Why Hepatitis C virus infection is more prevalent in north India, Food & Health : Today Indya

Why Hepatitis C virus infection is more prevalent in north India

Food & Health

Hindustan Times

On World Hepatitis Day, we tell you why Hepatitis C incidents are more common in north India and what you can do about it.

Why Hepatitis C virus infection is more prevalent in north India

Infections of hepatitis C are 83% are more prevalent among people living in north India, says a report from SRL Diagnostics. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and can be self-limiting or progress, causing liver fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. There are five types of viruses, namely Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D and Hepatitis E. World Hepatitis Day is marked on July 28.

“Despite 400 million people being affected by the disease globally, hepatitis has largely been ignored as a health and development priority until recently,” said Avinash Phadke, President-Technology & Mentor (Clinical Pathology) from SRL Diagnostics. “For Hepatitis E and Hepatitis A virus infections, hygiene and sanitation play a major role, while for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, lifestyle and awareness are extremely important” he added.

The virus is transmitted through contact with blood or other body fluids of an infected person. The alarming report showed that among people living in north India, hepatitis A and B is also prevalent. Hepatitis C Virus is caused by a virus which infects the liver and over time causes scarring of the liver, thus preventing it from working normally.

The infection is contracted through exposure to injection drug use, unsafe injection practices, transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products, or sexual contact with an infected person. Further, Hepatitis E virus was the most found laboratory diagnosed viral hepatitis in India, followed by Hepatitis A virus, the report noted.

The report also revealed that Hepatitis C infection was more common in middle age to old age groups of 31-60 years, while Hepatitis E and A infections were common among young adults in the age group of 16-30 years. Hepatitis B was more or less evenly spread in all age groups between 16 and 85 years.

According to the 2017 report shared by WHO, India has 40 million people chronically infected with hepatitis B and approximately 12 million people chronically infected with hepatitis C. However, “over 95% of people with chronic hepatitis do not know they are infected and therefore, succumb to liver cirrhosis or cancer,” said Subhash Gupta, Chairman, from the Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket.

“The treatment process becomes extremely delayed because the diagnosis only takes place at the end stage,” Gupta said.

A balanced and healthy lifestyle with controlled consumption of alcohol and tobacco is necessary to fight the disease that is an alarming public health concern in India. In addition, maintaining hygiene, avoiding roadside food and beverage, being careful in salons and tatoo parlours for avoiding infections and washing hands can help protect us from hepatitis, the experts suggested.

Article Original Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/health/hepatitis-c-virus-infection-is-more-p...

#infection prevalent north

Best Tea Combinations to Try this Monsoon

Food & Health

news18

What could be better than curling up in your couch and sipping new flavours of tea!

Rainy season is all fun and nothing can beat a hot cup of tea, particularly when it's raining. So, why not try some exciting new flavours in this monsoon season? What could be better than curling up in your couch and sipping new flavours of tea!

Kausshal Dugarr, Founder and CEO of Teabox.com lists down some options.

* Kolkata street chai: When it comes to cold weather nothing works better than a hot cup of spicy chai. We created this blend for its rich and strong flavors that pampers an Indian palate. With nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom, this chai instantly packs a punch and warms you up. The best part is we've added an ounce of exotic saffron to make the experience truly special.

* Kashmiri kahwa - This is one of our bestselling teas. It is a green tea based blend. The green tea used is smoked which offers the drinker an exotic experience. This is a rich blend and includes some nuts and fresh spices. The warming sweet aroma of cinnamon will uplift you and lead you on to savory and woody flavors of the green tea.

* Darjeeling ruby tea - Now, if you are in a mood for something lighter yet flavorful and warm, this one's got to be it. This straight tea blend is made by our master blenders with summer teas of the famous land.

* Bombay cutting chai: This one's a unique blend of the best black tea from Assam and choicest spices. This one is aromatic and warm with ginger and cardamom. The strong

licorice-like flavor of fresh fennel seeds gives it a sweet tang. The mix of all these flavors makes it layered, interesting and an embracing cup on a rainy day.

Rishav Kanoi, Tea Expert and Founder of Tea Trove suggests best tea combinations for every chai lover to try this monsoon season along with their health benefits warding off allergies and sickness.

* Mango green: You can enjoy mango in monsoons as well. Celebrate your mornings with a refreshing blend of Mango with green tea. Infused with green tea, it is a rich source of Vitamins A, B and C. This helps in reducing the risk of heart diseases by controlling cholesterol. Mango is believed to be the "food of the gods", and mango green tea helps in preventing breast cancer and controlling high BP.

* Durbari kahwa: This is a traditional spicy tea dating back generations, but comes with a modern twist. It's known for lowering cholesterol levels and aids in weight loss. It works best as an anti ageing drink.

* Sweet ginger: Nothing can beat sweet ginger as a perfect remedy for Cold, Cough and Flu. Loaded with sweetness and spice, this tea prevents anemia, treats stomach ulcers and relieves stress. Moreover, women can often consume this tea for reducing menstrual pain.

* Rose delight: A perfect blend of beautiful flavour and soothing fragrances. A sweet flavour helps in reducing weight also, giving a healthy glow to the skin.

* Rosehip hibiscus: A refreshing cup offers a tangy taste and a bright red brew. Rosehip Hibiscus is a rich source of anti-oxidant which helps in boosting the immune system and slimming. A stronger immune system keeps cold and flu at bay. It also prevents bladder infections and reduces anxiety issues.

* Rose delight: A perfect blend of beautiful flavour and soothing fragrances. A sweet flavour helps in reducing weight also, giving a healthy glow to the skin.

Article Original Source : https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/best-tea-combinations-to-try-this-mon...