How to increase immunity

at the time of Covid

SAAOL News

Pune Maharashtra saaol center

Covid-19

In the time of Covid 19 all the world has realized that our main is not to accumulate money but to save our health. Nobody was more effective to prove that “Health is the real Wealth”. Its more than 100 days that we were under lockdown – complete or partial – we all were under constant threat that our health could be compromised by our small mistake. Covid is ten times more dangerous in Heart patients than an ordinary person. This danger increases with age and non control of High BP and High Sugar. Obese or Overweight is also more vulnerable to die if one has Corona infection. But at this time of Covid crisis most of our doctors, nurses and technicians showed courage and kept our centers open. Our head office in Chattarpur was closed only for about 4 weeks. But we could not refuse treatment to our patients as they needed treatment badly. We also dispensed Saaol medicines to all our old patients – except for a short time when we ran out of stock. Those who had to buy the substitute medicines from the market realized that they were 100-200% more in cost as compared to Saaol medicines.

BOOST IMMUNITY

The main cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata were especially affected as they were thickly populated and were the first stop of all the returning people from abroad. But those who kept on eating Saaol Diet, Yoga, Walking (even inside the house on the roof of house) and kept themselves remained more protected from Corona. To take care of our patients we started Video consultation of Dr. Chhajer, held webinars for two weeks on different topics. These Webinars were in facebook live and are also posted in our channel in You tube. Dr. Chhajer’s video consultations were really proved to be very popular as people from all across the world and the country. People find it very convenient and cost effective as they save the travel cost to visit Delhi. If anyone wants to do this tele consultation - the procedure is there in our website.

1 million subscribers in YouTube

SAAOL JADOO DIET

Our expansion plans of Saaol has been kept on hold for the time being, but once the corona crisis is over we shall definitely reach 100 centers. On you tube we are putting one video everyday and three new play lists have been recently added – Optimize your life (Stress Management ), Jadoo Diet (Weight loss ) and Zero Oil Recipes (Zero Oil Cooking Methods). Please visit our YouTube channel – Saaol – and subscribe this so that we can keep you in touch with the latest developments.

Dr. Bimal Chhajer's Talk

Corona is a viral disease – as opposed to Bacterial infection for which antibiotics are available. It has no known treatment and has been able to kill few lacs of people already across the world. Vaccine development is also far away as it will not be able to complete human trials within few months and then it need to be produced in bulk to reach the masses. The preventive steps are prescribed – but they are not full proof and despite all precautions people are getting infected. Some research studies are predicting that almost half of the population will get infected. But over 90% people who get infected come out of the infection without major problems – why? This is because the virus – despite getting inside the body could not harm. This is the effect of Strong Immune system or Immunity. The dangerous virus enters the body – but gets killed by the immune system. The aim of the Magazine this month is to understand the functions of Immune system of the body and what makes it strong. What can we do so that we can increase the power of the immune system ?

Dr Bimal image

Broadly speaking – Our Immunity is our power of the body to defend itself from attacks of germs/microbes or outside agents like toxins, cancer cells. If we need to know the whole immune system in details we need to know about – Antibodies, Antigens, Lymphocytes, Cytokines, Phagocytes, Macrophases, Neutrophils, complement, interferons, B cells, T cells (Memory, helper, Killer), Interleukins, Monocytes, Thymus, Besophils, Histamins and so on. Their roles and detailed sequence of actions are complicated and books can be written on them. But let us simplify it. Three major factors/items that form the Immune system are Barriers, Immune cells, Proteins. The Germs/microbes can be Bacteria or virus or Parasites. After they enter the body they are called Antigens. Barriers are guarding the entry points of the microbes – skin, inner lining of Gastric tracts/ Acid in the stomach etc, Lining of the Respiratory tracts and lungs, mucus secretions in the nose, Tears in the eyes, Mucous lining of urinary tracts. They try to prevent the entry of the germs inside the body. Ninety percent of the germs can not enter the body because of them. It can , however enter if there is a cut on the skin and cause infection.

