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Top 7 Diseases Caused by Water Pollution
Water pollution is a global health concern, particularly in developing countries where access to clean water remains limited. Contaminated water poses a severe risk, leading to various illnesses and long-term health issues. Diseases arising from polluted water sources, such as rivers, lakes, or even groundwater, are preventable and still present due to a lack of infrastructure and sanitation. In this article, we will explore the most common diseases of water pollution, how they spread, the pollutants responsible, and preventive measures.
Common Diseases Caused by Water Pollution- Cholera
- Diarrheal Diseases
- Typhoid Fever
- Arsenicosis
- Giardiasis
- Dysentery
- Hepatitis A
One of the most common diseases caused by water pollution, cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through drinking contaminated water and causes severe diarrhea, and dehydration, and, if untreated, can be fatal. Cholera outbreaks are common in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
Diarrheal diseases, often caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites in polluted water, are a leading cause of death, especially among children. Contaminated drinking water, poor hygiene, and lack of sanitation contribute to these illnesses. Diarrhoea can lead to severe dehydration, making it one of the most harmful diseases.
Caused by Salmonella typhi, typhoid is a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated water diseases. Symptoms include prolonged fever, stomach pain, and fatigue. If untreated, it can lead to severe complications or even death. Typhoid is common in areas where water contamination from sewage is rampant.
Prolonged exposure to arsenic in drinking water can lead to arsenicosis, a chronic condition that causes skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other severe health issues. This contamination is more common in regions where groundwater is polluted with naturally occurring arsenic or from industrial waste.
Giardiasis is a parasitic infection caused by Giardia lamblia, which spreads through water contaminated by faecal matter. This parasite affects the small intestine, causing diarrhoea, cramps, and nausea. The disease is one of the most common illnesses caused by water pollution, particularly in areas lacking proper water treatment facilities.
Dysentery is caused by bacteria or amoebas from contaminated water, leading to severe diarrhoea with blood or mucus. This disease, often associated with poor hygiene and water quality, is a significant cause of illness in developing nations.
A viral infection affecting the liver, hepatitis A is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort. Vaccination and proper water sanitation are critical in preventing the spread of hepatitis A.
Several pollutants are responsible for the spread of diseases caused by water pollution. Understanding these contaminants can help in prevention efforts.
- Bacterial Contaminants: Bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae are common in fecal-contaminated water and lead to gastrointestinal diseases.
- Viral Contaminants: Viruses like hepatitis A and norovirus are often found in polluted water and cause a range of symptoms from gastrointestinal problems to liver inflammation.
- Parasitic Contaminants: Parasites like Giardia thrive in polluted water and are difficult to eliminate, causing significant health problems.
- Chemical Contaminants: Industrial runoff introduces harmful chemicals, including pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals (such as lead and arsenic), into water supplies, leading to both acute and chronic health issues.
The illnesses caused by water pollution lead to long-term health complications. Prolonged exposure to contaminated water can result in:
- Chronic conditions: Kidney damage, liver failure, and even cancer due to heavy metals and toxic chemicals.
- Reproductive issues: Chemicals in polluted water can affect reproductive health, causing fertility problems and birth defects.
- Increased vulnerability in children and the elderly: Children under five and the elderly are at higher risk for severe complications from waterborne diseases.
Preventing contaminated water diseases starts with reducing pollution at its source and ensuring safe drinking water practices. Here are some preventive measures:
- Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of chemicals, oils, and medications properly to prevent them from entering water sources.
- Community Clean-up Efforts: Participate in local clean-up drives to reduce litter and pollutants in nearby rivers and lakes.
- Safe Sanitation Practices: Ensure that sewage systems and water treatment plants are maintained and functioning properly to prevent water contamination.
While preventive measures are essential, protecting yourself from the financial impact of diseases of water pollution is equally important. Comprehensive health coverage can help mitigate the costs of treatment for waterborne diseases, ensuring timely and quality care. SBI General Insurance offers reliable medical insurance plans that cover a wide range of illnesses, including those caused by water pollution. With the right insurance plan, you can safeguard your family's health and well-being against unforeseen medical expenses.
FAQsQ1. What are the effects of waterborne diseases?
Waterborne diseases primarily cause gastrointestinal issues, but prolonged exposure can lead to chronic health problems, including liver and kidney damage, reproductive issues, and cancer.
Q2. How do diseases spread through water?
Diseases spread through water when it becomes contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or chemicals, often from sewage, industrial runoff, or agricultural waste.
Q3. What are the most common waterborne diseases in India?
Cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A are some of the most common waterborne diseases in India, primarily affecting regions with poor water sanitation.
