Resilient Health: Best Foods to Boost Immunity for Changing Climate

The shift in seasons—from hot to humid, or monsoon to winter—is when the immune system is most vulnerable to respiratory infections. Supporting your immunity during a changing climate requires a focused nutritional strategy centered on anti-inflammatory and strengthening foods.

1. Ginger and Garlic (The Warming Guards)

These two traditional ingredients are essential during climate shifts due to their natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Action: Increase intake during transitional seasons.

• Benefit: Ginger is excellent for soothing throat irritation and fighting respiratory infections. Garlic contains Allicin, a compound with powerful immune-boosting effects.

2. $\text{Vitamin D}$ (The Seasonal Deficiency)

Many people face $\text{Vitamin D}$ deficiency, which is linked to poor immune function. Sunlight exposure decreases during cloudier, transitional months.

• Action: Increase $\text{Vitamin D}$ through diet and targeted sun exposure.

• Sources: Fatty fish (salmon), egg yolks, and fortified milk/yogurt.

3. $\text{Amla}$ and Citrus (High-Potency $\text{Vitamin C}$)

The surge in infections during climate change requires a concentrated dose of $\text{Vitamin C}$ to bolster white blood cell activity.

• Action: Make Amla (Indian Gooseberry) juice or raw consumption a daily habit for its unparalleled $\text{Vitamin C}$ concentration.

4. Turmeric and Black Pepper (Anti-Inflammation)

The body often reacts to climate change with mild, systemic inflammation.

• Action: Use Turmeric paired with black pepper in every curry, soup, or milk drink. This synergy harnesses the maximum anti-inflammatory power of Curcumin, helping the immune system stay calm and focused.

Cooking Tip: Use your homemade masalas liberally. They offer the potent, warming spices your body needs to fight off the chill and adapt to temperature fluctuations.