Immunity-Boosting Drinks: Kick-Start Your Immune System

In 2020, we all put one of the defences on the pedestal. And no, we’re not talking about the masks. We are talking about immunity booster drinks. These kadhas have always been renowned for their effects on enhancing immunity.

Immunity booster drinks and juices are no less than a miracle for our bodies’ defences. It was especially the case during the pandemic. But the concept of immunity booster drinks is far from new. They have been the primary go-to for flu for ages.

Immunity boosting drinks works by enhancing our immunity. A healthy immune system reduces the likelihood of contracting diseases. So keeping active and healthy is critical throughout your life.

You can achieve this by consuming immunity boosting drinks. They strengthen the natural defences of your body against infections.  

What is Immunity? 

The immune system protects your body from infections. It fights infections and keeps you healthy. When your body senses foreign substances (known as antigens), the immune system tries to recognise them. Your immunity will help to eliminate this antigen. As a result, it will keep you safe from infections and diseases.  

The immune system evolves throughout time as well. Infants and children have a developing immune system. They also have different dietary requirements to maintain their growth. As a result, their immune systems mature entirely by adolescence.  

On the other hand, the immune system of the elderly is fully developed. Therefore, the elderly may be deficient in immunity to combat infections. Hence, it is necessary to drink immunity boosting drinks or immunity juices to heighten your immune system. 

Immunity Booster Drinks and Juices  

Immunity booster drinks are simply beverages with multiple essential nutrients. These nutrients are vital for your body to function normally. 

Drinking beverages rich in essential nutrients will help you with your immunity. In addition, having immunity booster drinks may help you avoid certain illnesses. And that is not all! As a bonus, immunity booster drinks may even help you recover from any infection. 

Curious as to how? For starters, immunity juices and drinks are the powerhouses of vitamins and minerals. And it is these vital nutrients that give the booster juice/ drink their superpowers. 

Let’s look at the functions of some nutrients which may be present in an immunity booster juice/ drink: 

• Protein and essential amino acids: These play a significant part in the capacity of your immune system to endure and recover from an infection. 
• Vitamin A: Vitamin A aids in immune function by supporting mucous cells. These are the cells that line vital organs. Mucous cells support the ability of your body to produce antibodies in response to certain illnesses. 
• Vitamin D: It boosts the immune system and aids in the production of immune cells. Its deficiency may increase the risk of autoimmune disorders. 
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps the body make white blood cells (WBC). The WBCs help in fighting infections.  
• Probiotics: Probiotics are also known as good bacteria. These helpful microorganisms help to maintain a healthy digestive tract. 
• Catechins: Catechins are present in green tea or come from plants. A study shows that it may assist the immune system to function normally. 
• Zinc: It is an essential mineral. Zinc helps your body in a variety of ways. For example, it strengthens the immune system, aids in wound healing, and promotes proper development. 
• Selenium: It is essential for immunity. Selenium also helps in the proper functioning of the immune system. Higher amounts of selenium may assist persons with HIV, influenza, and hepatitis C. It can enhance their immunity and fight infections. 
• Fish oil:  According to a study, fish oil may help decrease inflammation. And this protects you from various diseases. 

Drinks to boost the immune system 

Drinks have a significant role in improving health. Staying hydrated is an excellent method to strengthen your immune system. Your body requires hydration to operate normally. And this is particularly important for the immune systems.  

Immunity Drink  

Here are five immunity booster drinks to help you combat any infection: 

1 .Fresh Haldi and cinnamon immunity booster drink 

Ingredients 

• Water- 2 glasses 
• Fresh Turmeric/Haldi- 1 inch 
• Black Pepper (Powder)- 1 tbsp 
• Tulsi/ basil leaves- 5 to 6 leaves 
• Cinnamon stick- 1 inch 
• Cloves- 3 to 5 pcs 
• Ginger (fresh)- ½ inch (grated) 
• Lemon Juice (fresh)- 1 lemon 
• Honey- 1 tbsp (optional) 

Method 

• Put water in a pan and turn on the flame. Add all the ingredients except honey. Bring it to a boil. 
• Boil this booster drink for 5- 10 minutes in medium to low flame. 
• Turn off the stove. Sieve and pour into 2 cups. 
• Add honey and mix. Serve hot. 