Q4. What are the major effects of water pollution?
Water pollution causes diseases, disrupts ecosystems, harms wildlife, and limits access to clean water. It also leads to toxic buildup and economic losses, highlighting the need for urgent action.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
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6 Healthy Habits For Families
The key to long-term health is to get the entire family involved. Right from making healthy food choices to leading an active lifestyle – incorporating healthy habits in your daily lifestyle can be simple and practical when everyone in the family is working towards the same health goals.
Over here we discuss 6 healthy habits for families. You can add these habits into your daily routine to ensure your family’s good health.
6 Healthy Habits for Families
Eating a healthy diet, together as a family
The easiest of all family eating habits to cultivate is eating together. In today’s hectic world, eating together may be a challenge, but it’s worth making the efforts. There are several benefits of eating together. Eating together will help everyone in your family stick to scheduled meal times. Combine this habit with a healthy diet. Make a variety of healthy food choices, preferably food made at home so that family members, especially children do not look for junk food.
Make meal prep a fun activity
For family health benefits, it is essential to lead by example.Make healthy food choices so that your children can follow suit. A great way to promote healthy eating habits is to invite your children to be part of the cooking process. Help them choose the recipe and shop the ingredients. This will go a long way in inculcating healthy food choices in children.
Have no-phone zones
Apart from instilling good and healthy family habits and practices with regards to meals, it helps to turn meal hours into exclusive family hours with no interruptions. Having no phone zones at the dinner table and in the bedroom can encourage your family members to get moving and spend less time sitting. Encourage your kids to play outside. Planning fun activities like play board games and treasure hunts with your children can prove to be highly rewarding.
Be more active as a family
Staying active as a family doesn’t have to be boring! You can let every family member choose one activity for every week. From taking strolls to doing yoga together, from biking to swimming, many fun-filled activities can help you and your family burn some calories, relieve stress, while forming healthy family habits and practices.
Practice hand hygiene
As a family, make sure everyone follows hand hygiene. Wash hands after going to the restroom, before preparing food, after touching a pet, changing a diaper, blowing your nose, coughing, or handling garbage. You can also make a 20-second song so that children thoroughly wash their hands.
Do not skip medical tests
The importance of keeping track of your health cannot be emphasised enough. By undergoing regular medical check-ups you can help your family make informed health care decisions. It can help you catch health problems in the early stages and make lifestyle changes accordingly. Do include dental and eye checkup for yourself and your children in the annual medical checkup. To reap family health benefits, it’s important to take the right precautions, at the right time and make the right changes to avoid the most common health illnesses
Why is family insurance a must?
Illnesses don’t come knocking on the door. So, it only makes sense to have a backup plan in case you or your family member falls sick or needs hospitalisation in case of an accident or a health condition. With medical expenses skyrocketing, a health insurance policy is the best protection cover for a family. A comprehensive health insurance plan will give you that peace of mind regarding your family’s health and your financial well-being.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
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10 Worst Diseases That Smoking Can Cause
Smoking causes diseases but it is one of the most preventable causes of death worldwide. Every puff of a cigarette exposes the body to many harmful chemicals which can cause serious health problems. As awareness of these risks increases, so does the importance of having a reliable health insurance plan to help manage the financial burdens associated with these diseases.
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12 Foods With More Vitamin C Than Oranges
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, vitamin C is crucial for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It aids in the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, and the proper functioning of the immune system.
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20 Foods High in Vitamin A: A Guide to Boosting Health Through Diet
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining overall health, supporting vision, immune function, skin health, and more. As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin A exists in two main forms: retinoids (found in animal products) and carotenoids (found in plant-based foods). Retinoids are readily usable by the body, while carotenoids must be converted into the active form of vitamin A.
Given its essential functions, maintaining adequate vitamin A levels is crucial for both adults and children. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to significant health problems, underscoring the importance of including vitamin A-rich foods in one’s diet. This article explores the various sources of vitamin A, recommended intake, health benefits, and how to prevent deficiency.
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is essential for several physiological processes. It is found in animal-based foods such as retinol and in plant-based foods as beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Recommended daily intake levels differ based on age and gender. Adult men require approximately 900 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A daily, while adult women need about 700 mcg. Pregnant and breastfeeding women generally require higher amounts to support foetal and infant development.
Role of Vitamin A in Health
Vitamin A is associated with various health benefits, from antioxidant protection to immunity. Below are some of its primary roles:
1. Antioxidant Protection: As an antioxidant, vitamin A helps prevent cellular damage from free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases and ageing.
