In India, tuberculosis (TB) is a major health issue that kills many people each year and affects lakhs of individuals. The risk of tuberculosis is increased by malnutrition and weakened immunity, especially in rural areas and low-income households. These people are more prone to diseases because to poor hygiene and a lack of nutrient-dense meals.
Due to its endemic frequency, tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a serious health concern in India. A considerable number of deaths are caused by tuberculosis, which affects lakhs of people annually. For years, TB bacilli can lie dormant in the body as a latent TB infection, only reactivating in cases of starvation or when immunity deteriorates. In addition to inadequate hygiene, two other variables that raise the risk of tuberculosis in India are malnutrition and weakened immunity.
The immune system is weakened by malnutrition, which disproportionately affects those living in low-income households, rural areas, and slums where they do not have access to wholesome foods that include proteins, vitamins, and minerals. They are more susceptible to infections as a result of this dietary deficit. Dr. Rahul Sharma, Additional Director of Pulmonology at Fortis Hospital in Noida, talked with Jagran English about how poor immunity and malnourishment increase the risk of tuberculosis.
How Malnutrition And Poor Immunity Increase Your Risk Of Tuberculosis?
Dr. Sharma claims that weakened immune systems allow TB bacteria to proliferate, raising the possibility of infection and reactivation. Women who are pregnant or nursing are especially at risk because they need more nutrients yet frequently do not have access to a healthy diet. Furthermore, obesity is regarded as a risk factor since it can increase a person’s susceptibility to tuberculosis due to inadequate nutrition and weakened immune.
HIV/AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol use, crowded living conditions, poor cleanliness, long-term stress, and poor sleep quality are other variables that lower immunity and increase the risk of tuberculosis. These illnesses impair the body’s defenses, increasing a person’s risk of contracting tuberculosis.
Dr. Sharma underlined that although TB was formerly thought to be a disease that only affected those from lower socioeconomic classes, lifestyle choices and compromised immunity are now causing it to afflict people from all walks of life.
He suggested eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising frequently, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco in order to prevent tuberculosis. In order to rule out tuberculosis, Indian health standards advise everyone with an infection that lasts longer than two weeks to see a doctor. According to the rules set forth by the Government of India, other family members must also be screened if one member of the household has been diagnosed with tuberculosis.
“We can fight TB and protect ourselves and our families from this deadly disease by maintaining a well-balanced diet, leading a stress-free and healthy lifestyle, and ensuring proper nutrition,” Dr. Sharma said in closing.
