Surgeon shares 5 life-saving immune tips after seeing 19-year-old lose both parents to bone cancer: ‘Prevention starts…'

Surgeon Dr. Obaidur Rahman shares 5 life-changing ways to boost immunity naturally, helping your body defend against serious illnesses early.
A strong immune system does more than just fight off everyday colds, it plays a crucial role in protecting your body from serious illnesses, including cancer. Obaidur Rahman, Ortho and Sports Surgeon, shares in his August 5 Instagram post 5 simple, science-backed hacks to strengthen immunity and support long-term health. (Also read: Surgeon says ‘high blood pressure often has no symptoms'; lists 5 early warning signs to watch before it gets serious )
How did 19-year-old survive after losing both parents to cancer
Sharing a case study of his 19-year-old patient, Dr. Rahman mentions, "He was 19 when he lost both his parents, within eight months of each other. Both to bone cancer. Both were far too young to go. The hospital room still smelled of antiseptic when he asked me, 'Am I next, doc?'"
He adds, “I didn't have an answer then. Just a hand on his shoulder and a silent promise: Not if we can help it. We screened him. Clean. But here's what was unforgivable: His parents never even got the chance to prevent it. No screening. No lifestyle audit. No immune support.”
"Because no one told them that the fight against cancer doesn't start at stage one. It starts years earlier, inside your immune system. So we built him a new routine, one grounded in anti-inflammatory science, cellular detox, and immune repair. And today, he's 24, thriving, and spreading his parents' legacy of prevention," says Dr. Rahman.
5 immune hacks to boost your body's defence
He further shares 5 immune hacks he lives by:
1. Daily sunlight + grounding: 15–20 minutes barefoot on natural ground to reset circadian rhythm, boost melatonin, and enhance immunity.
2. Cruciferous vegetables daily: Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and other cruciferous veggies are rich in sulforaphane, a powerful anti-cancer compound.
3. Anti-inflammatory cleanse: One week every two months, avoid seed oils, refined sugar, and dairy to support immune health.
4. Immuno-adaptogens: Herbs like Ashwagandha, Reishi mushroom, and Curcumin are scientifically backed for immune modulation.
5. Sleep like it's sacred: 7–8 hours of uninterrupted, cool, dark sleep when NK cells are most active in fighting pre-cancerous cells.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
ABOUT THE AUTHORAkanksha AgnihotriAkanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More
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