Tips To Stay 'Immuned'

You have your health in your hands, if you only look after your immunity, says Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker.

- Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker

In a world where time is short and meals are on the run, we often seem to compromise our health and immune system. Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, MBBS, MS, shows you how to stay healthy, always, in a fast-paced world…

LOVE THYSELF!

Women are doing a lot these days; they manage work, home and kids. So it is extremely important that they take care of their health as they are the pillars of their family. The key to maintaining good health is a good diet and lifestyle. Simply put:

- Follow a good diet, rich in nutrients.

- Make time for daily exercise.

- Get a good night’s sleep.

- Avoid smoking and alcohol.

- Get timely vaccinations for flu and pneumonia.

- Find time to de-stress and fit in some ‘me’ time into your routine.

FACTORS AFFECTING IMMUNITY IN WOMEN

Surprisingly, when it comes to immunity, women have it better than men! The gender gap in immune function is established knowledge. The female hormone ‘estrogen’ promotes immune response, while the male hormones or ‘androgens’ suppress immunity. Although women are less prone to viral, bacterial and fungal infections, their immune system is prone to overreact and makes them more susceptible to autoimmune diseases. Additionally, studies have shown that women tend to lose their immunological advantage after reaching menopause.