Overview

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, primarily affecting the lungs. Symptoms include coughing, weight loss, and fatigue. TB spreads through airborne droplets. Treatment involves a lengthy course of antibiotics. Timely diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent the spread of the disease and complications.

There is a vicious cycle associated with tuberculosis (TB) whereby malnourishment can exacerbate active TB and vice versa. Therefore, you must consume a balanced diet that includes a range of healthful foods to provide your body with the vital vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients it needs to overcome active TB and restore strength and stamina.

What to Eat in Tuberculosis

Eat meals high in protein. Protein is necessary for the body's tissues to develop, heal, and maintain themselves, and TB sufferers need extra protein to help them recover. Nuts, beans, lentils, chicken, fish, eggs, and lean meat are good protein sources. Eating protein-rich meals helps reinforce the immune system, aid healing, and prevent muscle loss.
Intake of meals rich in calories. For optimal healing, TB patients frequently need more calories. You can get the energy you need by eating meals high in calories. Avocados, cheese, almonds, peanut butter, whole milk, yoghurt, dried fruits, dark chocolate, and granola bars are a few high-calorie items that can be incorporated into a tuberculosis diet.
Take in micronutrients. Micronutrients are necessary nutrients for general health and well-being in trace levels. Among these are vitamins and minerals, which are vital for immune system upkeep, healing, and averting further issues. The body may be guaranteed to receive the nutrients it needs to operate correctly by consuming foods high in micronutrients, such as berries, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, and dark green leafy vegetables.
Have superfoods. Superfoods with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting qualities, such as green tea, garlic, ginger, and turmeric, can help control tuberculosis. Curcumin, an ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea is high in antioxidants, which can help prevent cell damage, while garlic and ginger have immune-boosting qualities that can aid in the battle against infections.
Eat meals high in energy. Patients with tuberculosis (TB) may feel nausea, appetite loss, and weight loss, which can cause exhaustion and weakness. High-energy meals that are easy to digest, such as smoothies, soups, and stews, can supply the essential nutrients. These meals can be high in protein, healthy fats, and carbs, providing the energy you need to repair and stop more issues.
Emphasise on healthy carbohydrates. In particular, for TB patients, nutritious carbohydrates are an important diet component. Brown rice, whole-grain pasta, and bread are good carbohydrates—complex carbohydrates high in nutrients and fibre. With their ability to stabilise blood sugar levels and provide the body with steady energy, these meals help avoid the spikes and crashes that can cause weakness and exhaustion.
Get healthy fats. As TB patients require healthy energy sources to help their recovery, they must invest in excellent fats. Vital fatty acids, abundant in good fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, can enhance the immunological system, heart, and brain health.
Make sure you're getting enough minerals and veggies. Rich in vitamins and minerals, vegetables can strengthen the immune system and speed up the healing process for tuberculosis patients. Vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium, are abundant in dark green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach. The high levels of antioxidants and fibre in other vegetables, such as bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and carrots, can help shield cells from harm and promote intestinal health.

What to Avoid in Tuberculosis

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is important for persons with tuberculosis (TB), and certain foods should be avoided when taking medication.

Avoid using tobacco products.
Avoid alcohol as it may interfere with medicines and make therapy difficult.
Replace coffee and other caffeinated beverages with more water and coconut water.
Nothing has any nutritional value; therefore, avoid processed foods such as sugar, wheat, other additives, junk food, and deep-fried foods.
Reduce your intake of red meat and meals that are difficult to digest since they may make TB symptoms worse, such as abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Pulmonology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

In summary, TB is a dangerous infectious illness that needs prompt medical care as well as an all-encompassing treatment plan. People can strengthen their immune systems and increase their chances of effectively managing and recovering from tuberculosis (TB) by eating a diet high in nutrients, maintaining proper cleanliness, and taking their medications as directed.

References

https://www.nanavatimaxhospital.org/blogs/diet-for-tuberculosis
https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/tuberculosis-diet-what-you-should-eat-and-avoid-when-recuperating-from-tb