Given the current flu scare in the country one does not need any alibis to talk about ways and means to boost our immune systems. Each passing year human habitations seem to face assaults from the invisible world of microbes that threaten to assume epidemic proportions.

The interesting aspect of all the reactions to such threats is the display of complete disregard for simple but necessary and effective practices of hygiene that should be implemented by our cities and our citizens. Many of these microbial threats will disappear completely if we follow the following rules carefully:

• Wash our hands regularly with soap and clean water.

• Do not spit in public places.

• Always cough and sneeze into a handkerchief or paper tissue.

• Avoid crowded places.

• Do not allow water to stagnate or to even keep areas moist as microbes multiply rapidly in moist conditions.

• Ensure that our diet is regulated to boost our immune system.

Of all the points highlighted, I would like to elaborate on using our food to protect ourselves. The body fights viruses by producing interferon through our T cells. These cells are the samurai warriors of the body which fights against microbial invasions and interferon is a virus fighting protein. One of the best ways of enhancing T cell activity is to drink tea especially green tea. In addition the virtues of the immunity boosters like holy basil, garlic, amla is well known.

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