Ashu’s Curiosity
For the last few days, Ashu has been watching news regarding a new viral outbreak in China and this has reminisced the horrors of the COVID-19 outbreak 4 years ago when the whole world suffered due to it.
Ashu has seen the health and financial problems his family faced during this time. 2 of his family members lost their lives due to the COVID-19 infection.
Last time they were not ready and ignorant about the impact of a contagious disease. But this time Ashu has decided that he will be more aware of the disease and symptoms along with precautions he and his family must take to minimise the impact of any outbreak.
Also, he wants to know about what changes he must make in his dietary habits to boost immunity against any such respiratory disease.
So, he is again searching on Know Ur Diet about the HMPV virus, what are its symptoms and a list of foods to boost immunity against this viral infection:
What is the HMPV virus?
HMPV virus or Human Metapneumovirus is a respiratory infection virus that causes inflammations in the upper respiratory tract. Its symptoms are mostly similar to the common cold. But, it can be deadly when it infects the lower respiratory area.
The age group that is highly at risk due to this viral infection are newborns and children along with old people with the age more than 65 years. All those who have weakened immunity due to serious illnesses are also at risk due to this.
History of HMPV Virus Outbreak
As per studies, HMPV is not new to the virology. It was first identified in early 2000s in the Netherlands.
CIDS (Clinical Infectious Diseases Society) has informed that there is no evidence of significant change in the genetics of the virus that can make it severe or increase its transmissibility of the virus.
Symptoms of HMPV Viral Infection
Symptoms of HMPV viral infection are similar to the common cold or other respiratory infections. Some of these symptoms are:
- Coughing
- High Fever
- Runny Nose
- Sore or Scratchy Throat
- Wheezing
- Shortness of Breath
- Rashes
10 Winter Superfoods to boost Immunity against HMPV Virus
Some of you might have doubts that when we are talking about immunity against viruses then why include winter-friendly foods in it? Then you should understand that this specific virus’s transmissibility increases rapidly in winter and these winter superfoods are effective in pacifying the symptoms of this respiratory infection:
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like Oranges, Kiwis, Berries and Melons are considered winter-friendly foods because they contain a lot of antioxidants that can strengthen your immune system.
Citrus fruits are a rich source of Vitamin C, a compound that promotes the growth of B cells that are critical to eliminating viruses such as HMPV virus by generating antibodies.
Read more about : Fruits & Vegetables
Herbal Teas
In winter, you might have heard that people start drinking herbal teas such as Green Tea or Chamomile Tea. Herbal teas should be part of your list of foods for the dry season because they are loaded with flavonoids and L-theanine. These compounds are helpful in generating antibodies to fight infections in the respiratory tract.
Herbal teas are also a healthy substitute for milk-based tea or coffee which are high in calories and can disturb your digestion.
Read more about: Juice & Beverages
Turmeric Milk
Also called as Golden Milk because turmeric is considered a super spice. Curcumin is a compound that is present in Turmeric and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Turmeric and milk both have a warm nature that makes them foods for the dry season. You can add saffron as well to make it more potent against viral infections and respiratory diseases.
Kadha
In Indian families, Kadha is the first responsive home remedy against common cold and coughing. Kadha is a type of herbal tea but it contains more Indian spices and herbs compared to other herbal teas.
To make Kadha as effective as other foods to boost immunity, you can add cloves, basil leaves, black pepper, honey or cinnamon. Antioxidants in it can also help in improved digestion and better sleep.
Garlic
A common spice in Indian kitchens, Garlic is also a winter superfood that can help you boost immunity against respiratory diseases. You should add garlic to your meal plan because of its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory.
Garlic contains compounds that are associated with enhanced lung health and preventing respiratory illnesses. It is also helpful in treating Chronic Bronchitis, a disease that involves inflammation in the bronchi.
Ginger
Ginger is an Indian spice that is not only nutritious but contains a lot of antioxidants to protect you from external microbes and Pathogens. Certain compounds in ginger like gingerols and shogaols have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Ginger is considered a Winter superfood because it can alleviate respiratory diseases such as congestion and coughing. Add ginger to tea and warm water for better relief.
Read more about : Spices & Herbs
Yogurt or Kefir
Our list of foods for dry season also includes Yogurt which contains probiotics and antioxidants that are helpful in gut health. This food can promote the better absorption of nutrients in the stomach area.
A healthy gut is essential for a strong immune system because your immunity is directly associated with the proper working of the digestive system.
Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables are a great source of nutrients that you need to avoid respiratory diseases. Leafy greens like spinach, Kale and Mustard green are considered great winter-friendly foods.
Secondly, beta-carotene in these vegetables can promote the growth of white blood cells and reduce oxidative stress in the lungs and respiratory tract.
Nuts & Seeds
Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds are great sources of antioxidants such as Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamins.
Eating nuts and seeds that carry Vitamin E can help to reduce the inflammation in the lung tissues and respiratory tract.
Read more about : Nuts & Seeds
Apple Cider Vinegar
Last in this list of foods to boost immunity against the HMPV virus is Apple Cider Vinegar. There are various studies that have proved that ACV works as a tonic against respiratory illnesses.
You can use ACV with honey or ginger juice as a home remedy to treat coughing problems. But along with coughing, ACV can also help to alleviate other common cold problems like runny nose and scratchy throat.
Conclusion
This list of winter superfoods against the HMPV virus has given some relaxation to Ashu as he can now prepare his body against any such respiratory illness.
These foods are already part of Ashu’s diet but he can now put more emphasis on them after knowing that they can boost immunity to protect from external microbes and pathogens.
