Tuberculosis Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid

Tuberculosis (TB) is a complex disease. It is an amalgamation of various treatment modalities. While antibiotics and other medicines form the foundation stone of treating the infection, you cannot ignore the role of adequate nutrition. A good diet is like a warrior who continuously works to boost your strength and help you stand tall again. If you are having a well balanced and nutrient rich meal plan you can strengthen the immune system, support your body's natural healing processes and alleviate some symptoms of TB.

In this blog, let us explore together the essential components of a diet you should take in tuberculosis, what healthy dietary choices one should make and support your journey towards better health.

What to Eat in Tuberculosis

A tuberculosis diet should provide the body with the nutrients necessary to combat the infection and support recovery. Here are some of the vital food groups and items that you should include in a TB-friendly diet:

1. Protein-Rich Foods:

• Lean meats (you can have it in the form of chicken and fish)
• Legumes (take lentils, beans or chickpeas)
• Eggs
• Dairy products (low fat milk, yoghurt, cheese)
• Nuts and seeds

2. Fruits and Vegetables:

• Leafy greens (Example is spinach, kale & collard greens)
• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits)
• Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots

3. Whole Grains:

• Brown rice
• Whole wheat bread and pasta
• Oats
• Quinoa

4. Healthy Fats:

• Avocados
• Olive oil
• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Nuts and seeds

5. Fluids:

• Water
• Herbal teas
• Soups (vegetable, chicken, or bone broth)

What we have mentioned above can be a good way to cover your dietary requirements if you have tuberculosis. They are rich in essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. With these you can get a stronger immunity, promote tissue repair and give relief from some common symptoms associated with tuberculosis (weight loss, fatigue and respiratory distress).

What Foods to Avoid in Tuberculosis?

While a well-designed tuberculosis diet should focus on incorporating nutrient-dense foods, certain items should be limited or avoided. These include:

1. Processed and High-fat Foods:

• Fried foods
• Baked goods (cookies, cakes, pastries)
• Sugary drinks and snacks
• Processed meats (bacon, sausages, deli meats)

2. Alcohol:

• Alcohol can be one of the members of your list of "foods not to eat in TB". Alcoholic beverages can interfere with the absorption and utilisation of essential nutrients, as well as weaken the immune system.

3. Caffeine:

• If you take high amounts of caffeine there are chances that you can get dehydration and disrupted sleep patterns (proper hydration and sleep are essential for the body's healing process).

4. Raw or Undercooked Foods:

• Avoid raw or undercooked meats, eggs and unpasteurised dairy products to minimise the possibility of foodborne illnesses.

Tuberculosis Diet Chart

To help you plan and implement a tuberculosis-friendly diet, here is a sample diet chart that outlines the recommended food choices and portion sizes:

When to Consult a Doctor?

While a nutritional tuberculosis diet can significantly support the body's recovery, working closely with a doctor throughout treatment is essential. One can consult a doctor or a registered dietitian in the following situations:

• Diagnosis and Treatment Initiation: If you are diagnosed with tuberculosis, your doctor develops a comprehensive treatment plan which takes care of your medical and nutritional components.
• Dietary Adjustments: If you have some restrictions related to a particular type of diet because of food allergies or other health issues that may affect your nutritional levels, a doctor can guide you on how to modify your meal to ensure optimal nutrient intake.
• Monitoring and Adjustments: As you fight tuberculosis, your body might need different nutrients at different times. Regular follow-up with your doctor can help ensure your diet is adjusted to support your recovery.

With proper treatment TB symptoms improve but if you notice the below mentioned symptoms contact your doctor:

• Symptoms don't improve after 3 weeks of starting antibiotics
• Persistent pain or discomfort in your chest 
• Blood or blood-spotted mucus when you cough
• Weight loss 
• Fever or night sweats that don't stop
• Feeling tired or weak all the time

Conclusion

A well designed nutritional diet can be your powerful tool in your fight against tuberculosis. Remember a nutritional tuberculosis diet is not a substitute for medical treatment of the disease but rather a complementary approach to improve the effectiveness of your overall care plan. Talk to your doctor or a dietician to develop a personalised diet plan that is right for you and supports your recovery.

Dt. Sushma kumari

Dietetics & Nutrition

CARE Hospitals