• Published on: Jul 31, 2021
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Endocrinologist

Superfoods Are Not The Only Healthy Option: Spinach, Kale And Cabbage Pack A Powerful Nutritional Punch

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Healthier foods are not always called superfoods. There is spinach, kale, and cabbage that have more nutrients than other greens out there. Below you will find some of the healthiest foods like green beans with less sugar content or avocado which helps to reduce cholesterol levels in your body.

  • Sunflower Seeds - Sunflower seeds are the perfect snack for on-the-go people. They're high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber while still being low-calorie. Best of all, they can be eaten whole with no preparation needed! Sunflower seeds have long been a favorite among builders because their shape makes them easy to use as fasteners, but now it's clear that these tiny nuts also make great snacks when you need something quick and nutritious at your side.
  • Unsweetened Greek Yogurt - The daily consumption of yogurt has been shown to reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes by 14%. Not only is it a healthier option than regular yogurt, but its low GI and high calcium content make it an excellent choice.
  • Flax Seeds - Flax seeds are a superfood that helps to manage diabetes. This is because of the gel-forming fiber they contain which slows digestion and releases glucose into your blood slowly so it doesn't spike in one sitting like sugar would.
  • Oranges and other Citrus Fruits - Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits are great sources of fiber, which can help with blood sugar levels. However, it is always best to eat the whole fruit rather than drinking just juice. When juicing citrus fruits their GIs vary greatly, but an average size orange has a GI of 40 while an average size grapefruit has a lower GI of 25 because all its natural fibers remain intact when eaten in the whole form instead of being converted into liquid through the juicing process.
  • Chia Seeds - If you're looking for an easy way to improve your diet and manage blood sugar levels, chia seeds can be a great place to start. They are rich in antioxidants which may help reduce the risk of diabetes or any complications from it. Another superfood that can help with managing our body's response to glucose is Chia Seeds due their richness in Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and magnesium; these nutrients have been shown by research studies as being instrumental towards reducing one’s risk of developing type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or even its severity when diagnosed properly.
  • Quinoa - One of the healthiest grains on earth, quinoa is packed with protein and antioxidants to help you keep your blood sugar levels in check. Quinoa also has more fiber than most other grain options which will give you a feeling of fullness that lasts longer because it takes about 30 minutes for our stomachs to tell us we are hungry again after eating.
  • Berries- Berries are a great healthy option for your sweet tooth. They provide many benefits like vitamin C, K, manganese, and fiber while also being helpful with diabetes management. Whether you enjoy strawberries or blueberries; berries can satisfy any craving!
  • Tomatoes - Tomatoes are the perfect diet addition for those looking to reduce their risk of cancer and heart disease. Lycopene is a powerful substance that has been found in multiple studies to be more easily absorbed by the body when consumed as part of an already healthy diet, untouched by processed sugars or carbs. Tomatoes have a low GI ranking which means they can keep you feeling full longer even without adding extra calories from fat and sugar!
  • Beans - Beans are a great source of fiber and protein, which is equivalent to an ounce of meat. While they contain carbohydrates, all type beans will also provide you with vitamins and minerals such as magnesium or potassium in addition to the high amounts that it contains. Beans can be any color from light brown when cooked like kidney beans to black for pinto beans; no matter what your preference is there's something out there just for you!
  • Fish High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Fish and fish oil, which contain zero carbohydrates, are a rich source of protein that can be added to any meal for diabetes management. This is because they slowly digest due to their low carb content and release sugar into the bloodstream at an even rate. Salmon high in omega-3 fatty acids ensures this effect by balancing out your carbohydrate intake with its slow digestion time while also providing healthy fats from Omega 3s!

Diabetics must carefully measure and monitor their blood glucose levels. This is important because it can help you determine whether adjustments need to be made in your diet, medications, exercise routines, etc. It's recommended that diabetics with diabetes symptoms check their sugar twice a day with an accurate glucometer and record the numbers in a log so they can track any increase or decrease over time of these readings

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Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis Symptoms and Treatment: Early Signs, Diagnosis, and Recovery

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest known infectious diseases and continues to be a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. India accounts for a significant proportion of global TB cases, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. The good news is that tuberculosis is preventable, treatable and curable when detected early and managed properly.

Understanding tuberculosis symptoms and treatment is critical for reducing disease spread, preventing complications and achieving complete recovery.

 

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also involve other parts of the body such as:

  • lymph nodes
     

  • bones and joints
     

  • kidneys
     

  • brain
     

TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.

