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The immune army is an amazing system that, when working well, is constantly vigilant in order to protect us from infection, infestation, and general invasion by bugs of all descriptions, like any army. However, the immune system has to be fed the right food to stay fit and allow it to work to the best of its ability.

Here are some immunity-boosting foods that I recommend, which are easily available, practical, and effective.

Water therapy: The very first and most important thing that I want you to keep in mind is water. Our body is made up mostly of water, so the more water we give it, the easier it is for it to fight off any virus. Please make sure to sip on plenty of warm water throughout the day as it will really help you. You can also consume hot fluids like soups, rasam, or herbal teas. These will keep you hydrated, help the mucus to flow, and keep the throat moist, thus aiding in flushing out toxins from your body. Throughout the day, gargle with hot water, natural salts, and turmeric powder to keep the throat bacteria-free.