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Published on: Apr 20, 2020
3 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

COVID-19 MYTHBUSTER

MYTHBUSTER

There are many rumours, theories and suggestions that are being spread on Facebook, WhatsApp and social media. Most of these have no truth to them, do not work as treatment, or can be dangerous to your health. They use language that makes them sound scientific, and usually claim to come from a reputable institute, medical journal or doctor. Many people will automatically trust this, without questioning whether the legitimacy of the advice given. We have covered the dangers of these social media posts in our blog: https://www.secondmedic.com/blogs/the-dangers-of-social-media-blind-forwards secondmedic blog

Here we will go over some common myths about COVID-19 and Coronavirus that you will encounter. If you have come across any new myths or theories, or you want to check something you have read or been sent, email us at info@secondmedic.com

5G mobile networks DO NOT spread COVID-19

This is a myth that has been spreading recently, claiming that the new 5G towers being erected are spreading COVID-19. This is not true and there is no scientific evidence to support this.

Coronavirus spreads on small droplets that are coughed up by infected people. It is possible to prove this by looking at these droplets under an electron microscope. 5G networks use radio waves to operate, similar to 4G networks and other mobile network technologies. Radio waves cannot carry or transmit viral particles.

Another theory is that 5G radio waves cause damage to the human body. Radio waves have very little energy and pass through the human body without causing any harm. They have less energy than sunlight, and we are exposed to sunlight daily without harm.

People are claiming that 5G and coronavirus arrived at the same time, and so must be connected. Simply linking two things together does not mean one causes another. 5G technology does not exist in many countries with COVID-19, and yet some of these countries have been hit harder than well developed countries.

Destroying masts because of this conspiracy theory is harmful, as these masts carry mobile network signals that allow people to phone in emergencies, and for emergency responders to communicate with hospitals, fire stations and the police. Destroying these masts can cause serious harm to others.

Coronavirus WAS NOT developed in a laboratory as a weapon by China/Russia/US

Multiple reputable labs and universities across the world have analysed the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, and have determined there is no evidence it was produced by humans. It is very similar to pre-existing coronaviruses that have caused the SARS and MERS pandemics. Conspiracy theories such as these are being used to shift the blame to others and gain political points in the news, rather than focus on what is important – preventing the spread of the virus and treating those that are ill.

Holding your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing DOES NOT prove you are free of COVID-19

One popular test that has spread on WhatsApp states you can see whether you have COVID-19 with one simple test. If you can hold your breath for more than 10 seconds without coughing or feeling any discomfort, you do not have COVID-19 and are safe. It says that COVID-19 causes fibrosis in your lungs and this can stop you from holding your breath. There is no evidence supporting this theory.

Many people who have had COVID-19 can hold their breath for 10 seconds, and many people who are virus free are unable to hold their breath. The only way to determine if you have had the virus is through a nose or throat swab to check for the virus. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, feeling tired, shortness of breath), you should assume you have the virus and isolate yourself.

Drinking alcohol DOES NOT protect you against COVID-19

Alcohol is a disinfectant. Washing your hands with alcohol based hand gels can destroy the bacteria. However drinking alcohol is not the same. When you drink alcohol it is processed by your body to release energy, and it loses its disinfectant properties. Drinking too much alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning and damage your liver.

Hundreds of people have died as a result of drinking methanol, a dangerous form of alcohol.

Spraying alcohol over your body will kill any virus that is on your skin. But you should only use alcohol based hand gels, as they have the right amount of alcohol that does not harm your skin. Alcohol based gels will not cure COVID, as the virus causing the symptoms is in your lungs, not your skin.

Drinking bleach DOES NOT protect you against COVID-19. IT CAN KILL YOU

Just like alcohol, disinfectants and bleach can kill the virus if sprayed onto a surface that has the virus. But drinking them is highly dangerous and can be lethal. If ingested bleach will destroy your stomach just like it destroys the virus, and it will continue to destroy your body depending on how much is ingested.

DO NOT DRINK BLEACH.

Similarly do not spray disinfectant or bleach on your skin. It is highly irritating and can cause a lot of damage, especially if it gets in your eyes, nose or mouth.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, UK, Chief Product Officer, Second Medic Inc

www.secondmedic.com

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Role of Nutrition in Disease Prevention: How Food Choices Shape Long-Term Health

Disease prevention is no longer limited to vaccinations and medical screenings. Modern healthcare increasingly recognises nutrition as one of the most powerful tools for preventing illness before it begins. The role of nutrition in disease prevention is especially important in India, where lifestyle-related diseases account for a large share of premature illness and mortality.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), poor dietary patterns contribute significantly to rising cases of diabetes, heart disease, obesity and hypertension. Unlike genetic factors, nutrition is a modifiable risk factor, meaning everyday food choices can actively protect health.

