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Naturopathic approaches can complement conventional treatments for respiratory infections by strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall health
The goal of these techniques is to improve the body’s innate defenses against infections and speed up the healing process
Nutrition, herbal medicines, and lifestyle choices are all common goals of naturopathic approaches to support the body’s defenses against respiratory infections. The goal of these techniques is to improve the body’s innate defenses against infections and speed up the healing process. Dr Narendra Shetty, chief wellness officer at Kshemavana Yoga and Naturopathy Centre shares some ways that different naturopathic methods can be beneficial:
Diet for Immune Boosting
A healthy diet comprising of a nutritional balance is highly required for the sustenance of health immune. What are some really important foods enhancing immunological activities.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is rather obvious as the anti-inflammatory properties of this compound prevent oxidative degradation of the white blood cells and therefore support their further production. Most citrus fruits such as oranges, broccoli, and bell peppers besides berries such as strawberries rich in vitamin C.
• Vitamin D: Is important in managing the immunologic response. Poor immunity to pulmonary infections has been linked to deficiencies in vitamin D. foods that are rich in vitamin D are eggs, oily fish (salmon, mackerel), sun exposure and fortified foods.
• Zinc: It is naturally occurring in oysters, beans, seeds and nuts. it contributes to the production and functioning of immune cells. A deficiency of zinc may impair immunity.
• Probiotics: The immune system partly lives in the gut, hence the inseparable link between gut health and immunological function. Dietetic intervention that supports immunological functions can be achieved with high probiotic food, including yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, through healthy gut microbiota maintenance.
• Ginger and Garlic: Because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger, and garlic have been used for thousands of years. The compound present in garlic, allicin, has been said to be antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial. Ginger may reduce the symptoms of respiratory tract infections because of its anti-inflammatory property.
• Hydration: Hydration ensures that toxins and infections leave the body through adequate elimination mechanisms as well as helps to preserve the mucosa health.
Herbal Antivirals and Antimicrobials
There are a few herbs and natural chemicals whose usage can avoid or at least weaken respiratory infections that possess antiviral and antimicrobial properties. A few are:
• Echinacea: Echinacea is often used to decrease the severity and duration of colds. Research indicates that, especially with the common cold, it may help stimulate immune cell activity and inhibit virus replication.
• Elderberry: Studies have demonstrated that elderberry extract has antiviral properties, especially against influenza viruses. It may reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms by providing immunological support and interfering with viral replication.
• Astragalus: This herb is believed to boost immunity and fight viruses. It has been believed to help prevent infections caused by viruses through enhancing the production of immune cells and improving the body’s resistance to infections.
• Andrographis: Andrographis is an herb, which is commonly used in folk remedies for the treatment of the respiratory diseases, especially the upper respiratory infections and also a cold and influenza. It’s known to demonstrate antimicrobial activity as well as anti-inflammatory.
• Licorice Root: It is an antiviral and anti-microbially active herb that is believed to reduce inflammation of the respiratory tract. It has been considered to be administered with caution by the hypertension patients.
• Oregano Oil: It is rich in powerful antimicrobial properties. Compounds present in oregano oil are carvacrol, which could help reduce the infection and inflammation.
Mitigating Stress
Continued stress can weaken the immune system. This makes the body more vulnerable to diseases. Therefore, strategies of stress reduction are often used as part of a naturopathic regimen to enhance immunity.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular mindfulness practices such as meditation seem to enhance immunity, while there are decreases in cortisol levels as well. Some practices enhance the human immune system capabilities of fighting pathogens due to lessening the stressful reaction.
• Yoga and Deep Breathing: Calming yogic and respiration practices help to decrease inflammatory response. These practices also help to relax by inducing parasympathetic responses, which improve the health and function of the respiratory system.
• Enough Sleep: The immune response requires proper sleeping. At night, the body repairs and rebuilds itself when it is sleeping, and immunity is produced efficiently. A human being should ensure they sleep from seven to nine hours in order to keep his or her immune system.
Adaptogenic herbs
Adaptogenic herbs are used to help the body adapt to stress while maintaining the immune system in balance. These are very helpful in enhancing general resistance to infections:
• Ashwagandha : It is well known by regulating the stress reaction, ashwagandha enhances immunity and reduces cortisol levels.
• Rhodiola: The second adaptogen that is an excellent stress antagonist and may benefit endurance, increase energy, or just enhance immunological function as a whole.
• Holy Basil: Tulsi in many languages. An adaptogen, this also has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties; however, besides these properties, it also helps in stress.
Other Natural Interventions
• Essential Oils: Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus and tea tree oil, have antimicrobial properties that can help clear respiratory congestion or build the immune system when used in a diffuser or as part of a steam inhalation treatment.
• Acupuncture: Traditional naturopathy uses acupuncture to stimulate the body’s energy flow, which is believed to facilitate healing and immunity.
Lifestyle Aspects
• Moderate Exercise: Since it activates immune cells and efficient flow, moderate exercise is said to boost the immune system.
• Quit smoking and alcoholism: These practices weaken the immune system and leave people vulnerable to diseases. Lungs can recover and become healthier by reducing or quitting some of these habits.
Naturopathic approaches can complement conventional treatments for respiratory infections by strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall health. Immunity-boosting diets rich in vitamins and minerals, herbal antivirals,
