On World Tuberculosis Day 2012 we tell you more about this deadly disease which accounts for half a million deaths in South East Asia every year. TB is an air-borne disease which affects people whose immunity is compromised. eg: Infants, old people, pregnant women, women who have recently delivered, people living in unsanitary conditions, uncontrolled diabetes patients, cancer patients, HIV positive people. Also, if you are in close contact (living together/working together) with people suffering from TB, you have more risk of developing TB. Alcoholics, people using illegal drugs and narcotics and people who weigh 10% lower than the recommended body weight are also predisposed to develop TB.
Avoid close contact with people affected with TB. If you cannot avoid contact with them, wear protective masks and gloves.If you work at a hospital, wear good-quality microfilteration masks. Wash your hands with a disinfectant cleanser after contact with the patient.
Avoid crowded, stuffy and unhygienic places.
Work on improving your immunity by including diet rich in antioxidants. Have atleast 4-5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits everyday. If you cannot have it due to certain practical constraints, make sure you take your daily dose of antioxidants/multivitamins after consulting your doctor. Anti-oxidants help fight free radicals produced in the body due to any kind of disease/stress and help in cell repair.
Include atleast 2 good servings of protein in your daily diet. They are the building blocks of all our cells and help in cell repair too.
Do not go on a low-carb diet. You require a good mix of all the elements of food to be healthy. Carbs, protiens, vitamins and fats all have their place in maintaining your immune system.
Get your daily exercise. Walk regularly for atleast 45 minutes at the least. The improved circulation improves your immunity.
Set aside a few minutes for meditation everyday. This reduces your daily stress which directly has a bearing on the condition of your immune system.
Maintain good hygiene, wherever you are. Washing hands with a good disinfectant soap often is a very under-valued habit. These days, when your exposure to diseases is at one of the highest levels, you just cannot neglect this simple habit.
Just by following these simple rules, one can safely prevent TB.
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