Tuberculosis
(TB) is a disease caused the bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.
tuberculosis) and affects mostly the lungs (pulmonary TB).
It
can affect other parts of the body including the spine, brain and kidney
according to Livestrong.com.
TRANSMISSION
The
bacteria that causes tuberculosis (M.
tuberculosis) is transmitted by the inhalation of air droplets from the
cough, spits, talk or sneeze of an infected person. The transmission is airborne and Livestrong.com writes that
“although
tuberculosis is contagious, it's not easy to catch”.
MALNUTRITION
AND TB
Malnutrition
and TB combine to form a dangerous menace. Malnutrition triggers off a vicious
cycle. Generally, malnourished and immunologically compromised patients
contract TB and TB in turn, causes anorexia and wasting. So, malnourishment
makes people vulnerable to TB and in turn TB aggravates malnutrition and
finally leads to severe wasting and death. Thus the vicious cycle goes on resulting
in heavy morbidity and mortality (SOURCE: Doctors of Ramakrishna Mission
Tuberculosis Sanatorium).
NUTRITION
PREVENTION
According
to health.sify.com, “anyone with a
weak immune system is susceptible for tuberculosis (TB) in certain situations.
These situations are malnutrition, diabetes, renal-failure, long term
drug/alcohol abuse, HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy for cancer, old age and living in
unsanitary crowded places”.
In
simple tense what this means is that, a greater percentage of people do have
the TB bacteria in their bodies but in a dormant/latent (inactive) form and it
only manifest as a disease when the immune system of the individual is greatly
weakened.
COUNSEL: Build-up
a stronger and healthier immune system by eating lots of fruits and vegetables.
These will provide your system with immune-booting antioxidants.
Antioxidants are nutrients that cause the repair of damage caused
by free radicals in the body. They are vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
that help boost your overall immune defense and thus make you resistant to diseases
that manifest as a result of a compromised immune system.
Beta-carotene, vitamin C, Zinc, selenium and vitamin E are antioxidants
that will help in building a healthy immune system.
Sources
of Antioxidants;
Beta-carotene - Sweet potato, carrots, corn, watermelon. tomatoes, green
peppers, mangoes, apricots, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, kale, turnip
and collard greens, nectarines, peaches, pink grapefruit, pumpkin, squash,
spinach, tangerines, and
Vitamin C - Red, green or yellow peppers, mangoes, sweet potato, orange,
papaya, berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower,
grapefruit, honeydew, kale, kiwi, nectarines, snow peas, strawberries, and
tomatoes.
Vitamin E - mangoes, papaya, red peppers, greens (vegetables), broccoli,
carrots, chard, mustard and turnip nuts, pumpkin, spinach, and sunflower seeds.
Zinc - red meat, poultry, beans, nuts,
seafood, whole grains, fortified cereals, oysters, and dairy products.
Selenium - Brazil nuts, tuna, beef, poultry and fortified breads, and
other grain products.
Webmd.com
writes that “to get the biggest benefits of antioxidants, eat these foods raw
or lightly steamed; don’t overcook or boil. You’ll find them in colorful fruits
and vegetables especially those with purple, blue, red, orange, and yellow hues
(colour tone)”.
Other
preventive measure;
1Regular
exercise and getting good amount of sleep will help boost your immune system.
2Visit
the Doctor regular for check-ups (more-so if you find yourself in a TB prone area
or countries with high TB rates).
3Wash
your hands and generally keep clean. Wear a nose mask if necessary especially if
you work or stay in TB prone areas.
4Get
vaccinated if possible.
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CONSULTATION
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