Fast food reduces resistance to swine flu

Low immunity food items and diminishing proportions of turmeric in daily consumption, especially in junk eatables, makes one more vulnerable to swine flu like diseases, according to Ayurveda proponents.

"Modern eating habits reduces our power to fight back the virus as items like Pizza and other fast food don't contain even a pinch of turmeric and increasing intake of 'white food' is worrisome as it does not help to boost the immunity," Ayurveda expert and faculty with Gomantak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya and Research centre, Dr Nilesh Korde told PTI.

"Turmeric, an ancient spice with medicinal properties, strengthens the immunity but the amount of turmeric in our diets is lessening which is a cause of concern," he said.

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Creepers like gulvel, which is abundantly found in our backyard can be used to avoid getting affected with swine flu, Korde said, adding that basic home remedies, which have been practiced since ages can help to curb the further spread of the disease.

Goa already has 14 confirmed swine flu patients and the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival has triggered fears of possible spread of H1N1 virus during the series of public functions lined up for the celebrations.

The spread of swine flu in nearby Pune and Mumbai has increased the concern as many Goans working or studying in these metros would be back home for the festival.

At present, the villages are not affected with swine flu as they are not thickly populated. Also, the clean air does not support viruses, Korde said.

Ayurveda college in Goa plans to educate masses through lectures about handiness of ancient practices to arrest swine flu spread, while NGOs like Indology Goa, have planned a workshop on this issue during Ganesh Chaturthi days.

"The unsuspecting carriers would be arriving in the state for the festivities. The rural population really don't know much about this disease," Founder of Indology Goa, Dr Anjali Rao said.

"The solution for the entire issue is simple. Just go the traditional way. Practices like blending turmeric and honey together and having it once a day or drinking 'amla' (Indian gooseberry) juice on empty stomach can save you from catching cold," she said.

Precautions to ensure that we don't catch swine flu from infected patient can help to arrest its further spread, she said.