Guillain-Barr¨¦ Syndrome: AIIMS doctor urges people to avoid paneer, cheese and rice

Guillain-Barr¨¦ Syndrome is seeing an uptick in cases in Pune. On Monday, the first death due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome has also been reported in a 41-year-old chartered accountant working in Pune. As the city reported over 111 cases and one suspected death in Solapur, doctors have urged people to be mindful of their diet.

In a recent video that is making the rounds on the internet featuring Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat, MD Medicine, DM Neurology at AIIMS Delhi, it is revealed that gastroenteritis is one of the major triggers for GBS. Dr. Sehrawat has warned people about the risks that are linked to contaminated food and water.

Guillain-Barr¨¦ syndrome (GBS) is a rare condition in which the body¡¯s immune system starts to attack its nerves. ¡°GBS is also often triggered by infections like respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, and some of the common symptoms of Guillain-Barr¨¦ syndrome include a tingling sensation in the hands or feet, rapidly progressive muscle weakness of the arms and legs, difficulty in walking, problems with coordination, shortness of breath, slow reflexes, drooping face muscles, or double vision,¡± says Dr. Pankaj Agarwal, Head of the Department of Neurology, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai.

However, the risk of death due to the condition is quite low if treated in time, adds Dr. Agarwal.

Avoid outside food says, AIIMS doctor

With over 100 cases identified so far, it is important to know how to prevent the Guillain-Barr¨¦ Syndrome. Further in the video, Dr. Sehrawat advised people to avoid eating outside food, like contaminated food and water. She advises taking care of the body's immunity.

According to Dr. Jagdish Kathwate, consultant neonatologist & paediatrician, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, respiratory or gastrointestinal infections (like Campylobacter jejuni), some viral infections like Epstein-Barr virus, Zika virus, or influenza, and, in rare cases, recent surgeries are some of the risk factors of Guillain-Barr¨¦ syndrome.

Avoid paneer, cheese, and rice, suggests the AIIMS doctor

GBS is an autoimmune-mediated disease in which the body's antibodies attack the nerves and weaken the muscle's strength. The condition starts with a weakening power in the legs and makes it difficult to wear shoes or slippers.

To prevent developing GBS, Dr. Sherawat, in the informative video, urged people to avoid eating foods like paneer, rice, and cheese, as these are more prone to bacterial growth. Food items like paneer, rice, and cheese are most prone to bacterial growth because they contain a high moisture content and nutrient-rich composition in which the bacteria can thrive.

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Paneer or dairy products are home to Salmonella and E. coli bacteria

Dairy products like paneer and cheese are more likely to contain Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli if they are not kept in proper storage. On the other hand, cooked rice can contain Bacillus cereus, which can produce toxins that may lead to food poisoning when it is left at room temperature.

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