 

Why Tuberculosis Remains a Major Health Issue

According to the World Health Organization and ICMR data:

  • millions of new TB cases are reported annually
     

  • delayed diagnosis increases transmission
     

  • incomplete treatment leads to drug resistance
     

Early detection and treatment are key to TB control.

 

Common Tuberculosis Symptoms

TB symptoms often develop gradually and may be mild in the early stages, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Persistent Cough

A cough lasting more than two to three weeks is a hallmark symptom of pulmonary TB.

The cough may:

  • be dry or productive
     

  • worsen over time
     

  • sometimes produce blood
     

 

Fever and Night Sweats

Low-grade fever, especially in the evenings, is common.

Night sweats that soak clothing or bedding are a classic TB sign.

 

Unexplained Weight Loss

TB increases metabolic demand and reduces appetite, leading to significant weight loss.

 

Fatigue and Weakness

Persistent tiredness and reduced stamina occur due to chronic infection.

 

Chest Pain

Chest discomfort or pain may occur during coughing or breathing.

 

Symptoms of Extra-Pulmonary TB

When TB affects organs outside the lungs, symptoms depend on the site involved and may include:

  • swollen lymph nodes
     

  • bone or joint pain
     

  • headaches or neurological symptoms
     

  • urinary issues
     

 

Why TB Symptoms Are Often Ignored

Many TB symptoms resemble common infections or general weakness.

This leads to:

  • delayed medical consultation
     

  • prolonged transmission
     

  • disease progression
     

Awareness improves early detection.

 

How Tuberculosis Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis involves a combination of:

  • sputum tests
     

  • chest X-ray
     

  • molecular tests such as CBNAAT
     

  • blood tests and imaging for extra-pulmonary TB
     

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

 

Tuberculosis Treatment Explained

TB treatment involves a combination of antibiotics taken over a fixed duration.

Standard TB Treatment

For drug-sensitive TB, treatment typically lasts:

  • 6 months
     

The regimen includes multiple antibiotics taken in phases to ensure complete bacterial clearance.

 

Importance of Treatment Adherence

TB bacteria are slow-growing and resilient.

Stopping treatment early can result in:

  • incomplete cure
     

  • relapse
     

  • drug-resistant TB
     

Completing the full course is essential.

 

Drug-Resistant TB

If TB bacteria become resistant to standard drugs, treatment becomes longer and more complex.

Drug-resistant TB requires:

  • specialised medications
     

  • longer treatment duration
     

  • close medical supervision
     

Prevention of resistance depends on correct treatment from the start.

 

Side Effects of TB Treatment

Some individuals may experience side effects such as:

  • nausea
     

  • loss of appetite
     

  • mild liver enzyme changes
     

Most side effects are manageable with medical guidance and do not require stopping treatment.

 

TB and Public Health

TB is not just an individual health issue but a community concern.

Effective TB control requires:

  • early diagnosis
     

  • treatment adherence
     

  • contact tracing
     

  • public awareness
     

India’s national TB elimination programmes focus on these strategies.

 

Preventing Tuberculosis

Preventive measures include:

  • early detection and treatment of active TB
     

  • improving nutrition and immunity
     

  • adequate ventilation in living spaces
     

  • screening close contacts
     

BCG vaccination offers partial protection, especially in children.

 

Living With and Recovering From TB

With proper treatment:

  • symptoms gradually improve
     

  • infection becomes non-contagious
     

  • normal life can be resumed
     

Regular follow-up ensures complete recovery.

 

When to Seek Medical Help

Consult a healthcare provider if experiencing:

  • cough lasting more than two weeks
     

  • unexplained weight loss
     

  • persistent fever or night sweats
     

  • blood in sputum
     

Early action saves lives and prevents spread.

 

Long-Term Outlook After TB Treatment

Most individuals who complete treatment:

  • recover fully
     

  • regain normal lung function
     

  • return to daily activities
     

Long-term complications are rare with timely care.

 

Conclusion

Tuberculosis symptoms and treatment must be understood clearly to combat this preventable and curable disease. Persistent cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss should never be ignored. Early diagnosis, complete treatment adherence and regular follow-up are essential for curing TB and preventing transmission. With proper medical care and public awareness, tuberculosis can be effectively controlled and eliminated as a public health threat.


 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Tuberculosis Epidemiology and Treatment Guidelines
  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Global Tuberculosis Report
  • National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) – Government of India
  • Lancet Infectious Diseases – TB Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Infectious Disease Indicators
  • Statista – Global Tuberculosis Burden and Trends

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