THURSDAY March 24 was marked as World TB Day and given that it appears to be on the rise again, it might be worth having a look at the condition. It’s classed as a chronic infection caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is transmitted by infected droplets, through ingestion or inhalation, so it’s most often the lungs which are affected. However, it can also affect other organs throughout the body.
Typical signs are lethargy, a cough, chest pains, weight loss, fever, especially with sweating at night, infected sputum and bleeding in the lungs. The ‘tuber’ of the name (tuber means swelling) relates to the lungs reaction to the bacillus. Protective cells are produced to engulf the disease, forming swellings. If left untreated, these tubercles can grow and merge, forming larger tubercles which can slouch off into the lung cavity.
While treatment usually entails a combination of drugs, UV radiation and heat, it continues for up to a year. Once the sputum is clear, the disease is no longer infectious, but compliance with the drug regimen is vital to prevent resistance. The BCG is a strain of the tubercle bacilli so it is used as a vaccine against TB in many countries.
From a Chinese perspective, TB is classed as yin deficiency symptom. These are usually conditions which involve wasting, long-term inflammation and infection from viruses, bacteria, parasites etc.
Typical signs include a thin body, vertigo, spasms, insomnia, irritability, worry, low fever, night sweats and a fast thin pulse. Interestingly in deficient yin symptoms, there is often the appearance of abundant energy though real, deeper energy is absent. It is little surprise then that TB is on the rise as these signs are becoming increasingly common. The swing towards yin deficiency has come about as we’ve become increasingly yang. Yang energy relates to stress, noise, extroverted behaviour, excess consumption of depleting substances like alcohol , tobacco, coffee, sugar and drugs. Poorly produced foods do not support yin energy either. Yin and yang energy are just like a seesaw which needs a fine balance to work well. All this excess yang pushes down yin energy, the calmer, more receptive energy, creating yin deficiency. To deal with yin deficiency through diet, incorporate foods like millet, barley, rice, wheat germ, quinoa and amaranth. Such foods have a natural affinity with yin energy. On the other hand, refined foods and intoxicating substances are best avoided. Not alone will this assist in preserving yin energy, it also means the toxic load on the immune system is reduced, meaning you are better able to cope should you come in contact with TB. From a protein point of view, emphasise vegetable based protein like tofu, kidney beans, mung beans etc rather than relying on heavier animal proteins which can cause sticky mucus, leaving you more susceptible to pathogenic activity. Exceptions are the use of goats milk, oysters, sardines, chicken eggs etc. While still denser forms of protein, they provide yin supportive nourishment. These can be used in very frail deficient people who need building up, whereas those who’ve over-consumed animal products may not need these extra nutritious foods.
Don’t forget fatty acids play a role in preventing TB too, as prostaglandins produced by essential fatty acids are so effective at relieving pain and inflammation, while also helping to cleanse the arteries. Choose walnuts as they are especially beneficial for the lungs. If your diet has been largely based on arachidonic acid foods such as saturated fats, processed animal products etc you may find your incidence of inflammatory diseases is that bit higher.
I’ve often mentioned the importance of a wide variety of fruit and vegetables and this certainly applies to prevention and cure of TB. The onion family, high in sulphur and therefore very cleansing, are a great addition, as are certain ‘tuber’ vegetables like asparagus. the roots were traditionally used in Chinese medicine for their cooling benefits, ideal for treating lung congestion. Likewise broccoli, rich in chlorophyll, vitamin C and B vitamins is excellent for cleansing the blood and boosting the immune system.
Pungent vegetables like radishes will help moisten the lungs and cut through mucus too, though a little goes a long way. It is a great transition remedy if you are in the process of switching to a more wholesome diet.
More specific remedies like oregano oil can also be used under supervision. This is such a powerful antiseptic and also acts like a broad spectrum antibiotic. It can be taken internally or used in a steam bath to get the particles into the lungs. Tiny amounts are all that’s required for a therapeutic effect so it’s best to seek advice rather than just taking it yourself.
So boost your immunity and bolster your resistance to TB with some of these simple changes to your diet.
This information is intended as a guideline only. Always consult your healthcare practitioner prior to engaging in any new treatments. Contact Jennifer Allen on 0863378046 or at [email protected] if you have a specific health concern.
