immunity

Question

I’ve always considered myself a fairly healthy person, but for the past year, I’ve been falling sick way too often. Every couple of months, I catch a cold or get a throat infection, and it takes forever to recover. Even small wounds or cuts seem to take longer to heal than before. It’s not like I’m doing anything different—my diet is the same, and I try to exercise regularly. But something is definitely off with my immunity because my body just doesn’t feel as strong as it used to be.

Last month, I had a mild fever and sore throat, and after that, I felt drained for weeks. Before that, I had a stomach infection that took nearly a month to clear up. I also noticed that my skin has become dull, and I feel tired all the time, even if I get a full night's sleep. Could all these be connected to weak immunity?

I’ve tried taking multivitamins, and I’ve even started having more fruits and vegetables, but I still don’t feel any real improvement. A friend suggested that Ayurveda might have better ways to naturally boost immunity and improve overall health. I’ve read about things like Chyawanprash, Ashwagandha, and Giloy, but I’m not sure how to use them properly.

What could be the reason for this sudden drop in my immunity? Could stress or poor digestion be affecting my body’s ability to fight infections? Are there specific Ayurvedic herbs, foods, or daily habits that can help strengthen immunity naturally? Also, are there any signs that my body is giving me that I should be paying more attention to?

I really want to fix this issue before it turns into a bigger problem. What are the best Ayurvedic ways to restore and maintain strong immunity in the long run?

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

It sounds like your Ojas (vital immunity) has weakened, which in Ayurveda is often due to Ama (toxins), weak Agni (digestive fire), and chronic stress. Frequent infections, slow healing, and fatigue suggest an imbalance in Vata and Kapha, affecting your body's ability to defend itself and regenerate. Even if your diet hasn't changed, if digestion is weak or stress is high, nutrients may not be absorbed properly, leading to low immunity.

To rebuild your strength, start taking Chyawanprash (1 tsp with warm milk or water in the morning) daily to nourish Ojas and improve respiratory immunity. Guduchi (Giloy) 500 mg capsules or decoction boosts white blood cells and fights recurrent infections. Ashwagandha (1 tsp powder or 1 capsule at bedtime) helps reduce stress-related immunity depletion and restores energy. If digestion is sluggish, have Triphala churna (½ tsp at night with warm water) to clear Ama and improve gut health, as 70% of immunity is linked to digestion.

For daily habits, wake up before sunrise, practice deep breathing (Anulom Vilom, Bhastrika), and sun exposure for Vitamin D. Avoid cold, processed, and heavy foods that increase Kapha and create mucus. Instead, have warm soups, cooked vegetables, and spices like ginger, turmeric, and tulsi in your meals. Drink golden milk (turmeric + black pepper in warm milk) at night to aid tissue repair. Over time, this holistic approach will strengthen your body's natural defense system, helping you fight infections more effectively.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, weak immunity is often linked to an imbalance in the digestive system, known as "Agni," which affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients and eliminate toxins. Stress, poor digestion, and an imbalance in the Vata dosha can also weaken immunity. To strengthen your body’s defenses, you can start by incorporating immune-boosting herbs like Ashwagandha, Giloy, and Tulsi, which help balance the doshas and support overall vitality. Chyawanprash, a traditional herbal tonic, is also excellent for rejuvenating the body and enhancing immunity, especially when taken regularly in the morning. Diet-wise, eating warm, easily digestible foods, avoiding cold and heavy meals, and focusing on immunity-boosting foods like garlic, ginger, and turmeric can be very helpful. Consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as Amla, can also support the immune system. Additionally, practicing regular self-care like Abhyanga (oil massage), yoga, and pranayama (breathing exercises) can help reduce stress and improve overall vitality. Pay attention to signs like constant fatigue, poor digestion, or recurring infections, as these are often indicators of underlying imbalances. Establishing a consistent daily routine, prioritizing sleep, and managing stress will help you restore balance to your system and maintain strong immunity long-term.

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