I have been disappointed to find that in spite of the dangers of a lurking swine flu epidemic, there is not much that seems to have been done to allay all fears. Scalpers, preying upon the fears of an alarmed public, are selling anti-flu medications illegally and at exorbitant prices. The anti-flu medications are not preventives. Their indiscriminate use will result in enabling the virus to develop resistance to the drugs. My advice to all and sundry is to reiterate the old and trusted adage — prevention is better than cure.

The best form of prevention is to take the right precautions. Any list of precautions must include advice on how best to build immunity to tackle the virus. It is imperative to keep the body’s immune system in prime condition. A few simple inclusions in the daily diet can significantly enhance our immunity against infections like the swine flu.

Beginning the day with two cups of black tea is a good idea. A Harvard study says drinking five cups of black tea in a day enhances the T-cell activity (responsible for maintaining immunity) in the body. These cells then pump out more than the usual amount of Interferon, the virus-fighting protein. Interferon boosts from tea can also reduce the severity of an ongoing infection. Green tea works just as well, if not better. A word of caution — it is not necessary to down the five cups in one sitting!

Having oats or barley on the breakfast menu is a tried and tested way to enhance immunity. Just one serving (20 grams) of either oats or barley provides enough beta glucan, which has antimicrobial and anti oxidant properties. Formulations such as Chyawanprash incorporate several herbs to provide the benefit of fighting off illness. A major component of Chyawanprash is Amlaki, the Indian Gooseberry. As this fruit is not available fresh in the summer season, preserved forms of Amla or Chyawanprash serve well as substitutes.

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