Contents:
- Medical Video: What Happens When You Get Leprosy?
- Why should people with leprosy be wise to choose the type of food?
- Types of food for lepers
Medical Video: What Happens When You Get Leprosy?
Leprosy is caused by a bacterium called Mycrobacterium leprae. Leprosy is a contagious disease that causes skin injury and nerve damage that is quite severe accompanied by paralysis of the arms, legs and skin area around the body. Just like other health conditions or diseases, there are several types of food for lepers who must be considered. Come on, peel thoroughly what foods should be consumed by people with leprosy.
Why should people with leprosy be wise to choose the type of food?
If not treated thoroughly leprosy can cause various complications, including permanent nerve damage to the arms and legs, hair loss, muscle weakness, to kidney failure. Because it is important to maintain the body condition of leprosy patients so as not to lead to more serious complications. In addition to drug use, food factors also influence the healing process of leprosy.
Quoted from Viva, according to nutritionist Elisa Rinihapsari, M.Sc, Med, the right food to follow the needs of the body can increase immunity. Conversely, if the patient does not pay attention to his food intake, what happens is the immune system decreases causing the wound to become wider.
This statement is based on his research for lepers in Lembata District, East Nusa Tenggara. Elisha used food therapy to cure people with leprosy. Food for lepers is a vitamin-rich food.
Types of food for lepers
- Beef liver, spinach, broccoli, mangoes, carrots, eggs, salmon, tuna, watermelon, oranges, and guava. This group of foods contains vitamin A which is quite high. Vitamin A functions to maintain vision, body growth, immune function and reproductive health. Adequate intake of vitamin A can prevent hair loss problems, due to complications of leprosy. In addition, the skin condition will be maintained and not susceptible to infection.
- Cheese, sardines, oatmeal, cereals, egg yolks, and soybeans. The food group contains high levels of vitamin D and calcium. Vitamin D and calcium function for bone health and also strengthen the immune system. For people affected by leprosy, eating foods that contain two vitamins can help increase muscle strength that weakens. Of course this also must be accompanied by treatment from a doctor.
- Almonds, asparagus, chicken, beans, bananas, potatoes, avocados, mushrooms and meat. These foods are good because they contain B vitamins which are good for the skin, nervous system health, and help produce red blood cells.
- Strawberries, green peppers, red peppers, kiwi, and oranges. Foods that contain vitamin C are useful for forming collagen, protecting cells from free radicals because they contain lots of antioxidants to repair and treat cartilage, teeth, and bones. No less important, namely to heal wounds and scar tissue. It is expected that from consuming foods containing vitamin C, lepers get the maximum benefit for the wound healing process.
- Sweet potatoes, sea shells, broccoli, spinach, almonds and avocados. These types of foods contain high vitamin E. Vitamin E for the body functions for skin and hair health, and is good for eye health. All foods that contain benefits for the skin are good for lepers, including foods that contain vitamin E.
- Oysters, lobster, cheese, cashews and oatmeal. These foods contain zinc which plays an important role in maintaining the body's immune system, wound healing, and good for fetal development.
All foods mentioned contain various kinds of vitamins that are good for the body, including those with leprosy. However, keep in mind that healing of leprosy is not only from food, but also through medication that doctors do to sufferers.
