Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 09:15 [IST]
Last Update: Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 03:45 [IST]
What is HMPV and why do we need to be careful?
Human
Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a part of the Pneumoviridae family. It is a
respiratory virus that causes illnesses ranging from mild colds to severe lung
infections such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Though less recognized than the
flu or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), HMPV is a significant cause of
respiratory illnesses worldwide. HMPV is a common virus that usually causes
symptoms which are similar to a cold and cough (common flu type) and happens in
winter as well as in rainy seasons. In majority of the cases we used to feel better
at home in a few days (3-7 days) and go away on their own. HMPV can cause
serious complications if we are older (more than 55 years) and do have chronic
bronchitis, Pneumonia, hypertensions and high blood sugar. Treatment for HMPV
is primarily supportive, focusing on symptom management. Mild cases generally
require rest, hydration and over-the-counter medications for symptomatic relief
from cold cough, headache and fever. Antibiotics are not effective against HMPV
because it is caused by a virus, not bacteria. If symptoms are severe, especially
in high-risk individuals, they need medical attention promptly like
consultation with a physician or hospitalization.
How strong immune system can help us to fight against
viruses
A strong
immune system helps our body fight off sickness and disease, including chronic
diseases and cancer. When our immune system is healthy, we are better prepared
to defend ourselves from threats like viruses, bacteria and parasites. To
maintain a strong immune system in our body we should eat a healthy diet rich
in fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly and most importantly should not
smoke as our lungs will be affected badly. Regular intake of Vitamin C, E and D
plays significant roles in boosting our immune systems which are primarily
available in citrus fruits. Here comes “Dragon fruit” which has these vitamins
in plenty in addition to many important minerals and fibers.
Dragon fruit & immunity
Dragon fruit
is a tasty tropical fruit that grows on a climbing cactus called hylocereus.
The plant’s name comes from the Greek word "hyle," which means woody,
and the Latin word "cereus," which means waxen. The cactus originally
grew in southern Mexico and South and Central America. Nowadays, almost
majority of countries have their own cultivated “Dragon fruits” including our
country. In our country, 70% of “Dragon
fruits” are obtained from Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra
Pradesh though our country imports this fruit from Vietnam and Sri Lanka in
order to manage the market flow. The
fruit looks like a hot pink or yellow bulb with spike-like green leaves
shooting up like flames around it. When we cut it, we find fleshy white, pink,
red, or purple pulp dotted with black seeds that are good to eat. It looks
something like the inside of a kiwi fruit. Though this fruit is known as
“Dragon fruit” but in ancient India this fruit was known as “Kamalam” after the
Sanskrit name for lotus. Dragon fruit is juicy with a
slightly sweet taste that some describe as a cross between a kiwi, a pear and a
watermelon. The seeds have a nutty flavor. Dragon fruit comes in a variety of
colors. The major species have a red or pink peel or, less commonly, a yellow
peel. The pulp inside can be red or white.
Consuming of
dragon fruits not only provides high amount of “Vitamin C” but also high amount
of antioxidants and other phytonutrients which give significant effect in
supporting immune system function. Eating of dragon fruits scavenges free radicals
and fight against diseases like “Cancer”,
help prevent
oxidative damage. It’s rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acid,
and betacyanin and many important minerals protect our cells from damage by
free radical molecules that can lead to diseases such as cancer and premature
aging. It also ease constipation. Dragon fruit is an excellent source of fiber,
which can soften stools and help us poop and thus it can work as a mild
laxative. Dragon fruit helps in weight management. It’s naturally high in fiber
and low in calories helps us for weight management. High-fiber foods make good snacks because they
can help keep us full for longer between meals. Dragon fruit plays significant
role in lowering blood sugar levels and helps in regenerating damaged cells in
the pancreas, which makes insulin, the hormone that helps our body manage blood
sugar. It also improves our gut health
because it contains “Probiotics”, which are fibers that feed the healthy
bacteria called probiotics in our gut. Having more probiotics in our system can
improve the balance of good to bad bacteria in our intestines. Specifically,
dragon fruit boosts the growth of the probiotics “Lactobacilli and
Bifidobacteria”. In our gut they are helpful bacteria which can help our fight
off disease causing viruses and bacteria. They also help in digesting food and strengthen
our immune system. Dragon fruit also helps in lowering inflammation. Research
studies suggest that compounds in the pulp and peel of dragon fruit might lower
inflammation, which plays a role in many diseases. It boosts iron levels and
increase iron absorption in our body. Iron is important for moving oxygen through
our body and giving us energy and dragon fruit has iron content. Dragon fruit improves skin
health as it is rich in vitamin C which is important in making collagen, the
protein that helps keep our skin firm. The antioxidant activity of vitamin C
might also help limit sun damage to our skin.
So, in order
to fight against viral diseases, “Dragon fruit”, the multibenifitted fruit can
play a major role in addition to the daily routine of healthy life style. It's
rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acid, and betacyanin
augmented with Vitamin C are the key ingredients for our boosting our immunity.
To some extent, Papaya may be considered as a substitute for dragon fruit but
not as immunity booster.