Rising Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases: Doctor Warns Against Eating Paneer, Cheese, and Rice Outside

A surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases has raised concerns among medical experts, prompting a strong warning against consuming contaminated food and water. Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat, a neurologist at AIIMS Delhi, has advised people to avoid eating out, particularly foods like paneer, cheese, and rice, which are prone to bacterial contamination if not stored and handled properly.

GBS is a rare but severe neurological disorder that can cause muscle weakness, nerve damage, and in some cases, paralysis. The condition often develops after a bacterial or viral infection, with Campylobacter jejuni being one of the most commonly identified triggers. This bacteria, which is usually transmitted through improperly cooked or contaminated food, has been linked to several cases of GBS.

Dr. Sehrawat shared her concerns through a social media video, explaining how gastrointestinal infections play a significant role in triggering the syndrome. She emphasized that bacteria found in unhygienic food, especially dairy products and cooked rice, can lead to severe complications if ingested. Once the infection spreads, the immune system mistakenly attacks the nervous system, causing progressive weakness and nerve dysfunction.

Patients diagnosed with GBS often experience symptoms like tingling sensations, muscle weakness, and difficulty in movement. Some cases become severe enough to require hospitalization and ventilator support. While the condition is treatable with timely intervention, recovery can take weeks or even months.

Doctors have also observed that street food and restaurant meals often fail to meet hygiene standards, increasing the risk of bacterial infections. Foods like paneer and cheese, which require proper refrigeration, can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria when exposed to fluctuating temperatures. Similarly, cooked rice, if left at room temperature for too long, can develop bacterial spores that lead to food poisoning and, in some cases, trigger autoimmune responses like GBS.

With the rise in cases, experts are urging people to be more mindful of their dietary choices. Maintaining high standards of food hygiene at home can significantly reduce the risk of infections. Washing hands thoroughly, consuming fresh and properly cooked meals, and storing food at appropriate temperatures can help prevent bacterial growth.

Patients recovering from GBS often require extensive physical therapy to regain lost mobility. The condition can have long-term effects, including persistent weakness and fatigue. While most individuals recover fully, some may experience lingering neurological symptoms that require continuous medical supervision.

Public health experts believe that raising awareness about the connection between contaminated food and neurological disorders is crucial. Many people overlook the risks associated with improper food handling, assuming that mild digestive discomfort is the worst consequence of eating unhygienic meals. However, bacterial infections can have far-reaching effects, sometimes leading to life-threatening complications.

Medical professionals continue to stress the importance of food safety measures. Boiling water, avoiding raw or undercooked dairy, and consuming home-cooked meals are among the best ways to minimize the risk of bacterial infections. While eating out occasionally may not pose an immediate threat, frequent consumption of unhygienic food can significantly increase susceptibility to infections like Campylobacter jejuni, which in turn raises the risk of developing GBS.

With growing concerns over public health, experts are calling for stricter regulations on food safety standards in restaurants and street food stalls. Regular inspections, proper storage facilities, and improved awareness among food vendors can play a vital role in controlling the spread of foodborne illnesses. Until such measures are effectively implemented, individuals must take personal precautions to protect their health.

Dr. Sehrawat’s warning serves as a reminder that everyday choices can have serious health implications. By making informed decisions about food consumption, people can reduce their chances of encountering harmful bacteria and lower the risk of conditions like GBS.

Some researchers believe that climate and environmental factors also play a role in the increasing cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Warmer temperatures and rising humidity levels create ideal conditions for bacterial growth, making food contamination more frequent. Experts suggest that during peak summer months, the risk of foodborne infections tends to rise due to improper storage and handling of perishable items like dairy products and cooked grains.

In addition to food safety, gut health plays a crucial role in preventing infections that could trigger GBS. Doctors recommend including probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt and fermented vegetables in daily diets to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. A strong immune system can prevent harmful bacteria from taking over and causing severe infections.

Some patients recovering from GBS report lingering nerve pain and difficulty in coordination, which can last for months or even years. Neurologists are now exploring long-term rehabilitation strategies to improve nerve regeneration and help patients regain full mobility. Advanced physiotherapy techniques and nerve-stimulating treatments have shown promising results in reducing recovery time.

Health authorities are also working on educating the public about the early warning signs of GBS. Many people initially dismiss symptoms like numbness or mild weakness as temporary fatigue. However, delayed diagnosis can make treatment more challenging. Raising awareness about the connection between gastrointestinal infections and neurological disorders may encourage people to seek medical help at the first sign of trouble.

Amid rising concerns, food vendors and restaurant owners must take greater responsibility in ensuring hygiene standards are met. Proper refrigeration, frequent sanitization, and strict quality control can minimize the risks associated with bacterial contamination. Customers, too, must remain vigilant and prioritize health over convenience when choosing where and what to eat.