• Published on: Aug 03, 2021
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Pulmonologist

What Is Mucormycosis & COVID-19 Associated With Mucormycosis ?

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Mucormycosis is a rare but serious infectious disease that can be caused by inhaling spores from the ubiquitous fungi. These organisms, commonly found in soil and composts are also present on fallen leaves or animal dung. Less contagious than other types of infections, mucormycosis mainly affects people who have weakened immune systems because it cannot spread like others that do not need an outside source to enter one's body via open wounds or cuts. Mucoromyces mean "fuzz," which describes their appearance when seen under a microscope with long branching filaments called pseudohistiocysts arising off these branched threads (hyphae).

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious angio-invasive infection caused by ubiquitous fungi. The spores of these fungi can be inhaled and then infect the lungs, sinuses, or extend into brain tissue to cause mucormycosis in people who are immunocompromised. Mucoromyces has been found all over Earth with it mainly affecting those living on farms due to contact from animal dung containing high quantities of this fungus type as well as compost piles where fresh manure falls leaves cover vegetable gardening beds that may have fallen nearby leading most cases occurring near woodland areas such before dorms at college campuses were previously thought responsible for respiratory infections since they might contain bacteria like tuberculosis which also needs oxygenated.

Fungal infections, including mucormycosis, aspergillosis and invasive candidiasis, have been reported in patients with severe COVID-19 or those recovering from the disease and are associated with a high risk of serious illness. India has recently seen an increase in cases that present this way when compared to other countries where these types of fungus thrive. Prevention needs to focus on making sure people who suffer from Covid-19 maintain better glycemic control so they do not develop any fungal infection like Mucoromyces Cerealis (a subtype found more often outside India) which can cause pneumonia if untreated or brain damage if left too long without treatment because it is resistant both systemic corticosteroids/other.

Mucormycosis, an invasive fungal infection that can lead to death, has been reported in patients with severe COVID-19. The Indian government recently noted a surge of cases and the spread of this dangerous condition is attributed largely to poor glycemic control among those living with the disease or recovering from it.

Fungal infections, including mucormycosis and invasive candidiasis, have been reported in patients with severe COVID-19 or those recovering from the disease. India has seen an uptick of cases due to fungal infection caused by COVID-19 along with a surge in people who are severely affected because they were not diagnosed early on while fighting off the virus. Prevention for this type of fungus is increased monitoring when trying to apply systemic corticosteroids/other immunomodulating drugs on these patients just as much as it would be if there was no sign that someone had ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome).

Mucormycosis is not contagious and does not spread by contact from person to person. This fungus has been found in the environment, but transmission occurs through inhalation or ingestion of spores from the environment. Although most cases are sporadic, healthcare-associated outbreaks have occurred after the use of adhesive bandages made out wood tongue depressors as well as linens with lackadaisical hygiene standards at hospitals that result in fungal exposure on surfaces like walls and floors which can lead to airborne infection if those areas aren't properly cleaned up soon enough. Mucormicosis primarily affects sinuses or lungs after inhaling spores from air when it's breathed directly into them.

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Replace Junk with Subscription Snack Packs: A Practical Approach to Preventive Nutrition in India

Replace Junk with Subscription Snack Packs: A Practical Approach to Preventive Nutrition in India

India is witnessing a growing shift toward healthier eating habits, yet junk food consumption continues to rise across all age groups. According to ICMR and NFHS-5 data, high-calorie packaged snacks, sugary beverages and deep-fried foods contribute significantly to obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular risk. Replacing these items with nutritious snack alternatives is one of the simplest yet most effective steps toward preventive wellness.

Subscription snack packs offer a structured, convenient and affordable way to transition from unhealthy snacking to balanced nutrition. SecondMedic promotes this approach as part of a broader preventive health ecosystem that focuses on long-term behavioural change rather than temporary diets.

 

Why Indians are Choosing Healthy Snack Subscriptions

1. Convenience in fast-paced lifestyles

Urban and semi-urban households often depend on quick, accessible snacks to keep up with busy schedules. Healthy subscription packs bring pre-portioned nutrition directly to the doorstep.

