A robust immune system is the foundation for a healthy life, which can help prevent or manage certain common and even life-threatening diseases like cancer. In a conversation with podcast host Raj Shamani, Dr Taarang Krishna shared a 6-letter acronym that encapsulates his philosophy to boost immunity and live a healthy life.
“Agar aapne yeh 6 letters follow kar liye, toh aapko cancer nahi ho sakta (If you follow these 6 letters, you cannot develop cancer,” he said.
According to him, following MEDSRX can pave the road to healthy life. In addition, we asked other experts on their view.
M: Meditation
“Every day, pick whichever kind of meditation you want to do, and stick by it,” said Dr Krishna.
According to Juhi Pandey, psychologist at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, meditation and psychological mindfulness focus on awareness, self-reflection, and gaining mental clarity. “From a psychological perspective, it can help achieve a sense of inner calm, greater awareness, and a deeper understanding of oneself by paying full attention to the present moment and observing your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment,” she said.
E: Exercise
Whether you love yoga or Pilates, taking long walks, going on evening runs or functional training in the gym, Dr Krishna advised moving your body for at least 30 minutes every day. “Pranayam, anulom vilom, or brisk walking and getting your 10, 000 steps in, whichever suits, juts sweat it out,” he suggested.
Dr Deepika Tavade, senior physiotherapist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Amabni Hospital, Navi Mumbai, said that exercise is a structured, goal-oriented physical exertion designed to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, or cardiovascular fitness, that improves mobility, and plays a crucial role in rehabilitation. For optimal health, focus on daily activity while incorporating structured exercise sessions to build endurance and prevent injuries.
D:Diet
“Eat clean, preferably vegetarian. Bu if you are a non vegetarian, then opt for chicken and fish. Try to stay away from red meat, ” suggested Dr Krishna.
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Dt. Umang Malhotra, clinical dietitian at Fitelo, believes that lean protein like chicken and fish are easier to digest than red meat. Avoid having them raw and uncooked. “Grilled or baked chicken and fish that has been thoroughly cooked is a safe option for non-vegetarians,” he said.
S: Sleep
“Get 6-8 hours of sleep every day. Have a set bedtime – try to sleep by 10pm and wake up at 4, 5 or 6 am in the morning,” he said.
Dr Shreshtha Gupta, assistant professor at Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi, concurred, stating that the ideal sleeping time is dependent on one’s age — so for kids, it is 16-20 hours and for adults 6-8 hours of night sleep is crucial to maintain the circadian rhythm. “Sleeping less leads to hormonal imbalance, increased cortisol levels (the stress hormone), as well as impaired REM sleep patterns,” she explained.
Eat clean and exercise often (Source: Freepik)
R: Relationship
“There is no point of doing anything when the relationships in your life are not strong. Put in effort to nurture and strengthen them, as they have the power to improve the quality of your life and overall wellbeing,” Dr Krishna said in the video.
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Adding, Rima Bhandekar, senior psychologist at Mpower Helpline, said making time for self-care, exercise, hobbies, and quality moments with loved ones can significantly contribute to emotional wellbeing and overall life satisfaction.
X: X-Factor
Dr Krishna also suggested finding something you enjoy doing, outside of work. His reason? It gives you purpose and a sense of accomplishment that is not tied to your professional achievements, and helps you separate both.
To that, Bhandekar added that continuous hustle without adequate breaks is unsustainable. “Rest is just as important as work. Taking meaningful breaks, engaging in activities outside of work, and seeking personal fulfilment can enhance productivity and overall life satisfaction,” she said.
But can it really keep cancer at bay?
Dr Anoop P, Sr. Consultant – Haemato-Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, said that ‘MEDSRX’ is a welcome concept which emphasises the importance of healthy physical, emotional and lifestyle practices. “However, to state that such practices will make a person totally immune to cancer is unscientific and an oversimplification of facts. At best, one can accept that it reduces the probability of encountering all health issues including cancer,” he added.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