Benefits 

• Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin. It is responsible for an array of benefits of Haldi. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory effects that can contribute to immune enhancement. 
• Black pepper can suppress the growth of a variety of microorganisms. It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial. Black pepper may help reduce body infection and strengthen the immune system. 
• Tulsi is rich in Vitamin C and zinc. Both can boost immunity and prevent infections.  

2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Drink 

Ingredients

• Water- 2 glasses 
• Apple Cider Vinegar- 1 tbsp 
• Ginger- ½ inch grated 
• Turmeric powder- 1 tsp 
• Honey- 1 tbsp (optional) 

Method 

• Add water, apple cider vinegar, turmeric and ginger to a pan. Bring it to a boil. 
• Simmer this drink for 5- 10 minutes on medium to low flame. 
• Turn off the stove. Pour this booster drink into two cups. Add honey and serve hot. 

Benefits

• It is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory immune booster drink.  
• Apple cider vinegar encourages the growth of good gut bacteria. On the other hand, it inhibits the formation of harmful bacteria. As a result, it will help your body defend from disease better.  
• Turmeric is a natural healer and will help in overall health. 
• Ginger may boost the production of white blood cells. These white blood cells will help in boosting immunity. 

3. Tulsi and Giloy booster drink 

Ingredients

• Water- 2 glasses 
• Tulsi/Basil leaves- 5 to 6leaves  
• Giloy juice- 2 tbsp  
• Cloves- 3 to 5 pcs 
• Ginger- ½ inch (grated)  
• Lemon juice- 1 lemon 
• Honey- 1 tbsp (optional) 
• Black salt- as per taste (optional) 

Method 

• Combine water, tulsi, cloves, and ginger in a pan. Bring this to a boil. 
• Simmer the booster for 5- 10 minutes on medium to low flame.  
• Turn off the stove. Add giloy juice, black salt, lemon juice and honey. Mix well. 
• Sieve and pour the drink into 2 cups. Serve hot. 

Benefits

• Giloy is rich in antioxidants. It may help the body fight free radicals that might cause diseases.  
• Giloy may also aid in removing toxins and the purification of blood.  
• It may help in the prevention of liver illnesses and the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI).  
• Basil, ginger, and clove have anti-bacterial, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory qualities. 

4. Cardamom and Mulethi immunity booster drink 

Ingredients

• Water- 2 glasses 
• Cardamom (Elaichi)- 1 pc  
• Mulethi- 1 tsp 
• Turmeric powder- 1 tsp 
• Jeera- 1 tsp 
• Honey- 1 tbsp (optional) 

Method 

• Combine all the ingredients (except honey) in a pan. Turn on the flame and boil this booster drink. 
• Simmer this drink for 5 to 10 minutes on medium to low flame. Turn off the stove. 
• Sieve and pour this drink into 2 cups.  
• Add honey and mix well. Serve hot. 

Benefits 

• Cardamom comes as a little green pod. It is a good source of antioxidants. Thus, cardamom may help in the detoxification of blood. Additionally, it is known to improve digestion. Cardamon also contains Vitamin C that is a potent antioxidant.  
• Mulethi is a root plant. It improves immunity due to the enzymes found in the root. 
• Mulethi may help in the production of lymphocytes and macrophages. These are the cells that guard the body against bacteria and viruses. It may also keep you free of infections and allergies. 

5 .Ajwain seed immunity booster drink 

Ingredients

• Water- 2 glasses 
• Ajwain- 1 tsp 
• Basil/ tusli- 4-5 leaves  
• Honey- 1 tbsp (optional) 

Method 

• Put water in a pan and turn on the flame. Add ajwain seeds. 
• Crush the basil leaves and add them to the concoction. Bring it to a boil. 
• Boil this booster drink for 5- 10 minutes in medium to low flame. 
• Turn off the stove. Sieve and pour into 2 cups. 
• Add honey and mix. Serve hot. 

