Eat healthy and build immunity to beat infections, advise doctors

INDORE: The temperature has gone down and humidity has increased, this condition increases respiratory infections, and there is a chance that the H1N1 infection might increase, warned a city-based doctor.

"I've made my team alert. The people who suffer from respiratory infections should be aware and take care of themselves," he said.

With the changing

weather

pattern in the city, there is a spate of bacterial and viral illnesses that cause fever, skin, and respiratory problems.

Talking about the respiratory illnesses, pulmonologist and respiratory medicine specialist Dr

Salil Bhargava

said, “People should prevent themselves from catching a contagious illness from each other. Instead of shaking hands they should start greeting others with a namaste. Don't exchange pen or phone with someone who's suffering from a contagious cold.” The common cold is transmitted through the exchange of somites (dead cells that carry live bacteria), he said.

Pointing towards the benefits of

healthy

eating, city-based dietician Dr Preeti Shukla said, people should increase the intake of proteins, vitamin C and D, which will help build the immunity.

"It's a myth that our body requires extra calories during winters. People should eat healthy food, and shouldn't overeat," said Shukla.

In winters many people complain of dry skin and fungal infections, said skin specialist Dr Sanjay Khare.

People should apply moisturiser within three minutes after the bath, and also apply anti-fungal powder to prevent fungal infection, he suggested.

Indicating towards the water requirement, city-based health counsellor

Naved Qureshi

said, people shouldn't shun the intake of water. One should drink an optimal amount of water to stay hydrated.

"Essential oils are a must-have to protect yourself and increase your immune system. Boost your intake of zinc. Don't smoke, and eliminate all forms of sugar," said Qureshi.

Wash your hands regularly to keep the bacteria and viruses off your hands, mouth, and eyes. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer close-by for those places, where you can’t get to soap and water, he said.

Daily exercise is a must, said all the city experts.