• Published on: Apr 04, 2020
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Raj Dwivedi

Good News Around Corona Virus On Friday Everyone Missed!

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· On Friday FDA announced an emergency authorization of a Roche Holding AG test that can screen patients much faster than all existing options.

· The biggest impact of these tests would be that it would help catch up on the all the tests which are on queue currently.

· What very few have realized that our inability to test enough people fast enough has led to an outbreak that is likely to spin out of control in the weeks to come. If that happens then we won’t be able to contain things any time soon.

· More than lab tests we need “serologic tests” and “on-site diagnostics” which can play a crucial role in helping to better estimate the size of the problem (outbreak) and exercise necessary control to prevent the spread.

· Serologic diagnostics allow extensive testing of samples from people who aren’t confirmed COVID-19 cases.

· The best thing is that If people have been exposed and have developed antibodies against the virus, such tests will let health officials in frontline know much faster.

· This is invaluable information in the fight against a disease that is mild or asymptomatic in many people.

· It will bring some key KPIs to limelight in addition to giving a better sense of how many cases we’re missing and COVID-19’s true fatality rate, it could also identify areas where it is spreading more quietly and help direct needed response.

· Centres for Disease Control Director Robert Redfield recently told a Congressional committee that his agency has two tests of this type in development.

· This fast deployment is critical piece around the globe as there simply isn’t any reliable information on where we stand at any time and where the disease is and how many people have it.

· Another important step would involve moving testing capabilities out of the lab and into doctors’ offices.

· Ideally, providers should be able to order and run tests rapidly on site similar to the flu instead of sending them off to an overtaxed lab and lowering risk of infection

· An accurate and quick test of this type would mean that fewer people are left hanging in limbo about their actual infection status, expediting isolation, monitoring, and treatment efforts.

· People could be diagnosed in a far broader array of settings, lowering the risk of further spread of infection and keeping them out of hospitals that could spend more of their time totally focused to severe cases.

· A wider range of diagnostics would enable more targeted monitoring and reduce the need for blanket travel bans and other economically harmful containment measures. We hope that all support would get these tests approved and distributed quickly.

So in summary the approach is in a good direction and agility around diagnosis will get us ahead of things while we’re still only in the early stages of this outbreak.

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Dairy-Free Options for All: A Comprehensive SecondMedic Guide for India

Dairy-Free Options for All: A Comprehensive SecondMedic Guide for India

Dairy consumption has long been a part of Indian dietary culture, but rising awareness of digestive health, metabolic concerns, acne, inflammation and lactose intolerance has encouraged many individuals to explore dairy-free alternatives. India is experiencing a significant shift toward plant-based nutrition as people prioritise preventive health, gut comfort and personalised dietary choices.

SecondMedic’s nutrition experts emphasise evidence-based, dairy-free patterns that support digestion, hormonal balance, metabolic stability and overall wellbeing. This guide explores the best dairy-free options in India, their health benefits and how they integrate into daily preventive care.

 

Why Dairy-Free Eating Is Growing in India

1. Rising Lactose Intolerance

According to ICMR Digestive Health Trends, a high percentage of Indian adults experience lactose intolerance due to decreased lactase enzyme activity.

Common symptoms include:

  • Bloating

  • Gas

  • Acidity

  • Diarrhoea

  • Skin flare-ups
     

Dairy-free alternatives eliminate these discomforts.

2. Skin & Hormonal Concerns

Dairy may influence acne, PCOS symptoms and inflammation in certain individuals.

3. Improved Digestibility

Many plant-based options are easier on the gut and reduce inflammation.

4. Increasing Nutrition Awareness

NFHS-5 highlights micronutrient deficiencies-including Vitamin D and B12-leading people to choose fortified dairy-free alternatives.

 

Popular Dairy-Free Options in India

1. Almond Milk

Rich in Vitamin E and naturally low in calories.
Ideal for smoothies, coffee and cereal.

2. Soy Milk

High in protein and often fortified with calcium.
Great for cooking and baking.

3. Oat Milk

Creamy texture, high in soluble fibre.
Excellent for lattes and desserts.

4. Coconut Milk

Rich flavour, suitable for Indian curries and smoothies.

5. Nut-Based Yoghurt

Cashew and almond curds have become widely available.
Probiotic varieties support gut health.

6. Tofu & Plant-Based Paneer

Excellent protein source for vegetarians.

7. Lactose-Free Dairy

For those who prefer traditional taste without digestive discomfort.

 

Nutritional Benefits of Dairy-Free Options

1. Reduced Inflammation

Studies in Lancet Public Health show improved gut comfort among individuals switching to dairy-free diets.

2. Hormonal Balance

Plant-based alternatives help regulate insulin, estrogen and androgen patterns-especially valuable for PCOS and thyroid care.

3. Weight Management

Lower calorie load and better digestibility support metabolic health.

4. Allergy-Friendly Choice

A safe option for individuals sensitive to casein or whey proteins.

 

How to Build a Balanced Dairy-Free Diet

Ensure calcium intake:

Choose fortified plant milks.

Include plant proteins:

Tofu, dals, nuts and seeds.

Add healthy fats:

Ground flaxseed, chia and almonds.

Combine traditional and modern options:

Oat milk chai, tofu tikka, nut curd raita.

SecondMedic’s AI nutrition scoring helps evaluate vitamin density and carbohydrate load for optimal choices.

 

Dairy-Free Meal Examples

Breakfast

• Oats cooked with almond milk
• Fruit + chia seeds + nuts

Lunch

• Millet khichdi with tofu
• Vegetable salad with tahini dressing

Snack

• Coconut yoghurt with berries

Dinner

• Stir-fry vegetables with tofu
• Whole-grain roti + plant-based curd

 

Conclusion

Dairy-free options provide flexible, nutritious and preventive pathways for individuals across India. Whether motivated by digestive comfort, metabolic health, ethical choices or personal preference, dairy-free alternatives support long-term wellness. SecondMedic helps individuals evaluate and incorporate dairy-free nutrition through expert consultations, AI-based analysis and personalised dietary planning.

References

• ICMR Digestive Health & Lactose Intolerance Study
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) - Nutrition & Dietary Patterns
• NITI Aayog - Plant-Based Nutrition & Preventive Wellness Framework
• WHO Guidelines on Healthy Dietary Alternatives
• Lancet Public Health - Dairy-Free Diets & Inflammation Research
• Statista India Plant-Based Food Market Analysis
• EY-FICCI Food Innovation & Health Trends Report

See all

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