Finding proof for the axiom that nutrition aids recovery

General Studies Paper 2

Introduction

• It would seem that optimal nutrition, essential for all biochemical processes to function properly, is an axiom. Naturally, it will then also be an accepted truth that appropriate nutritious food will have to be consumed, in order for the body to recuperate and heal even as it is treated by medicines when under assault. Strangely though, nothing can be as far apart in practice, as this axiom and its corollary.

Appropriate diet

• The nutritional and environmental factors that influence disease and wellness are now part of a solid study of the human body.
• While conventional medicine treats and advances cure by drugs and/or surgery, the doctor seldom forgets to mention an appropriate diet to be followed.
• The problem, however, occurs when there’s a piecemeal handling of the condition, with no insight into the patient’s culture or food affordability.

RATIONS trial

• Latest in this trend, is the RATIONS trial by Anurag Bhargava et al, which tries to address nutrition and tuberculosis within a syndemics framework.
• The researchers studied the effect of improving nutrition with a combination of a food basket and micronutrients on recovery of patients with TB, and preventing TB in close family members of those who are infected.
• Bhargava explains that undernutrition was the leading risk factor for TB Incidence in India and addressing it could lead to substantial decline in TB incidence.

Major findings

• Prevalence of undernutrition in household members was high and one-third were undernourished, in the study.
• It is also believed that a sub-optimal diet is also an important risk factor, preventable in good measure,for non- communicable diseases, an epidemic of which seems to be holding India in its grip.
• An emerging and compelling body of research points to the potential of food and nutrition playing a prominent role in prevention, management and treatment, even reversal of disease.
• Such interventions in heath care system might be associated with improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare usage and costs.
• One of every five deaths across the globe is attributable to a suboptimal diet, more than any other risk factor including tobacco.
• Another area in which the role of nutrition in recovery has been well documented is in the HIV/AIDS sector. HIV infection and poor nutritional status are interlinked.
• The impact of HIV infection on nutrition was identified early in the epidemic, with wasting one of the most visible signs of malnutrition in patients who progress to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
• Malnutrition impairs immune function and reduces the body’s resistance to infection.
• HIV and malnutrition have a cumulative effect in damaging the immune system and worsening nutritional status.

Initiatives

• It was in response to such averments that the World Food Programme initiated a pilot phase of distribution of nutrition supplements combined with nutrition counselling for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) on Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART), in Tamil Nadu.
• In a mid term assessment, researchers found improvements in both BMI level and haemoglobin in the experiment group, versus the control group.
• Both BMI and HB were considered key indicators for comparative assessment and as impact indicators.

Way forward

• In a welfare state, the task of ensuring adequate nutritional status undoubtedly rests with the government.
• At any rate, any lapses in doing so, must be set right, if an opportunity arises, with a comprehension of the relevant political and social contexts.
• Supporting delivery of health care along with nutritional supplements must be guaranteed, wherever necessary, in order to ensure the best chances of recovery are available for patients.