The dreaded Dengue Fever is on the increase in Sri Lanka and causing a lot of angst at the moment. However, I have yet to read an article that will address the need for people to strengthen their immune system to help their bodies deal with Dengue. Dengue prevention is not simply about clearing stagnant water around our homes and work places, nor is it simply about getting rid of the mosquitoes. Dengue prevention is about strengthening your immune system to allow it to fight the virus that penetrates it during a dengue invasion in the body.
Dengue fever has been said to be caused by the Aedes Mosquito. However it isn’t just the mosquito we need to be careful of. It is other people with the dengue virus who are bitten by the mosquito, because that said mosquito will be carrying that virus in its body and will transmit that virus to the next person it stings.
Like any virus that attacks the body, an unhealthy body will be more susceptible to the dengue virus than a healthy one. Remember that our body, in a balanced and healthy state, has the innate capacity to heal itself. Whether it be dengue, the common cold, flu, or even cancer, a healthy body may carry these diseases or viruses and not be affected.
So, how do we strengthen our immune system and how do we prepare our body to deal with these viruses and bugs. Here’s a list of things that I would strongly recommend people do:
1) Keep hydrated – Sri Lanka has very hot and humid weather. The humidity makes us sweat so much and therefore the body will require more hydration. Ensure that you hydrate yourself all the time.
Water is essential for our body. It assists the kidneys and liver in the detoxification process. It also facilitates detoxification through our lymphatic system. It moistens our mucous membranes to allow it to fight viruses. It is also crucial in maintaining the right temperature that our body needs. However ensure that you only drink bottled water here in Sri Lanka, as water from the tap is not drinkable.
Coconut juice is another drink that I strongly recommend you consume every day, or as often as you can. Coconut juice has high levels of electrolytes and minerals in it. It has nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potassium, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, iron, and other trace minerals needed by the body when replenishing lost fluids. Living in Sri Lanka allows us the privilege of drinking this God-given fruit every day, so let us take advantage of that.
2) Eat greens – Greens are the leafy part of the plants and vegetables. Examples are bok choy, carrot tops, parsley, cabbage leaves (not the cabbage itself), lettuce, kale, coriander, basil, mint, etc. Incorporating greens in your diet is very important as greens contain higher levels of vitamins A, B, C, K, folic acid, protein, calcium, zinc, and other vitamins and minerals as compared to their root or vegetable. For example – carrot tops have higher levels of vit A, K, beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, and zinc compared to the carrot itself. Make sure to look for fresh greens rather than frozen imported greens, as long storage times affect the nutritional value of greens. Here in Sri Lanka try: gotu-kola, mungkunwenna, kangkung, spinach, coriander, parsley, and other locally grown greens. Use them in salads or even mix them up in a blender as smoothie drinks. Green smoothies are the easiest and most effective way of consuming greens. They are highly nutritious and actually quite delicious. You can read more about Green Smoothies on http://www.bestdietsever.com/what-are-green-smoothies/.
3) Eat fresh fruit in season – like greens, fruit is nature’s gift to us and similarly provides us with beneficial vitamins and minerals. Again, instead of frozen fruit, opt for what is in season. Papayas for example, are a fruit available almost all year round, and provide a great source of vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, proteolytic enzymes, and trace minerals. They are great before protein meals, as they provide digestive enzymes to ensure you break down your proteins well, so that the body can avail of the amino acids in the protein which is essential for the body. Other fruit in Sri Lanka that have amazing nutritional values are bananas, pineapple, avocado, guava, lime, and most recently passion fruit. Passion fruit here in Sri Lanka is only $1 per kilo… so take advantage of that.
4) Eat vegetables – Eat vegetables everyday to boost your immune system. Like greens and fruit, vegetables provide the body with vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants needed to keep it strong and healthy. Vegetables are best cooked in low heat and steamed. However if stir frying is your thing, then do so with butter or virgin coconut oil for optimum results.
5) Eat fresh seafood – sea foods are a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids which is a great anti-inflammatory, and provides support to the different body systems. Being in Sri Lanka allows us to enjoy fresh seafood regularly at the fraction of the cost we would pay back home. Fresh is always best, such as fresh oysters and sashimi – tuna, salmon, squid, and moda. If you have difficulty with fresh, again the simplest way to cook would be to grill or steam, to preserve as much of the nutrients as possible.
6) Supplement – Supplementing is crucial if you know that your body is not in the best of health. However before you chose a supplement, make sure to ask your health practitioner which supplement is best for you. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses, and our bodies have different constitutions. One supplement that works for one, does not necessarily work for another. Some of us need more magnesium and calcium support than others, or perhaps more Vitamin Cs and Bs. So, to know exactly what you need check with your health practitioner.
7) Exercise regularly – Incorporating a regular exercise program is part of boosting your immune system. An exercise program does not need to be a very strenuous one, in fact for some a less strenuous yoga or pilates work out is better. The key is regular and exercise. Just move those muscles and keep active to provide support to your cardiovascular system and work out your muscles.
Use organic, non-toxic repellants on your skin and in your homes. Remember that the more toxic your environment is the more toxic you make your body. So use organic repellants. There are very good organic repellants from tea tree oil, neem, eucalyptus, and citronella. Just make sure you read what’s on the label and perhaps research about them a bit.
Remember, the key to health is eating healthy, and a healthy body is a healthy immune system. A healthy immune system has the ability to get rid of disease pathogens in our body.