• 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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Anemia Diet Plan: What to Eat to Improve Hemoglobin Levels Naturally

Anemia is one of the most widespread nutritional disorders in India, affecting people across age groups. According to NFHS-5 and ICMR data, more than half of Indian women and a significant proportion of men suffer from anemia. While supplements are sometimes required, a structured anemia diet plan plays a central role in preventing and managing the condition.

Anemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen efficiently. Nutrition is the foundation of hemoglobin production, making dietary correction essential.

 

Understanding the Nutritional Causes of Anemia

Anemia commonly results from deficiencies of:

  • iron

  • vitamin B12

  • folate

Each nutrient plays a specific role in red blood cell formation.

 

Iron: The Core Nutrient in Anemia

Iron is a key component of hemoglobin.

Iron deficiency leads to:

  • fatigue

  • weakness

  • pale skin

  • shortness of breath

ICMR identifies iron deficiency as the leading cause of anemia in India.

 

Types of Dietary Iron

Heme Iron

Found in animal foods and absorbed efficiently.

Sources include:

  • eggs

  • fish

  • chicken

  • liver

 

Non-Heme Iron

Found in plant-based foods and absorbed less efficiently.

Sources include:

  • spinach

  • lentils

  • chickpeas

  • jaggery

  • dates

Vitamin C improves non-heme iron absorption.

 

Role of Vitamin B12 in Anemia

Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell maturation.

Deficiency causes:

  • megaloblastic anemia

  • nerve symptoms

  • memory issues

Vegetarians are at higher risk due to limited dietary sources.

 

Role of Folate

Folate supports:

  • DNA synthesis

  • red blood cell formation

Low folate intake worsens anemia, especially during pregnancy.

 

Foods to Include in an Anemia Diet Plan

Iron-Rich Foods

  • green leafy vegetables (spinach, amaranth)

  • legumes and pulses

  • dates, raisins and figs

  • jaggery

  • red meat and eggs

 

Vitamin C-Rich Foods

  • citrus fruits

  • guava

  • tomatoes

  • bell peppers

These enhance iron absorption.

 

Vitamin B12 Sources

  • milk and dairy products

  • eggs

  • fish

  • fortified cereals

 

Folate-Rich Foods

  • green leafy vegetables

  • beans and peas

  • peanuts

  • whole grains

 

Sample Daily Anemia Diet Plan

Breakfast

  • vegetable omelette or sprouted moong

  • citrus fruit or guava

 

Mid-Morning

  • soaked raisins or dates

  • lemon water

 

Lunch

  • brown rice or roti

  • dal or chickpeas

  • green leafy vegetable sabzi

  • salad with lemon dressing

 

Evening Snack

  • roasted peanuts or chana

  • fruit rich in vitamin C

 

Dinner

  • vegetable curry with paneer or fish

  • whole wheat roti

  • lightly cooked greens

 

Bedtime

  • warm milk if tolerated

 

Foods That Reduce Iron Absorption

Certain foods interfere with iron absorption:

  • tea and coffee

  • excess calcium

  • highly processed foods

These should be avoided close to iron-rich meals.

 

Special Considerations for Women

Women require more iron due to:

  • menstruation

  • pregnancy

  • lactation

NFHS-5 highlights anemia as a major women’s health concern in India.

 

Anemia in Men and Older Adults

In men and elderly individuals, anemia may signal:

  • nutritional deficiency

  • chronic disease

  • gastrointestinal issues

Dietary correction should be combined with medical evaluation.

 

When Diet Alone Is Not Enough

Diet may not be sufficient if:

  • anemia is severe

  • absorption is impaired

  • chronic illness is present

In such cases, supplements or treatment of underlying causes is required.

 

Importance of Regular Blood Tests

Monitoring hemoglobin helps:

  • assess improvement

  • guide dietary adjustments

  • prevent recurrence

Preventive checkups are essential for high-risk groups.

 

Lifestyle Factors That Support Recovery

Along with diet:

  • adequate sleep

  • stress management

  • regular physical activity

support blood health and recovery.

 

Preventing Anemia Long-Term

Long-term prevention includes:

  • balanced meals

  • iron-rich cooking methods

  • avoiding excessive junk food

  • periodic screening

WHO and NITI Aayog emphasize nutrition education as a preventive strategy.

 

Conclusion

A well-structured anemia diet plan is the cornerstone of improving hemoglobin levels and restoring energy. By including iron-rich foods, supporting nutrients like vitamin B12 and folate, and improving absorption through smart food combinations, anemia can be effectively managed and prevented. Early dietary intervention, supported by regular health monitoring, helps avoid long-term complications and improves overall quality of life.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Anemia and Micronutrient Deficiency Reports

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Anemia Prevalence Data

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Nutrition and Anemia Guidelines

  • Lancet – Micronutrient Deficiency and Public Health Research

  • NITI Aayog – Poshan Abhiyaan and Nutrition Policy Reports

  • Statista – Nutrition and Health Trends in India

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