2. Immunity: Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining immune function, and enhancing the body’s response to infections.
3. Eye Health: Known for promoting good vision, vitamin A helps prevent night blindness and age-related vision problems.
4. Skin Health: Vitamin A supports skin health by promoting cell growth, reducing wrinkles, and addressing acne concerns.
5. Organ Functioning: It aids in the proper functioning of the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
6. Reproductive Health: Vitamin A plays a role in reproductive health and foetal development, making it essential for pregnant women.
7. Foetal Development: It is critical for foetal tissue and organ development during pregnancy.
8. Teeth and Gums: It contributes to healthy teeth and gums, supporting oral health.
Also Read: 6 Key Pregnancy Care Tips You Should Know
Animal Foods High in Vitamin A
Animal-based foods are an excellent source of preformed vitamin A, which is easily absorbed by the body. Here is a vitamin A foods chart showcasing some common animal-based vitamin A sources.
| Name | Particulars |
| Liver (beef, lamb, chicken) | Extremely rich in vitamin A; 100 grams provide more than 6 times the daily requirement |
| Cod Liver Oil | A tablespoon provides up to 4,500 mcg of vitamin A |
| Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Butter) | Source of vitamin A in moderate amounts, especially whole milk products |
| Eggs | Egg yolks contain around 140 mcg per 100 gms |
| Fish | Fatty fish is a good source of vitamin A, particularly retinol. |
| Shellfish | Provides moderate amounts of vitamin A, along with other essential nutrients. |
Vegetables High in Vitamin A
Vegetables, particularly those that are orange, yellow, or dark green, are rich in carotenoids, which the body can convert to vitamin A. Here is a chart listing vegetables that are vitamin A high foods.
| Name | Particulars |
| Sweet Potato | Contains around 1400 mcg per medium potato, providing well over the daily recommended intake |
| Carrot | A single large carrot offers about 1,000 mcg of vitamin A. |
| Spinach | Once cup cooked provides approx. 943 mcg |
| Kale | A cup cooked provides approximately 943 mcg |
| Red Bell Pepper | Provides about 140 mcg per 100 grams |
| Butternut Squash | Offers around 1,000 mcg per cup |
| Collard Greens | Contains 770 mcg per cooked cup |
| Swiss Chard | A good source, with 300 mcg per cup. |
Also Read: Sources of Vitamin D for Vegetarians
Fruits High in Vitamin A
Certain fruits, especially those with orange or yellow pigmentation, are rich in beta-carotene and contribute to daily vitamin A intake.
| Name | Particulars |
| Mango | Contains about 54 mcg of vitamin A per 100 gms. |
| Cantaloupe | A cup of diced cantaloupe provides 270 mcg. |
| Papaya | Offers around 47 mcg per 100 gms. |
| Apricots | Dried apricots are rich in vitamin A, with 96 mcg per fruit. |
| Guava | Contains about 31 mcg per 100 gms. |
| Watermelon | A cup of watermelon offers around 43 mcg. |
Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency and Toxicity
Vitamin A deficiency is relatively common and can lead to symptoms like night blindness, dry skin, poor immune response, and growth delays in children. Severe vitamin A deficiency can cause complete blindness and increase the risk of infections. Here are a few signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency:-
1) Irregular white deposits in eyes
2) Delayed Growth (in children)
3) Infertility
4) Infections
5) Night Blindness
6) Lack of quick healing of wounds
If these signs are observed it is recommended to take the required tests and get medications from a doctor.
On the other hand, excess vitamin A, primarily from supplements, can lead to toxicity. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and even liver damage in severe cases. It’s essential to balance vitamin A intake and avoid excessive supplementation.
Conclusion
Vitamin A is essential for overall health, supporting skin, vision, immune function, and reproductive health. By incorporating a variety of vitamin A sources—such as liver, dairy, carrots, and leafy greens—one can easily meet daily requirements and enjoy a balanced diet. To safeguard long-term health, consider monitoring your diet and explore a health insurance policy that promotes regular health check-ups and preventive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How can I increase my vitamin A?
To boost vitamin A intake, incorporate foods rich in both retinoids (from animal products) and carotenoids (from plants) into your diet. Add liver, dairy, carrots, and leafy greens to your meals regularly.
2) How do you increase vitamin A absorption?
Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, pairing it with healthy fats (such as olive oil or avocado) can enhance absorption. This helps the body more effectively utilise the nutrient.
3) What are the symptoms of low vitamin A?
Signs of vitamin A deficiency include night blindness, dry skin, increased risk of infections, and, in severe cases, complete blindness. Other symptoms may include delayed growth in children and poor wound healing.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
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