Tuberculosis Diet: What Should You Eat and Avoid?

Did you know India accounts for almost 27% of all tuberculosis cases worldwide? Every year, millions of people contract this contagious disease and are troubled with symptoms like chronic cough, high fever, sweating, nausea, vomiting, blood in cough, etc.

This disease can spread from person to person quickly, and if left untreated, it can be deadly.

Hopefully, some vaccines and medicines can prevent and cure this disease. Along with medical assistance, diet also plays an important role in treating and recovering this disease.

Do you know what foods to eat and avoid during tuberculosis?

If you are unaware, worry not—we’ve got you covered! This article is about how diet plays a role in tuberculosis recovery and what foods to eat and avoid.

So, just sit tight and keep reading to know everything in detail!

How Does Diet Affect Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but may spread to other body parts. It weakens immunity, metabolism, digestion, respiration, and other bodily processes. Symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting also result in nutrient loss.

A balanced diet can relieve the symptoms of tuberculosis and help in a faster recovery. Choosing vital macro and micronutrients in your diet is essential to recovering from nutrient loss and rebuilding the immunity lost due to tuberculosis.

ALSO READ: Tuberculosis - A critical health disease

What Foods to Eat in Tuberculosis?

These are some must-include foods for your tuberculosis diet:

Protein Rich Foods

Proteins are the building blocks of the human body. They help build and restore cells, promote the growth and development of the body, and strengthen the immune system. This nutrient is crucial for fighting off tuberculosis, preventing muscle loss, and keeping your body energized throughout recovery.

Food Options

• Lean meats
• Eggs, poultry products
• Fish
• Beans & lentils
• Paneer
• Tofu
• Soybean

Calorie-Dense Foods

Some extra calories may help your recovery, as the body needs to compensate for the energy and nutrient loss due to tuberculosis. High-calorie foods provide enough power to the body. However, people with diabetes or other health conditions should be watchful and not consume excess calories.

Food Options

• Avocados
• Whole milk
• Peanut butter
• Potatoes
• White rice

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are essential for vitamin absorption, brain function, heart health, and immunity development. Eating foods rich in healthy fats can be beneficial for the recovery process, helping various bodily functions. 

Food Options

• Olive oil
• Nuts and seeds
• Avocados
• Fatty fish
• Dairy products

Good Carbs

Complex carbohydrates, or good carbs, are healthy for the body and are the main energy source for the body. Unlike simple carbs, they do not cause a spike in blood sugar levels and prevent tiredness and fatigue.

Food Options

• Oatmeal
• Fiber-rich fruits
• Brown rice 
• Sweet potatoes
• Legumes
• Vegetables

Micronutrients

Micronutrients play an important role in the body's functioning and carry out different purposes. Here are some major micronutrients essential for tuberculosis recovery:

• Vitamin C is necessary for rebuilding immunity lost during tuberculosis.
• Zinc is important for wound healing and to reduce the spread of infection.
• Vitamin D helps to stop the replication of mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Omega-3 supports blood circulation and heart health and reduces respiratory irritation.
• Iron deficiency is a risk factor for tuberculosis and may weaken immunity.
• Selenium: endorses the elimination of mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Food Options

• Citrus fruits
• Seafood (tuna, salmon, mackerel, shellfish)
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Nuts & seeds

Superfoods

Some superfoods are rich in anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunity-boosting properties, which makes them a must-have food for tuberculosis recovery. They also help improve cell repair and growth and promote gut bacteria growth.

Food Options

• Ginger
• Garlic
• Turmeric
• Green tea
• Yogurt/curd
• Clove

Leafy greens 

Leafy greens and other vegetables are highly nutritious food sources containing various vitamins and minerals. Consuming them can help restore the nutrient loss caused by tuberculosis and improve immunity.

Food Options

• Spinach
• Kale
• Cabbage
• Asparagus
• Mustard leaves

Fluids

Keeping your body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is important during tuberculosis. It prevents inflammation and respiratory irritation. It also reduces the risk of throat rashes due to coughing.

Food Options

• Coconut water
• Buttermilk
• Soup
• Green tea
• Warm milk
• Water

What Foods to Avoid in Tuberculosis?

Here is a list of foods to avoid if you are suffering from tuberculosis:

Oily and Fried Food

Oily and fried foods should be avoided. They contain excessive amounts of unhealthy fats, which can cause heart problems and reduce respiratory functions. These foods can also cause throat irritation or worsen coughing symptoms.

Processed & Artificially Flavored Food

Processed foods are high in salt and artificial flavorings that are unhealthy for overall health. These foods can also result in weakened immunity and worsen the symptoms of tuberculosis.

Alcohol

Alcohol can interfere with tuberculosis medications and further weaken the immune system. It is advised to halt alcohol consumption until you have fully recovered.

Caffeine

Caffeine is known to cause dehydration and can also cause sleeplessness and nausea and worsen the existing symptoms of tuberculosis. Drink this beverage in moderation or avoid it completely till recovery.

Spicy Food

Spicy foods cause inflammation in the digestive tract and irritate the respiratory system, often leading to excessive and bloody coughing. Stick to bland or mildly spiced foods that are easy on the stomach till you recover.

Tuberculosis Diet Chart for Indians

Here is a sample tuberculosis diet for Indians:

Meal Time	Food Choice
Early Morning meal	1 cup green tea/ fresh beetroot juice
Breakfast	Peanut Butter Sandwich + 1 glass of milk  OR 1 cup paneer bhurji + 2 roti
Lunch	1 cup rice + 1 cup mixed dal/ chicken curry + boondi raita
Snack	1 peeled orange + 1 berries smoothie
Dinner	Mixed veg sabzi/ mushroom curry + 3 roti

Note: The diet mentioned above is just a sample of an ideal nutrient-packed diet essential for tuberculosis recovery and can be used as a reference for your dietary choices. However, individual requirements and health conditions may vary. Hence, you are advised to consult with your doctor before making any diet changes.

EXPLORE: Tuberculosis Symptoms, Causes & Treatment: Everything You Need To Know

Few Other Tips for Tuberculosis Recovery

Apart from these dietary choices, here are some other tips to help your recovery process:

Stop Smoking

Smoking is a dangerous habit that affects overall health and, most importantly, respiratory function. It can irritate the lungs, windpipe, or throat and worsen existing symptoms of tuberculosis.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can improve immunity and lung capacity, helping with better respiratory function. It is also important for reducing mental stress caused by tuberculosis.

Take Medications

Taking your prescribed medications on time is the key to a fast and effective recovery. Missing medications can cause the infection and symptoms to recur.

Regular Health Checkups

Getting health checkups and staying updated with your recovery journey is crucial for planning the dietary and lifestyle decisions you must make for further recovery.

The Bottom Line

Tuberculosis is a dangerous bacterial infection caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis and affects millions of people every year in India. This disease can be effectively controlled and treated with medical help and a balanced diet. Diet plays an important role in recovery, providing essential nutrients and energy the body requires to fight off the infection.

Some other lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, exercising regularly, taking medications on time, and getting health checkups also play a crucial role in recovery.

Talking about health checkups, if you experience any symptoms of tuberculosis, you should Book a Tuberculosis (TB) Panel at Redcliffe Labs- “Healthy India ki Trusted Lab” today!

ALSO READ: Importance of TB Tests to Prevent TB!