• 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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Busting Nutrition Myths in India: An Evidence-Based Guide Powered by SecondMedic’s AI Health Guide

Busting Nutrition Myths in India: An Evidence-Based Guide Powered by SecondMedic’s AI Health Guide

Nutrition misinformation has become increasingly common in India. From viral social media diets to generational food beliefs, many individuals struggle to separate fact from fiction. These myths can influence daily habits, delay proper treatment and contribute to the growing burden of lifestyle diseases.

SecondMedic’s AI Health Guide was designed to offer clarity. By analysing scientific literature, Indian dietary patterns and personal health inputs, it explains complex nutrition topics in a human-friendly, practical manner. This blog explores the most widespread nutrition myths in India and how an AI-enabled approach helps users make informed dietary decisions.

 

Why Nutrition Myths Persist in India

1. Cultural dietary traditions

Food practices often evolve through experience but not always through evidence. Certain long-held assumptions continue despite scientific updates.

2. Rise of viral misinformation

Millions of Indians search diet advice online daily, and misleading content spreads rapidly without expert review.

3. High prevalence of lifestyle diseases

ICMR and NFHS-5 highlight escalating rates of:

  • Diabetes

  • Obesity

  • Hypertension

  • PCOS

  • Thyroid disorders
     

The public seeks quick solutions, making myths appealing.

4. Limited access to qualified dietitians

Many people rely on hearsay or generic tips rather than personalised nutrition guidance.

SecondMedic’s AI Health Guide bridges this gap by offering accessible, evidence-backed explanations.

 

Myth 1: “Carbohydrates always lead to weight gain.”

Carbohydrates are not inherently harmful.
The problem lies in refined carbohydrates like white bread, sugary drinks and packaged snacks.

What the science says

Whole grains, millets, oats and fibre-rich carbs improve:

  • Gut health

  • Blood sugar regulation

  • Energy levels
     

Research in Lancet Public Health confirms that complex carbs support metabolic wellbeing.

AI Health Guide perspective

The system evaluates:

  • Activity level

  • Blood sugar trends

  • Dietary preferences
     

Then recommends the type and quantity of carbs suitable for the individual.

 

Myth 2: “Protein damages the kidneys.”

This is one of India’s most common misconceptions.

Clinical reality

Protein affects kidneys only in individuals with existing kidney disease.

NFHS-5 shows that most Indians do not meet their daily protein requirement.

Balanced approach

Safe protein sources:

  • Lentils

  • Paneer

  • Eggs

  • Tofu

  • Chicken

  • Fish
     

An AI-guided nutrition plan ensures intake matches needs and health conditions.

 

Myth 3: “All fats are unhealthy.”

Fats play essential roles in:

  • Hormone production

  • Brain function

  • Vitamin absorption
     

Good fats

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Olive oil

  • Flaxseed

  • Fatty fish
     

Harmful fats

  • Trans fats

  • Hydrogenated oils

  • Deep-fried packaged snacks
     

SecondMedic’s AI Health Guide analyses dietary logs to suggest healthier fat alternatives.

 

Myth 4: “Detox diets cleanse the body.”

Detox teas, juices and cleanses are popular but not scientifically validated.

Actual detoxification

The liver, kidneys and digestive system naturally remove toxins.

Risks of extreme detox diets

  • Fatigue

  • Digestive distress

  • Slow metabolism

  • Nutrient deficiencies
     

A sustainable alternative includes balanced meals, hydration and fibre-rich foods.

 

Myth 5: “Eating after 8 PM causes weight gain.”

Timing is not the primary factor.
Weight gain depends on:

  • Total calorie intake

  • Food quality

  • Portion control

  • Sleep-wake cycles
     

For shift workers or late diners, an AI-based guide personalises eating windows that match biological rhythms.

 

How AI Personalises Nutrition Guidance for India

The AI Health Guide adapts advice based on:

• Clinical inputs

Blood reports, symptoms, chronic conditions.

• Lifestyle signals

Sleep, activity, stress, work schedules.

• Cultural eating patterns

North Indian, South Indian, vegetarian, non-vegetarian diets.

• Personal health goals

Weight control, energy improvement, disease management.

This ensures that the guidance is not generic-it is tailored for real-life Indian scenarios.

 

How an AI Health Guide Supports Preventive Healthcare

1. Early risk identification

AI recognises patterns that may indicate:

  • Rising blood sugar

  • Nutrient deficiencies

  • Poor digestion

  • Inflammatory markers
     

2. Behavioural nudges

Small, realistic changes are suggested instead of extreme diet plans.

3. Improved health literacy

Users understand why certain foods are better choices.

4. Better medical support

Clear explanations enhance doctor and dietitian consultations.

 

Conclusion

Nutrition myths can lead individuals toward restrictive diets, nutrient deficiencies and misguided health decisions. With rising lifestyle diseases in India, accurate nutrition knowledge is essential. A scientific, personalised approach-supported by an AI Health Guide-helps individuals navigate misinformation confidently.

By combining evidence-based insights with individual dietary needs, SecondMedic’s AI-driven guidance empowers people to adopt sustainable, preventive and truly health-enhancing food habits.

 

References

• ICMR Indian Nutrition Profile & Dietary Science Study
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) - Protein Intake & Micronutrient Data
• NITI Aayog - Preventive Health & Digital Nutrition Insights
• WHO Global Dietary Guidelines & Balanced Nutrition Framework
• Lancet Public Health - Carbohydrate Quality & Metabolic Health Studies
• Statista - India Digital Nutrition & Health Behaviour Analysis
• EY-FICCI - AI and Preventive Healthcare Consumer Report

See all

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