2. Rising health concerns

India now ranks among the world’s highest in:

  • Diabetes prevalence

  • Childhood obesity

  • Hypertension

  • High cholesterol
     

Replacing junk food is essential for reducing these long-term risks.

3. Growing awareness of clean eating

People are moving toward:

  • Low-sugar

  • Low-sodium

  • High-fibre

  • High-protein

  • Non-fried
    snack alternatives.

     

4. Cost-effectiveness

Contrary to belief, balanced snack packs cost less than repeated purchases of unhealthy packaged foods.

 

What Makes Subscription Snack Packs Healthier?

Healthy snack packs are curated for balanced nutrition:

• Nuts and seeds

Rich in healthy fats, fibre and minerals.

• Millet-based snacks

Low GI, nutrient-dense and suitable for diabetics.

• Dried fruits

Provide natural sweetness without refined sugar.

• Roasted chana and legumes

Excellent plant-based protein sources.

• Low-sugar bars

Made from oats, dates, nuts and seeds.

• Whole-grain crackers

Better than refined flour biscuits.

• Herbal teas

Support digestion and relaxation.

These snacks reduce cravings while supporting metabolic health.

 

Why Junk Food Needs Replacement

• High in trans fats

Linked to heart disease and inflammation.

• Excess sugar

Promotes insulin resistance, weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

• Refined flour

Lacks fibre and elevates glucose rapidly.

• Additives & preservatives

May contribute to long-term digestive and metabolic issues.

• Instant cravings

Junk foods trigger overeating by stimulating dopamine pathways.

Replacing them with healthier options breaks this cycle.

 

How Subscription Snack Packs Support Preventive Healthcare

1. Portion control

Pre-measured servings reduce the risk of overeating.

2. Balanced nutrition

Snack packs provide fibre, healthy fats and micronutrients missing from typical Indian diets.

3. Reduced decision fatigue

Users do not have to search for healthy options daily.

4. Behavioural consistency

Weekly or monthly packs promote long-term habit formation.

5. Support for chronic disease management

Especially helpful for:

  • Diabetes

  • PCOS

  • Thyroid issues

  • Heart disease
     

SecondMedic integrates snack guidance into dietitian consultations and AI-driven nutrition analysis.

 

The Role of AI Health Guide in Smarter Snacking

SecondMedic’s AI Health Guide provides:

• Calorie and nutrient insights

Evaluates daily intake based on user habits.

• Snack recommendations

Based on medical conditions, preferences and goals.

• Craving pattern analysis

Identifies triggers for unhealthy eating.

• Personalised preventive plans

Aligns snacking habits with heart, gut and metabolic health.

This makes snack substitution easier and more sustainable.

 

How to Transition from Junk Food to Healthy Snack Packs

Step 1: Identify your biggest cravings

Sugary, salty, crunchy or fried?

Step 2: Find healthier alternatives

For example:

  • Replace chips ? roasted makhana

  • Replace sweets ? dates + nuts

  • Replace biscuits ? whole-grain crackers
     

Step 3: Use subscription packs for structure

Pre-curated boxes guide behaviour change.

Step 4: Track progress

Energy levels improve within 2-4 weeks.

Step 5: Build long-term habits

Consistency leads to metabolic improvement.

 

Conclusion

Replacing junk food with subscription snack packs is an effective and convenient step toward preventive wellness in India. By combining healthier ingredients, balanced nutrition and consistent delivery, subscription packs help individuals make better choices daily. With expert guidance and AI-driven insights from SecondMedic, these changes become sustainable, personalised and impactful for long-term health.

 

References

• ICMR - Dietary Patterns & Junk Food Consumption Study
• NFHS-5 - Nutrition Deficiencies & Lifestyle Data India
• NITI Aayog - Preventive Health & Nutrition Strategy
• WHO - Healthy Diet & Non-Communicable Disease Guidelines
• Lancet - Consumption Patterns & Cardiometabolic Risk
• Statista India - Healthy Snacking Trends
• EY-FICCI - Consumer Behaviour Toward Preventive Health

See all

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