Why Nutrition Is Central to Disease Prevention

1. Nutrition regulates metabolic health

Balanced diets help maintain:

healthy blood sugar levels
optimal cholesterol balance
stable blood pressure

Disruption in these systems increases disease risk.

2. Nutrition strengthens immunity

WHO highlights that immune function depends heavily on adequate intake of vitamins, minerals and protein.

3. Nutrition controls inflammation

Chronic low-grade inflammation is linked to most lifestyle diseases. Diets rich in whole foods reduce inflammatory markers.

Major Diseases Influenced by Nutrition

Diabetes and Prediabetes

Excess refined carbohydrates and sugar drive insulin resistance.

Preventive nutrition focuses on:

whole grains
fibre-rich vegetables
adequate protein
controlled portion sizes

ICMR data shows that dietary modification can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals.

Cardiovascular Disease

Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in India.

Nutrition impacts:

cholesterol levels
blood pressure
arterial inflammation

Diets low in trans fats and high in fibre significantly reduce cardiovascular risk, as confirmed by WHO and Lancet studies.

Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of multiple chronic diseases.

Preventive nutrition addresses:

calorie density
food quality
satiety regulation

NFHS-5 reports a steady rise in overweight and obesity across age groups.

Hypertension

High sodium intake and low potassium intake contribute to high blood pressure.

Preventive dietary strategies include:

reducing processed foods
increasing fruits and vegetables
maintaining mineral balance

Certain Cancers

Diet influences cancer risk through:

antioxidant intake
fibre consumption
reduced exposure to carcinogenic compounds

WHO estimates that a significant percentage of cancers are preventable through diet and lifestyle changes.

Key Nutrients That Support Disease Prevention

Fibre

Supports gut health, blood sugar control and cholesterol reduction.

Protein

Essential for muscle health, immune function and metabolic balance.

Healthy Fats

Omega-3 fats reduce inflammation and protect heart health.

Micronutrients

Iron, zinc, vitamin D and B vitamins are essential for metabolic and immune regulation.

NFHS-5 highlights widespread micronutrient deficiencies in India, increasing disease vulnerability.

Role of Gut Health in Prevention

The gut microbiome plays a major role in:

immune regulation
inflammation control
nutrient absorption

Fermented foods and fibre-rich diets support healthy gut bacteria, strengthening disease resistance.

Why Preventive Nutrition Works Best Early

Nutrition is most effective when applied:

before disease onset
during pre-disease stages
alongside regular health screening

Once disease progresses, nutrition remains supportive but may not reverse damage fully.

Nutrition vs Medication in Prevention

Medication treats disease; nutrition reduces risk.

WHO and NITI Aayog emphasize that:

preventive nutrition reduces disease incidence
lifestyle modification lowers healthcare burden
early nutrition changes reduce dependency on long-term medication

Both approaches work best when combined appropriately.

Workplace and Community Role in Preventive Nutrition

Structured nutrition programs at workplaces and communities:

improve awareness
support behaviour change
reduce population-level disease burden

Lancet studies show that group-based nutrition interventions improve long-term adherence.

Common Myths About Nutrition and Disease Prevention

Myth 1: Supplements replace healthy food

Whole foods provide better long-term protection.

Myth 2: Prevention requires extreme diets

Consistency matters more than restriction.

Myth 3: Nutrition only matters after diagnosis

Early nutrition is most effective before disease develops.

Building a Preventive Nutrition Routine

Effective preventive nutrition includes:

regular meals
diverse food groups
portion awareness
minimal processed foods
hydration

Small daily choices compound into long-term health benefits.

Long-Term Impact of Preventive Nutrition

Consistent healthy eating leads to:

reduced disease risk
improved energy and productivity
better immune resilience
lower healthcare costs
improved quality of life

NITI Aayog identifies nutrition as a cornerstone of sustainable healthcare systems.

Conclusion

Understanding the role of nutrition in disease prevention empowers individuals to take control of their health long before illness develops. Balanced, consistent nutrition reduces inflammation, supports immunity and protects against chronic diseases that burden India’s healthcare system. Preventive nutrition is not about short-term fixes but about building lifelong habits that support health, resilience and longevity.

References

ICMR – Nutrition and Lifestyle Disease Prevention Reports
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Dietary and Metabolic Health Data
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Nutrition Strategy Reports
WHO – Diet, Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention Guidelines
Lancet – Nutrition and Disease Risk Reduction Studies
Statista – Dietary Trends and Health Outcomes India
EY-FICCI – Preventive Healthcare and Nutrition Economics

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