Benefits 

• Carom seeds contain therapeutic qualities. They are potent immunity boosters. They are also rich in antioxidants and will ward off various diseases. 
• This booster drink can also help relieve severe cough and cold. 

Immunity Juices 

Kadhas or immunity drinks are undoubtedly the most renowned booster drinks. However, have you ever thought of trying out immunity juice? Well, it is about time you blend some!  

Immunity juice, similar to immunity kadhas, will help strengthen your immune system. It not only protects you from infections but is also utterly delightful and quite satiating. 

Let us look at five immunity juices:

1. Beetroot and ginger immunity juice 

Ingredients

• Beetroot- 4 to 5 beets 
• Ginger- 1 inch 
• Water- ½ cup (optional) 
• Lemon juice- 1 lemon 
• Honey- 1 tbsp (optional) 

Method 

• Wash the beetroots well and pat them dry. Peel the beetroots chop them into large pieces. 
• In a juicer, add in the peeled beets and ginger. Add water if needed. 
• Squeeze one lemon. Add its juice into beet juice mix. 
• Pour into a glass. 
• Add honey and mix well. Serve fresh. 

Benefits 

• This beetroot immunity juice will enhance your immune system and reduce inflammation. 
• Beetroot is rich in antioxidants and will help you fight free radical damage. In addition, it protects you from diseases and infections. 
• Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. It will fight infections and inflammation. Hence, those with rheumatoid arthritis may find this drink helpful. 

2. Carrot, Apple and Flax immunity drink

Ingredients

• Carrots- 4 to 5 pcs 
• Apple- 1 large 
• Flax seeds- 1 tsp (soaked overnight) 
• Honey- 1 tbsp (optional) 

Method 

• Wash and peel the carrots. Next, wash the apple and chop it into large pieces. 
• Add carrots and apple into a juicer/ blender and juice them. 
• Strain the juice (optional, if mixed in the blender).  
• Pour this juice into a glass. Add honey and mix well.  
• Top with flax seeds and serve fresh. 

Benefits  

• Carrots are rich in vitamin A. This nutrient is essential for a healthy immune system. 
• Carrots also contain vitamin B-6. It aids in immune cell development and antibody formation. Hence, you will be free of infections. 
• Apple skins contain a compound called quercetin. It is a flavonoid that boosts your immune system and reduces inflammation. 
• Flaxseeds are high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. As a result, it protects your body from infections. 
• Flax seeds are also known to reduce inflammation and may aid in preventing asthma. 

3. Citrus immunity juice 

Ingredients

• Orange- 2 pieces 
• Sweet lime (mausambi) – 2 pieces 
• Grapefruit – 1 piece (optional) 
• Black salt- 1tsp (optional) 
• Honey- 1 tbsp (optional) 
• Ice cubes- 3 to 4 cubes (optional) 

Method 

• Wash the fruits and pat them dry. Cut them into halves.  
• Juice the fruits using a hand/ automatic juicer. 
• Pour the immunity juice into a glass. 
• Add honey and black salt. Mix well. 
• Add in the ice cubes and serve fresh. 

Benefits 

• Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects your cells from harmful toxins in the body. 
• A lack of vitamin C can slow wound healing and result in an inadequate immune response. It may also lead to an inability to fight infections. As a result, you may be prone to infections if you lack vitamin C.  
• This immunity juice is rich in vitamin C. Drinking ensures you the required vitamin C. Hence, it keeps you from infections. 

4. Green immunity juice 

Ingredients

• Spinach- 1 cup 
• Kale- 1 cup 
• Mint- ¼ cup 
• Cucumber- 1 pc 
• Kiwi Fruit- 1 pc 
• Sunflower seeds- 1 tsp  
• Water- ¼ cup (optional) 
• Honey – 1 tbsp (optional) 

Method 

• Wash all the veggies and fruits well. Peel the cucumber and kiwi. 
• Put all the ingredients into a blender. Blend it into a smooth mix. You can add water if the juice gets too thick to blend. 
• Pour the immunity juice into a large glass.  
• Garnish with a mint leaf. Serve fresh. 

