Our body’s immune system is our first line of defense when it comes to dangerous viruses and bacteria. While this information has been known for many, many years, it became front-of-mind over the last five years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, it seems that an increasing number of people are taking an interest in their immune health as a result, and that’s certainly a good thing. After all, boosting immunity can help the body to naturally fight off illnesses and diseases.
For centuries now, eastern cultures have been using certain products to boost their immune health. Ayurveda, for instance, has been integrating dahi as a way to improve immune function and overall health.
Dahi, also known as curd, is a traditional yogurt that’s made from cow’s milk, buffalo milk or even goat milk. It is a great dietary choice for the immune system, specifically because it’s rich in nutrients and probiotics.
Ayurvedic principles even emphasize how important a strong immune system is to help maintain good overall health. By following some of these principles, you can also help to boost your immune health.
Understanding Dahi’s Nutritional Benefits
So, why is dahi so beneficial to immune health? The answer to that lies in how it’s made.
Curd is created by fermenting milk with bacterial cultures. The beneficial bacteria that’s used in this process convert the sugars that are naturally present in milk into what’s called lactic acid.
During this process, dahi will take on its signature thick texture and tangy taste. The beneficial bacteria, combined with the milk itself, create a product that’s a rich source of probiotics, calcium and protein — which make it an excellent addition to any healthy diet.
The probiotics specifically help to boost immunity and support digestive health. Consuming it regularly, in fact, has been proven to help maintain a person’s gut flora at optimum levels, which can reduce the likelihood of developing some infections.
Not only that, but since it’s low in fat and calories, dahi is a great option for people who are looking to lose and/or manage their weight.
Boosting Immunity with Ayurvedic Principles
According to Ayurvedic principles, it’s important to keep a balanced lifestyle and diet if you want to support immune function. One great way to do so is to eat warm and nourishing foods such as Dahi, which can help to support your immune health, especially during cold weather periods.
Since dahi is such a versatile ingredient, you can also add in Ayurvedic herbs such as ginger and turmeric to boost your immunity even further and support your overall health. This can also give an added flavor and texture boost to your curd.
Seasonal Changes and Immune Health
When the seasons change, our body can experience a weakening effect, which in turn makes us more susceptible to infections. This can be seen a lot when the weather starts to cool in the fall and winter, and also when plants, trees and flowers begin to bud in the spring.
This is one reason why Ayurvedic principles stress the importance of adjusting our diet and lifestyle with the changing seasons. By using Ayurvedic herbs and consuming seasonal foods, you can help to best support your immune system during these seasonal changes.
Dahi can be at the heart of these foods, too. You can easily incorporate in-season fruits and vegetables with curd to make a delicious and nutritious meal.
Diet and Lifestyle for Immune Health
Some of the most important aspects of immune function come from the life you live and the diet you follow. It’s always important to eat a balanced diet that’s rich in nutrients from foods such as whole vegetables, fruits and dahi.
All of this can support your immune health year round.
It’s also important to incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Ayurvedic exercises such as yoga are great to support your overall health and boost your immunity.
Exercise and Agni for Immune Health
As mentioned, exercise and movement are important aspects of maintaining a strong immune system.
If you want to support immune functions, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of balancing your agni, or your digestive fire. You can do this in part by regular exercise such as yoga and other low-impact movements.
Panchakarma Purification Therapy for Detoxification
Some people may need to take their immune health journey a step further, and Panchakarma purification therapy is one way to do this. This purification treatment can help to remove toxins from your body, which could be standing in the way of having a healthy immune system.
Ayurveda actually stresses the importance of regular detoxification to maintain good health. While Panchakarma therapy can help support overall health and immune function, it’s not for everyone.
If you’re considering doing it, make sure to consult with someone who’s experienced in it and can help guide you as to whether it’s a good decision and how to properly go about it.
Ayurvedic Medicines for Immune Support
Herbal supplements have gained steam in recent years as a great way to support immune function, but Ayurveda has been subscribing to this belief for centuries.
There are indeed many herbal supplements and Ayurvedic medicines that can support overall health and boost your immunity. Ayurveda has always emphasized how important it is to use natural remedies to support immune health, rather than manufactured drugs or other artificial means of doing so.
Safety and Risk of Bias Assessment
Generally speaking, Ayurvedic treatments and medicines have been considered safe when they are followed properly. That being said, it’s always important that you consult with a qualified healthcare professional you trust before you undergo any new procedures or remedies.
While Ayurvedic principles emphasize the importance of using natural remedies in a sustainable and responsible way, there could be adverse effects of following this regimen depending on your particular health situation.
Research Perspectives
Dahi is a traditional Indian yogurt that’s been used for many centuries to support overall health and boost immune function. It fits in perfectly with the Ayurvedic principles, which emphasize how important a balanced diet and lifestyle are in supporting immune function.
To fully understand the benefits of Dahi and Ayurvedic immunity boosters in supporting immune health, more research is needed. Yet, there is still much evidence that following these principles and consuming curd will certainly do wonders for your body, mind and soul.