Our blood contain Red Blood Cells(RBC) and White Blood Cells(WBC). The Red Blood Cells carry oxygen and The White Blood Cells work for the protection against the attack of germs. Different types of white blood cells – Neutrophils, Monocytes, Besophils, macrophages attack the germs once they enter the body by defeating the barriers guarding the body. This process is called Phagocytosis . They engulf the germ and kill them. Some of the cells also get killed leading to formation of Pus. They release some chemicals which pulls many more cells to this war zone killing more germs. There are other types of White Blood Cells (WBC) called Lymphocytes work to kill the Germs more effectively and also produce Proteins called Antibodies which have a shape of “Y”. This killing of germs are done by Killer Cells (Type of T Lymphocytes) and The Antibodies are produced by B Lymphocytes. If the germ attacks the body for the first time – the B cells produce Antibodies in small quantity and it akes time. But There are cells called Memory T cells which remember the germs. When they enter the body a second time – a huge amount of Antibodies are produced. These antibodies, when join with the germs, make them weak and more vulnerable to attacks by Lymphocytes. Thus the germs get killed easily.

Apart from Barriers, Phagocytosis and Antibodies – which form the major pillers of our immune system there are chemicals called Compliment system, Interferons, Interleukins, histamines work in different stages to strengthen the Immune system. Our main matter of the magazine will deal with the details of each and every part of the Immune system and tell you how we can directly and indirectly strengthen or boost up the immune system.

Food Chapter | Zero Oil Bread Upma

INGREDIENTS (PER SERVING)

Brown Bread – 2 Medium Slices,
Green Peas – 50 gm,
Tomato – 1 medium,
Onion – 1 medium,
Haldi – ½ t,
Jeera – ½ t,
Mustards Seeds– a pinch,
Curry Leaves – 10-12,
Hari Mirch – 2 chilies,
Lemon Juice – 1 T,
Salt – according to taste,
Coriander – for garnish.

METHOD OF PREPARATION

1.Put pan on flame and let it be hot.

2.Add jeera, mustard seeds and curry leaves and stir dry roast them.
3.Add onion and mix everything till the onion turns little brown. Keep adding a little water if required.
4.Then add tomato and mix well.
5.Now add green chilies, peas, salt, haldi and mix everything.
6.Add lemon juice, water and boil it till the water dries out.
7.Add the bread pieces in the mixture and mix them well to coat all the bread pieces well.
8.Sprinkle some coriander leaves and mix well everything.
9.Serve hot.

Calories in Zero Oil Bread Upma – 130 kcl
Calories in Bread Upma with Oil – 290 kcl

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Immunity

Immunity is the power of the body to protect itself from pathogens and other agents. Many microbes and viruses can cause disease, known as pathogens. When these Pathogens enter in our body, Immunity of the body protects us from these Pathogens. Everyday our body comes in contact with several pathogens, but only a few results into diseases. The reason is, our body can release antibodies against these pathogens and protects the body against diseases. This defense mechanism is called immunity. If a person has low Immunity Power then Pathogens affect the whole body.
Types of Immunity:There are two major types of immunity:

1. Innate Immunity or Natural or Non-specific Immunity

This type of immunity is inborn. This is also called natural immunity. This is activated immediately when the pathogen attacks. Innate immunity includes certain barriers that keep foreign particles out of the body. It is a long-term immunity in which our body produces antibodies on its own.

2. Acquired Immunity or Artificial or Adaptive Immunity

This type of immunity protects the body from pathogens develops as we go through life. As we are exposed to diseases or get vaccinated, we build a lot of antibodies to different pathogens. This type of immunity is acquired by the body in response to a specific germ and learns to fight that antigen. It remembers and can fight in the future.
• Active Immunity: When the body proactively prepares an antibody against a specific antigen
• Passive Immunity: In this, the body does not make any antibody. The antibody is specially inoculated in the body from outside. For example, through vaccination.
• Passive Immunity: In this, the body does not make any antibody. The antibody is specially inoculated in the body from outside. For example, through vaccination.

first factor that form the Immune System

1st Factor that form the Immune System

• Barrier

Our body has few natural barriers to prevent the entry of pathogens which are given below:

• Physical barrier

Physical barriers prevent the entry of germs physically. These include the skin, body hair, cilia, eyelashes, the respiratory tract, and the gastrointestinal tract. These form the first line of defense.

