Amid a spike in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) cases, it is necessary to stay safe by taking necessary precautions. So when we chanced upon a video of fitness influencer Aditya Vashisht sharing how he was diagnosed with the illness at the age of 26 and his recovery journey, we decided to hear him out. "I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. It is a neurological disorder. Your entire body goes into a paralysis," Vashisht told The Better India in 2023. "Suddenly, my legs stop working. I was not able to walk. If I fell, I couldn't get up on my own. I needed someone to pick me up. Then, I wasn't able to move my arms. That's when I felt that it is not physical but neurological," he added. Upon asking the doctor how he had survived, he was told that his fitness was the reason. "The doctor told me that fitness and diet helped me push back. Otherwise, he said, I would have been on the ventilator," shared Vashisht. Let's understand more about recovery from GBS and the critical role diet and lifestyle can play. GBS is a rare condition often triggered by bacterial or viral infections. "It happens when your immune system attacks the nerves, causing discomfort. One can experience weakness, tingling sensation, and even paralysis in some cases. Initially, it affects your limbs and quickly progresses if overlooked as a minor inconvenience. This is why taking proactive steps to prevent or manage GBS efficiently becomes crucial," said Dr Aklesh Tandekar, head consultant critical care, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road. Recovering from GBS can be overwhelming and requires patience. "Those with GBS are advised to prioritise health and take enough rest. Aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Your body needs extra time to heal properly. Taking physiotherapy sessions can be helpful. This can help you regain strength and move without overexerting yourself," added Dr Tandekar. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fitness Talks (@fitnesstalks___) Ensure that your diet is clean, healthy, and well-nourished. Your diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lentils, legumes, lean protein, and whole grains. "Focus more on eating foods with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats to support nerve repair and prevent muscle cramps," said Dr Tandekar. Managing stress can be helpful. This can be achieved by engaging in mindful practices like deep-breathing exercises, yoga, journaling, or doing things you love. Also, maintain good hygiene. "Follow the suggestions and medical advice of your doctor to prevent the risk of re-infections as a weakened immune system due to GBS can significantly slow down recovery," said Dr Tandekar. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