Benefits 

• This green immunity juice made is high in nutrients that support a healthy immune system. 
• Spinach, kale and mind add a dose of vitamins A, C, and K. These have antioxidants properties. 
• Kiwi is rich in vitamin C and will prevent cold and flu. 
• Cucumber includes vitamins A, B, C, K and potassium. All these nutrients maintain a healthy immune system.  
• Sunflower seeds include a variety of nutrients that help boost your immune system. Zinc and selenium are two examples. Zinc is essential for the immune system as it aids in the maintenance and development of immune cells. 

5. Pink Mint Immunity Booster Juice

Ingredients 

• Watermelon- ½ cup (fresh, cubes) 
• Strawberries- 3 to 4 pcs 
• Mint- 3 to 4 leaves 
• Honey- 1 tbsp (optional) 

Method 

• Wash the fruits and cut them into small pieces. 
• Add the fruits and mint leaves into a blender. Blend it into a smooth mix. 
• As this booster juice has all the watery fruits, adding water may not be required. 
• Pour the immunity booster juice into a glass. Add honey and mix. 
• Garnish with a mint leaf. Serve fresh. 

Benefits 

• Watermelon is high in arginine and vitamin C. Both boost the immune system. Additionally, it can also help reduce muscular discomfort. Muscle aches are a typical flu symptom, especially in the elderly. Hence, this immunity booster juice will benefit them greatly. 
• Watermelon also has high water content. It makes it easier to juice and leaves less fruit water. 
• Strawberries are abundant in antioxidants and vitamin C. 

The Bottom Line 

The human immune system is a complex defensive system comprising several organs and some cells and tissues. Miracle potions do not exist. Eating a well-balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables is the key to achieving a healthy immune system.

Additionally, staying physically active will also increase the efficacy of your immunity. Nevertheless, drinks that increase the activity of the immune system may be beneficial. They are a great way to be one step closer to immunity.

Immune-boosting drinks do not have to be complex, costly, or lengthy to prepare. But keep in mind to make them caffeine and sugar-free. Make sure to include these immune booster dinks as part of your balanced diet for maximum benefits. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q. Which drink is best for immunity? 

A. Any drink that is rich in immunity-boosting nutrients is excellent for immunity. For instance, tulsi and giloy drink is rich in antioxidants and boost your immunity. 

Q. How can I boost my immune system fast? 

A. To boost your immune system, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some points to keep in mind: 

• Eat a balanced diet 
• Stay hydrated 
• Get adequate sleep 
• Exercise regularly 
• Minimise stress 

Q. What is the most potent immunity booster? 

A. Vitamin C is one of the most potent immune system enhancers. Therefore, vitamin C deficiency might make you more susceptible to infections and diseases. Some sources of vitamin C are guava, alma, oranges, sweet lime, kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers and spinach. 

Q. How do I increase my immunity in COVID? 

A. To increase your immunity in COVID, keep the following in mind: 

• Consume a lot of fruits and veggies 
• Exercise regularly 
• Maintain a healthy weight. 
• Avoid smoking and drinking. 
• Get enough sleep 
• Take precautions to avoid infection. Wash your hands often, sanitise, and cook meat well. 
• Minimise stress. 
• Get vaccinated 

Q. When should I take an immunity booster? 

A. You can take an immunity booster anytime. For an individualised plan, talk to your health care provider. 

Q. How can I boost my immunity naturally? 

A. You can boost your immunity naturally by eating lots of fruits and vegetables. It is also essential to exercise regularly and get adequate sleep. 

Q. What are the signs of a robust immune system? 

A. Some signs that may suggest that your immune system is healthy are: 

• Good gut health 
• Quality Sleep 
• Rapid recover from cold/ flu 
• You Feel hydrated  
• Maintain a healthy weight 

Q. What is an immune booster juice? 

A. An immune booster juice has foods known to improve immunity. Like, juice made with oranges, spinach, carrots and apples. 

Q. Can juice boost your immune system? 

A. Juice may enhance your immune system, eliminate toxins from your body and aid digestion. However, there is no scientific proof that juices are healthier than eating the fruit or vegetable itself.