HMPV stands for Human Metapneumovirus. It’s a type of virus that affects the respiratory system, causing a range of symptoms from mild to severe. Its symptoms include fever, sore throat, runny nose, difficulty in breathing. Children and older adults are at more risk of suffering from HMPV.
Here are some 6 tips to increase immunity towards HMPV :
- Vitamin D
You might be surprised to know that MOST people have low vitamin D levels (especially in the winter), and a lot of people are surprised to find that they could be dangerously low.
Keep in mind that it’s best to get your vitamin D naturally from the sun if you can. The sun is the absolute best source of vitamin D, and leads to a powerful strengthening of your immune system when your body can naturally produce Vitamin D from moderate sun exposure.
When the UVB rays (not UVA rays) from mid-day sun hit your skin, it reacts with oils in your skin to produce vitamin D that is slowly absorbed by your body. Remember that this does NOT mean getting burned in the sun… it means getting a moderate amount of sun on large portions of your body (not just your face) for approx 15-40 minutes per day WITHOUT sunscreen on (since sunscreen blocks the UV rays that directly stimulate the vitamin D production in your body).
Everybody is different based on their skin tone. Very pale skin tones may only need 10-15 minutes or so in full sun in the middle of the day to get adequate vitamin D before any skin damage occurs, but darker skin tones may need a slightly longer time (sometimes 40-60 minutes) in the sun to produce adequate vitamin D. To protect your skin, it’s essential to get enough sun without sunscreen on, but NOT get burned.
If you are working in an office from 9-5 most days of the week, then most likely you need a supplement of Vitamin D. The best food sources of natural Vitamin D are egg yolks, fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, organ meats, and some mushrooms. However, keep in mind that it’s tough to get enough vitamin D in the winter from food sources alone.
Natural Vitamin D from either cod liver oil and/or an oil-based D3 supplement are the best options in my opinion for the times of the year you’re not getting enough sun.
- Garlic
Garlic is one of the most potent of all superfoods! Not only does garlic go back thousands of years for treatment of sickness, but recent studies back up the legendary claims for garlic boosting your immune system.
*Start including garlic powder on a lot of your foods, fresh chopped garlic in meals.
- Probiotics
Keep in mind that 70% of your immune system lies in your gut flora and the health of the friendly organisms in there to protect you against pathogens and sickness.
I take a daily probiotics supplement to ensure I’m keeping my gut flora healthy and my immune system strong.
- Herbal Tea
There is evidence that green tea and chamomile tea can help aid in strengthening the immune system. Even if the effects are minimal, you can’t go wrong because both are loaded with powerful antioxidants unique to each tea.
For that reason, I try to drink a couple of cups of green tea. And then at night I have a couple of cups of chamomile or mint tea.
This isn’t a bad idea even for a regular habit, but it’s even more important when you feel a sickness coming on.
5. You can also include of ajwain water, which has anti inflammatory properties to fight against infections.
- Light Exercise
When you feel a sickness coming on, a super-high intensity workout is not a good idea, as hard training forces the body to do a lot of recovery. Your body needs all of it’s energy to fight off the oncoming sickness.
*Although I usually recommend high intensity training when you’re healthy, when you’re not feeling 100%, it’s just a good idea to get some light exercises. Your dietitian and nutritionist, Prioshka Rodrigues. +91 90493 64351