• Published on: May 04, 2020
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Dr Vibhash Mishra

Relaxation Of Lockdown Is Not The End Of Corona!

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Relaxation of lockdown is not the end of Corona!

It is heartening to see the number of new cases of COVID-19 going down or plateauing almost everywhere in the world. For us Indians, it should be a matter of relief and pride that we have been the nation with the fewest mortality. The government deserves to be thanked and congratulated for prompt cautionary actions. The citizens deserve our applause even more for it is the job of the government to issue orders and instructions, but if they were not followed strictly by the neighborhoods in the villages, towns, and cities, the plan would have failed miserably. Therefore, in this war, everyone has been a valiant soldier so far and should be saluted.

Now that there has been some relaxation in the lockdown, there must be a great sigh of relief. In this euphoric state of regaining your long lost freedom, it is quite possible to lose sight of the harsh reality and take it as the end of the nightmare. The truth, however, is that the pandemic is nowhere near its end and it is hardly the time to be complacent. In fact, now that there is going to be a spate of movements of people between places, new cases of infection are bound to be brought from the badly affected zones to the erstwhile safe zones. A possible second wave of infection is very real. Your safe zone is at fresh risk.

What should you do then? How do you keep yourself and your family safe? How do you protect yourselves? By doing the same things that you have done so well so far. This is no time for daredevilry or adventure. Instead, swallow your pride, be humble, and accept that this tiny enemy called Corona is mightier than all of us fighting together. And that this is one war in which running away from the battlefield to the safety of your home is an act of bravery. Do not go out unnecessarily. Social distancing and hand hygiene remain just as relevant today as they were two months ago. Avoid overcrowding. Sometimes it may seem impossible to stay indoors or even avoid overcrowding. If you are ill, how will you not go out and wait in the crowded waiting room to see a doctor? Think again, is it really necessary? Is there really no alternative? Can you not consult a specialist online from the convenience of your home? Have you tried us at www.secondmedic.com? Do try. We may just have answers to all your questions. Well, maybe not all, but certainly most.

Dr. Vibhash Mishra
Chief Medical Officer Second Medic Inc

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Dairy-Free Options for All: A Comprehensive SecondMedic Guide for India

Dairy-Free Options for All: A Comprehensive SecondMedic Guide for India

Dairy consumption has long been a part of Indian dietary culture, but rising awareness of digestive health, metabolic concerns, acne, inflammation and lactose intolerance has encouraged many individuals to explore dairy-free alternatives. India is experiencing a significant shift toward plant-based nutrition as people prioritise preventive health, gut comfort and personalised dietary choices.

SecondMedic’s nutrition experts emphasise evidence-based, dairy-free patterns that support digestion, hormonal balance, metabolic stability and overall wellbeing. This guide explores the best dairy-free options in India, their health benefits and how they integrate into daily preventive care.

 

Why Dairy-Free Eating Is Growing in India

1. Rising Lactose Intolerance

According to ICMR Digestive Health Trends, a high percentage of Indian adults experience lactose intolerance due to decreased lactase enzyme activity.

Common symptoms include:

  • Bloating

  • Gas

  • Acidity

  • Diarrhoea

  • Skin flare-ups
     

Dairy-free alternatives eliminate these discomforts.

2. Skin & Hormonal Concerns

Dairy may influence acne, PCOS symptoms and inflammation in certain individuals.

3. Improved Digestibility

Many plant-based options are easier on the gut and reduce inflammation.

4. Increasing Nutrition Awareness

NFHS-5 highlights micronutrient deficiencies-including Vitamin D and B12-leading people to choose fortified dairy-free alternatives.

 

Popular Dairy-Free Options in India

1. Almond Milk

Rich in Vitamin E and naturally low in calories.
Ideal for smoothies, coffee and cereal.

2. Soy Milk

High in protein and often fortified with calcium.
Great for cooking and baking.

3. Oat Milk

Creamy texture, high in soluble fibre.
Excellent for lattes and desserts.

4. Coconut Milk

Rich flavour, suitable for Indian curries and smoothies.

5. Nut-Based Yoghurt

Cashew and almond curds have become widely available.
Probiotic varieties support gut health.

6. Tofu & Plant-Based Paneer

Excellent protein source for vegetarians.

7. Lactose-Free Dairy

For those who prefer traditional taste without digestive discomfort.

 

Nutritional Benefits of Dairy-Free Options

1. Reduced Inflammation

Studies in Lancet Public Health show improved gut comfort among individuals switching to dairy-free diets.

2. Hormonal Balance

Plant-based alternatives help regulate insulin, estrogen and androgen patterns-especially valuable for PCOS and thyroid care.

3. Weight Management

Lower calorie load and better digestibility support metabolic health.

4. Allergy-Friendly Choice

A safe option for individuals sensitive to casein or whey proteins.

 

How to Build a Balanced Dairy-Free Diet

Ensure calcium intake:

Choose fortified plant milks.

Include plant proteins:

Tofu, dals, nuts and seeds.

Add healthy fats:

Ground flaxseed, chia and almonds.

Combine traditional and modern options:

Oat milk chai, tofu tikka, nut curd raita.

SecondMedic’s AI nutrition scoring helps evaluate vitamin density and carbohydrate load for optimal choices.

 

Dairy-Free Meal Examples

Breakfast

• Oats cooked with almond milk
• Fruit + chia seeds + nuts

Lunch

• Millet khichdi with tofu
• Vegetable salad with tahini dressing

Snack

• Coconut yoghurt with berries

Dinner

• Stir-fry vegetables with tofu
• Whole-grain roti + plant-based curd

 

Conclusion

Dairy-free options provide flexible, nutritious and preventive pathways for individuals across India. Whether motivated by digestive comfort, metabolic health, ethical choices or personal preference, dairy-free alternatives support long-term wellness. SecondMedic helps individuals evaluate and incorporate dairy-free nutrition through expert consultations, AI-based analysis and personalised dietary planning.

References

• ICMR Digestive Health & Lactose Intolerance Study
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) - Nutrition & Dietary Patterns
• NITI Aayog - Plant-Based Nutrition & Preventive Wellness Framework
• WHO Guidelines on Healthy Dietary Alternatives
• Lancet Public Health - Dairy-Free Diets & Inflammation Research
• Statista India Plant-Based Food Market Analysis
• EY-FICCI Food Innovation & Health Trends Report

See all

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