• Chemical barriers

We know that our stomach uses hydrochloric acid to break down the food molecules. Due to such a strongly acidic environment, most of the germs that enter our body along with the food are killed before the further process is carried on. Saliva in our mouth and tears in our eyes also have the antibiotic property that does not allow the growth of pathogens even though they are exposed all day.

• Cellular barriers

Certain pathogens also manage to enter our bodies. The cells involved in this barrier are leukocytes (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, etc. All these cells are all present in the blood and tissues.

• Inflammation

Inflammation and fever also work against the germ. The high temperature during fever and inflammation kills the germs.

Foods

2nd Factor that form the Immune System

Immune Cells

A cell that is part of the immune system and helps the body fight infections and other diseases. Immune cells develop from stem cells in the bone marrow and become different types of white blood cells. These include Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Basophils, Mast Cells, Monocytes, Macrophages, Dendritic Cells, Natural Killer Cells, and Lymphocytes (B cells and T cells).

1. White Blood Cells

WBCs are also called leukocytes. They circulate in the body in blood vessels and the lymphatic vessels that parallel the veins and arteries. White blood cells are on constant patrol and looking for pathogens. When they find a target, they begin to multiply and send signals out to other cell types to do the same. Our white blood cells are stored in different places in the body, which are referred to as lymphoid organs. These include the following: • Thymus — a gland between the lungs and just below the neck.
• Spleen — an organ that filters the blood. It sits in the upper left of the abdomen.
• Bone marrow — found in the center of the bones, it also produces red blood cells.
• Lymph nodes —small glands positioned throughout the body, linked by lymphatic vessels.

2. Dendritic Cells

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Dendritic Cells are antigen-presenting cells that coordinate both innate and adaptive immunity. These cells sense the infection and send the message to the rest of the immune system by antigen presentation.

3. Eosinophils

These contain highly toxic proteins that kill any bacteria or parasite in contact.

4. Basophils

These attack multicellular parasites. Like the mast cells, these release histamine.

5. Natural Killer Cells

These stop the spread of infections by destroying the infected host cells.

6. Red Blood Cells

The cells in the bloodstream which carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.

7. Platelets

Small cells in the bloodstream which are important in blood clotting.

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3rd Factor that form the Immune System

Proteins

Protein is vital to build and repair body tissue and fight viral and bacterial infections. Immune system powerhouses such as antibodies and immune system cells rely on protein. Too little protein in the diet may lead to symptoms of weakness, fatigue, and poor immunity. Some proteins of the immune system are:

1. Cytokines

Components of the immune system communicate with one another by exchanging chemical messengers called Cytokines. These proteins are secreted by cells and act on other cells to coordinate an appropriate immune response. One cytokine, interleukin 2 (IL-2), triggers the immune system to produce T cells.

2. Interferons

Interferons (IFN) are cytokines produced during virus infection that are integral for regulating the immune response. Interferon is secreted by cells in response to stimulation by a virus or other foreign substance, but it does not directly inhibit the virus’s multiplication.

3. Interleukins

Interleukin (IL), is a group of naturally occurring proteins that mediate communication between cells. Interleukins regulate cell growth, differentiation, and motility. They are particularly important in stimulating immune responses, such as inflammation. Interleukins are not stored within cells but are instead secreted rapidly, and briefly, in response to a stimulus, such as an infectious agent.

