Tuberculosis Diet: What Food You Should Eat and Avoid

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a dangerous bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but they can also target other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. It spreads through tiny airborne droplets from sneezes and coughs. Untreated TB can be lethal, and malnourished individuals are more prone to contracting TB and relapsing after treatment. Symptoms of active TB include high fever, chills, decreased appetite, tiredness, and difficulty breathing.

TB-induced pathophysiological changes can lead to malnutrition. With TB, your body struggles to produce protein, causing a loss of appetite and resulting in nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and fat loss. This creates a vicious cycle: malnutrition can prolong active tuberculosis, while active TB can exacerbate malnutrition. Proper nutrition is crucial in fighting TB. A healthy diet combined with lifestyle changes can significantly aid in the tuberculosis treatment process.

Essential Nutrients for Tuberculosis Recovery

For patients battling tuberculosis (TB), a diet rich in macro- and micronutrients is crucial for overcoming the disease. Proper nutrition supports healing, boosts energy, and aids in the fight against infections.

Macro and Micronutrient-Rich Diet

To overcome tuberculosis, patients need a diet rich in macro and micronutrients. Tuberculosis-prevention food that is high in protein, such as soy, tofu, dairy, eggs, and lean meat, provides amino acids that help the body fight off infections. These foods assist in muscle development, reduce fatigue, and give patients the energy needed for daily activities and recovery.

Calorie-Dense, Nutrient-Dense Foods

Calorie-dense, nutrient-dense foods can meet the rising metabolic demands of tuberculosis patients while also preventing further weight loss. Essential foods for tuberculosis patients include bananas, grain lentil soup, groundnut chikki, wheat, and finger millet. Nuts and seeds, such as sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds, are good sources of zinc and other essential nutrients.

Energy-Providing Carbohydrates

Whole grains, cereals, and millets, which are high in calories and carbohydrates, provide the body with the energy it needs to fight infection-causing bacteria. Incorporating these foods into the diet can help maintain energy levels and support overall health during treatment.

Vitamin-Rich Fruits and Vegetables

Vitamin A, B, C, and E-rich fruits and vegetables help recharge vitamin depletion caused by the disease and its treatment. Foods rich in antioxidants aid in removing toxins from the body, providing much-needed strength. These potent antioxidants also protect against the negative effects of high-dose medications and disease-causing free radicals.

Boosting Immunity with Antioxidants

To activate the immune system and prevent harmful free radicals, consume a variety of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E. To boost iron levels, include green leafy vegetables in your diet two to three times per week. Stay healthy by incorporating these nutritionally balanced foods into your diet to support recovery and overall well-being.

List of Food for Tuberculosis (TB) Patient

For tuberculosis patients, a nutrient-rich diet is crucial to support recovery. Tb patient food list include:

1. Khichdi: A wholesome dish made with rice and lentils, providing protein and essential nutrients.
2. Dahi (Yogurt): It is rich in probiotics. It aids digestion and boosts immunity.
3. Turmeric Milk: It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that promote healing.
4. Spinach: It is high in iron and vitamins, it helps combat fatigue and boosts hemoglobin levels.
5. Almonds: These are good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E for energy.
6. Amla (Indian Gooseberry): It is rich in vitamin C, it enhances immunity.
7. Garlic: It contains antibacterial properties that aid in fighting infections.
8. Jaggery: It provides iron and boosts energy levels.
9. Fresh Fruits: Fruits such as oranges, guavas, and papayas, for vitamin C and antioxidants.
10. Nimbu Pani (Lemon Water): Freshly made lemonade is hydrating and rich in vitamin C. It aids in detoxification and boosts immunity.

For a quick recovery from tuberculosis, focus on a balanced diet comprising lean, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to boost immunity and energy levels. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins C, D, and E, along with zinc and iron, to promote healing. Here is the diet plan for Tuberculosis for Indian diet.

Meal	Food items
Breakfast	Option 1: Khichdi made with rice and moong dal (green gram lentils), topped with a dollop of ghee (clarified butter). Serve with a side of yogurt and a glass of turmeric milk. Option 2: Upma made with semolina (sooji) and mixed vegetables, flavored with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Enjoy with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Mid-Morning Snack	A small bowl of sprouts chaat seasoned with chaat masala, lemon juice, and chopped coriander leaves. Pair with a handful of almonds or roasted peanuts.
Lunch	Option 1: Roti made with whole wheat flour, served with palak paneer (spinach and cottage cheese curry) and a bowl of dal tadka (tempered lentil soup). Accompany with a side salad of cucumber, tomato, and carrot. Option 2: Bhindi masala (okra stir-fry) with jeera rice (cumin-flavored rice) and rajma (kidney bean curry). Include a serving of sliced mango or papaya for dessert.
Evening Snack	Dhokla made from fermented gram flour (besan), flavored with mustard seeds and curry leaves. Enjoy with mint chutney or a tangy tamarind dip. Sip on a cup of herbal tea infused with tulsi (holy basil) and ginger for added immune support.
Dinner	Option 1: Baked or grilled fish (such as pomfret or salmon) marinated in a mixture of yogurt, turmeric, and spices. Serve with brown rice pulao and a side of mixed vegetable raita. Option 2: Masoor dal (red lentil curry) served with roti or paratha and aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower curry). Conclude the meal with a warm bowl of kheer (rice pudding) flavored with cardamom and saffron.
Bedtime Snack	A glass of warm turmeric milk sweetened with a touch of honey or jaggery. Enjoy alongside a small serving of soaked figs or dates for added nutrition.

Food to Avoid in Tuberculosis

Certain foods and substances should never be consumed or used to maintain good health. These are the following food to avoid,

• Tobacco in any form should be avoided.
• Don’t drink alcohol because it can increase the risk of liver damage from some of the drugs you’re taking to treat your tuberculosis.
• Limit how much coffee and other caffeinated beverages you drink.
• Red wine, aged cheese, dried meats, tuna, and other types of fish may also be avoided. This is due to the presence of tyramine or histamine. These foods may cause the medicine to have unfavourable effects.
• Sugar, white bread, white rice, and butter, which are used to make pastries, cakes, pizza, burgers, and other junk foods, should be avoided.
• Sugar, white loaves of bread, and white rice are all refined products to avoid.
• Red meat with a lot of fat and cholesterol should be avoided.
• Deep-fried foods and unhealthy snacks high in triacylglycerols and trans fats aggravate TB ailments like severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and lethargy.

Make every effort to give your body the nutrition it needs to stay healthy and build strength so that you can fight off tuberculosis bacteria and lower your risk of relapse.

You will feel better, and faster if you eat a varied, healthy diet and avoid unhealthy habits.
It is mandatory to take TB medications regularly and to complete the treatment course as directed by your health care expert.

Regular and timely medication is critical for someone who is suffering from tuberculosis. Diet, on the other hand, is crucial for recovery and for tuberculosis prevention. This isn’t to say you should eat only exotic and organic foods. Eating a well-balanced diet aid in the fight against this bacterial infection.Additionally, you can order medicine online by using the Truemeds app for regular and timely medication.

Even though there is no specific diet to follow, you must ensure that the food is prepared in a sanitary manner. Make sure to eat a well-balanced diet as well. This will help in tuberculosis prevention by increasing immunity.
You should also try to increase your food intake gradually. The majority of tuberculosis patients initially have a low appetite. However, as the medications begin to work, appetite rises and food consumption rises with it.

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