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There are two main types of White Blood Cells

1. Phagocytes

Phagocytes are white blood cells that can swallow and digest microbes and other foreign particles. Monocytes are phagocytes that circulate in the blood. They are a key component of the innate immune system. There are three main groups of phagocytes: monocytes and macrophages, granulocytes, and dendritic cells. All these three have a slightly different function in the body.

There are several types of Phagocytes, including

• Neutrophils: Neutrophils are short-lived cells and normally die the following phagocytosis.
• Monocytes: Monocytes are a type of phagocyte found in the bloodstream. They circulate the body, and when tissue is infected or inflamed they may leave the bloodstream and enter the tissue.
• Macrophages: Macrophages are derived from monocytes. They are important cells of the immune system that are formed in response to an infection. Macrophage engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, cancer cells. When monocytes migrate into tissues, they develop into macrophages.
• Mast Cells: Mast cells are immune cells. A type of white blood cell that is found in connective tissues all through the body. They contain chemicals such as histamine, heparin, cytokines, and growth factors. They release these chemicals during allergic reactions. These are important for healing wounds and defense against infections.

2. Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are also a type of White Blood Cells. They are produced from stem cells in the bone marrow and found in the blood and lymph tissue. Lymphocytes can travel throughout the body using blood vessels.

There are two types of Lymphocytes

a. B-Lymphocytes

B Lymphocyte, also known as B-cell, is a type of lymphocyte. B-cells fight bacteria and viruses by making Y-shaped proteins called antibodies, which are specific to each pathogen and can lock onto the surface of an invading cell and mark it for destruction by other immune cells.

b. T-Lymphocytes:

A T cell is a type of lymphocyte, which develops in the thymus gland. T-Lymphocytes also called T cell and thymocyte. They help protect the body from infection and may help fight cancer. There are two main types of T-cells: helper T-cells and killer T-cells. T cells do not recognize free-floating antigens. Rather, their surfaces contain specialized antibody-like receptors that see antigens on the surfaces of infected cells. T cells contribute to immune defenses.

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The Role of B lymphocytes

Once B lymphocytes spot the antigen, they begin to secrete antibodies. Each B cell makes one specific antibody. An antigen is any substance that causes your immune system to produce antibodies to fight off disease. Antibodies are part of a large family of chemicals called immunoglobulins, which play many roles in the immune response:

• Immunoglobulin G (IgG) — marks microbes so other cells can recognize and deal with them.
• IgM — is an expert at killing bacteria.
• IgA — concentrates on fluids - tears and saliva, guarding the entrances to the body.
• IgE — protects against parasites and is responsible for the symptoms of allergy.
• IgD — remains attached to B lymphocytes, help them to start the immune response. Antibodies lock onto the antigen, but they do not kill it, only mark it for death. The killing is the job of other cells, such as phagocytes.

The Role of T Lymphocytes

Helper T-cells stimulate B-cells to make antibodies and help killer cells develop. Killer T-cells directly kill cells that have already been infected by a foreign invader. T-cells also use cytokines as messenger molecules to send chemical instructions to the rest of the immune system to ramp up its response.

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Main Parts of the Immune System

The immune system is made up of special organs, cells, and chemicals that fight infection (microbes). These are the parts of the immune system that actively fight infection. The main parts of the immune system are:

White Blood Cells

White blood cells are an important component of the immune system. They are made in the bone marrow and are part of the lymphatic system.

Antibodies

An antibody, also known as an immunoglobulin (Ig), is a large, Y-shaped protein produced mainly by plasma cells that are used by the immune system to destroy pathogens. Antibodies help the body to fight microbes or the toxins (poisons) they produce.

Complement System

The complement system is made up of about 25 proteins that work together to “complement” the action of antibodies in destroying bacteria. Complement also helps to rid the body of antibody-coated antigens. Complement proteins circulate in the blood in an active form.

Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials. The lymphatic system is made up of:
• lymph nodes (also called lymph glands)
• lymph vessels
• white blood cells (lymphocytes). Lymphocytes can travel throughout the body using the blood vessels. The cells can also travel through a system of lymphatic vessels that closely parallels the body’s veins and arteries. The lymphatic vessels carry lymph, a clear fluid bathes the body’s tissues. Immune cells and foreign particles enter the lymph nodes tiny blood vessels.

Spleen

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The spleen is a blood-filtering organ at the upper left of the abdomen that removes microbes and destroys old or damaged red blood cells. It also makes disease-fighting components of the immune system (including antibodies and lymphocytes).

Bone Marrow

Bone marrow is the soft tissue found inside the bones. It produces red blood cells. It is the ultimate source of all blood cells, including white blood cells destined to become immune cells.

Thymus

The thymus is an organ that lies behind the breastbone. It filters and monitors the blood content. It produces the white blood cells called T-lymphocytes.

Tonsils

Tonsils are a collection of Lymphocytes in the throat.

Blood

Blood is the circulatory system that carries cells and proteins of the immune system from one part of the body to another.

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Immunity Boosting Tips from Saaol

According to Dr. Bimal Chhajer, Heart Care and Lifestyle Expert, the Chances of Death is on an average 2.3% but a healthy individual below the age of 40 years has less than 1% chance. The chances increase if the individual has Heart disease, Diabetes, High BP, Asthma, or if you are aged above 70 years. But what we can do otherwise – to save our life? It is immunity. Young healthy has strong immunity, so they are saved. But How to boost immunity? There are the ways to increase one’s immunity. Cutting down on stress and performing Yogasana and practice of Meditation also helps to increase immunity. But the most important are foods we eat.



Foods

Ten major foods to boost our immunity are as follows

1. Eat citrus foods like Orange, Lemon, Amla, Kiwi.
2. Broccoli, Spinach, red Bell Pepper (Shimla Mirch), and other green leafy vegetables increase our immunity.
3.A combination of Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic, Ginger, Honey and Lemon is also very good way to increase immunity.
4. Probiotics like Curd or Yogurt helps to increase immunity.
5. Any FruitS/vegetables – specially red ones like Papaya, Carrot, Beet also gives Vitamin A to boost immunity.
6. Green Tea, Tulsi, Cinnamon drinks also very healthy so far as immunity is concerned.
7. Turmeric or Haldi extract has ability to boost immunity.
8. Black Grapes has very high anti oxidants and thus good for immunity.
9.Cutting down on Meat, Alcohol, Tobacco/Smoking that weakens immunity.
10. Mushrooms also have virus protection capacity.
In case one is not able to get all these foods Multi vitamins can be taken. Calcium, micro nutrients like Zinc, copper, manganese and Vitamin D3 can be taken extra for increasing one’s immunity.

Foods

Antioxidants and Immunity

An antioxidant is a molecule capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells.
1. Vitamin E is also a superstar for immunity. . It protects cellular membranes of the immune system and other cells by trapping free radicals and enhances the effectiveness of white blood cells.
2. Some sources of vitamin E include mustard and turnip greens, spinach, broccoli, carrots, mangoes, papaya, and pumpkin.
3. Vitamins B6 and B12 indirectly contribute to antioxidant defenses having considerable influence on the immune system. A deficiency of these vitamins will create abnormalities in the immune system.
4. Vitamin C prevents the production of free radicals and reduces DNA damage in immune cells. Since your body can’t produce vitamin C, a plentiful supply must come from your diet. Some sources of vitamin C include berries, kiwi, red, yellow, green peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.
5. Beta-carotene is another powerhouse for immune function. In addition to being a precursor for the immune protector, vitamin A, this nutrient provides powerful antioxidant defenses against invading pathogens.

Foods

Natural Ways of Improving Immunity

All the above foods are necessary for increasing immunity but there are few more things that are important:
1. Walk regularly.
2. Do Yoga daily.
3.Cut down Stress.
4. Get adequate Sleep.
5. Stay away from Pollution or avoid it.
6. Avoid Processed Food in the diet.
7. Drink sufficient Water.

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