Tuberculosis is a potentially severe infectious ailment that primarily affects the lungs. It is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads from person to person via tiny air droplets released into the air via sneeze and cough. If left untreated TB and not taken care of properly, it can be fatal and people who are undernourished are at a higher risk of developing TB and even relapse of infection after treatment. Several strains of tuberculosis resist the drugs that are used to treat the disease, while people with active tuberculosis should take antibiotics for months to thwart the infection and avert antibiotic resistance. The common symptoms of active TB are a chronic cough with blood-stained sputum, fever, night sweats and weight loss. Some of the general signs and symptoms include fever, chills, poor appetite, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
TB is a vicious cycle poor nutrition can promote the tenacity of active tuberculosis disease, and active TB can lead to aggravating malnutrition. Thus, it is essential to provide your body the essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients it requires to beat active tuberculosis and regain stamina and strength, you need to eat a wholesome and balanced diet comprising a variety of healthy foods.
Also Read: Tuberculosis: Diagnosis, Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Dietary Guidelines:
Adding superior quality protein in the meal plan helps to build a robust immune system, the first-line defence mechanism of the body. Protein deficiency may potentially have a detrimental effect on the body’s ability to combat tuberculosis. Dairy and dairy products, lean meats, pulses, and legumes are some of the complete sources of protein-rich foods, have at least 2-3 serving daily.
Whole grain cereals, pulses and sprouted legumes help to meet the demands of dietary fibre, which supports keeping the gut microbiome healthy and eliminates toxins from the diet.
Add energy-dense foods like banana, cereal porridge, boiled peanut, sooji upma, dahlia kichadi and sprouted ragi porridge to meet increasing needs of calories for recuperating.
Load up with a rich array of fruits and vegetables heaped with antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E to trigger the immune response and avert free radical’s damage.
Get adequate micronutrients like vitamins A, E and D3 and minerals selenium, zinc and iron which are essential for a healthy immune system. Include yellow-orange fruits and vegetables like orange, mango, papaya, pumpkin, carrots heaped in vitamin A, while vitamin C needs are met by including citrus fruits and vegetables like capsicum, potato, spinach, winter squash and tomato. Nuts and seeds are heaped with vitamin E.
Include green leafy vegetables twice or thrice a week to enrich iron content in the diet.
Key micronutrients like selenium and zinc are vital for triggering immune activity. Mushrooms, nuts, and seeds including sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame, and flax seeds are rich sources of both selenium and zinc.
Prefer a healthy source of unsaturated fats from nuts and seeds. Include oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, groundnut oil, sunflower oil, instead of butter or margarine.
Foods To Avoid
Limit intake of refined carbs such as maida and sugar-laden foods as they offer only empty calories devoid of nutrients.
Deep-fried foods and junk foods packed with saturated fats and trans-fat would worsen symptoms associated with TB such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and fatigue.
Totally steer clear of alcohol during the entire period of treatment, as it can interfere with treatment and may result in side effects.
Avoid taking excessive caffeine and carbonated beverages.
Key Nutrients To Include
Proteins
Protein is a vital macronutrient required for growth, repair, and maintenance of the tissues in the system. Patients recuperating from TB need a high portion of protein rich foods to support speed recovery. Include eggs, lean meat, beans, lentils and nuts into diet regimen. Consuming protein rich foods can support avert muscle loss and bolster the immune system.
Calorie Dense Foods
Patients suffering from TB often need additional calories to assist recovery. Having high calorie foods can offer the needed energy to recuperate well. Avocados, whole grain cereals, nuts, whole milk and dairy products, dried fruits are some of the foods laden with calories. Remember to maintain portion size, as overdoing it would not be beneficial.
Healthy Fats
Adding a healthy source of fats is vital for TB patients as they need adequate energy to help in recovery. Avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil are sources of good fatty acids that can help enhance cardiac health, brain function and immune health. In addition, fats can also mitigate inflammation in the system and lower the risk of complications.
Vitamins/Minerals
Micronutrients are important nutrients that are needed in minimal amounts for uplifting overall health and well-being. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that hold a significant role in boosting the immune system, speeding recovery and averting further complications. Dark green leafy vegetables, berries, citrus fruits, nuts and seeds are packed with micronutrients that support the body to function well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Foods Are Good For TB Recovery?
Foods that help in speedy TB recovery are those rich in protein, vitamins, and calories:
Protein-rich foods such as eggs, chicken, fish, paneer, legumes, and pulses should be added to the meal plan.
Fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamin C (e.g., oranges, guava), vitamin A (e.g., carrots, spinach), and antioxidants.
Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat offer a steady source of energy.
Dairy and dairy products like milk, curd, and cheese for calcium and probiotics.
Healthy fat sources such as nuts, seeds, ghee, and oils in moderate amounts.
How To Strengthen Lungs After Tuberculosis?
To strengthen lungs after TB:
Practice deep breathing exercises (like pranayama) daily
Do light aerobic exercise (walking, cycling, yoga) as your stamina builds
Avoid smoking and polluted environments
Eat antioxidant-rich foods (e.g., berries, turmeric, ginger)
Stay hydrated and follow up with chest physiotherapy if advised
Can I Eat Roti In TB?
Yes, roti (whole wheat flatbread) is safe and nutritious for TB patients. It provides complex carbohydrates and fiber for sustained energy.
What To Avoid When Taking TB Medication?
When you are on a TB medication course, it is important to avoid the following:
Alcohol consumption increases liver damage, especially with isoniazid or rifampicin.
High-fat junk foods can impair drug absorption and digestion
Iron supplements (unless prescribed) may reduce the absorption of some TB medicines.
Grapefruit juice in large quantities can interfere with drug metabolism.
Skipping meals affects medication effectiveness.
What happens if you skip TB medicine for 2 days?
Skipping TB medicine can:
Lead to drug resistance.
Reduce treatment effectiveness.
Delay recovery or cause relapse.
If you have missed doses, consult your doctor immediately; do not restart on your own.
Conclusion
Strictly adhering to a healthy diet regimen and following a disciplined lifestyle may help TB patients to convalesce well and improve their overall health status. However, it is important to take TB medications regularly and complete the course of treatment as prescribed by the healthcare provider. Though initially, tuberculosis medications may cause certain side effects that may lead to nausea, upset tummy or poor appetite, in such situations, seek advice from your healthcare provider on ways to manage.
(This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu, Ayurveda Pharma Expert)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics, including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Tuberculosis and nutrition
Krishna Bihari Gupta 1,✉, Rajesh Gupta 1, Atulya Atreja 1, Manish Verma 1, Suman Vishvkarma 1
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2813110/
A study to assess the nutritional status and dietary gap among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Raipur city
Sinha, Ashish Kumar1; Debata, Ipsita2; Pradhan, Purna Chandra3; Panda, Prem S.2; Behera, Basanta K.2; Mukhopadhyay, Amrita4
https://journals.lww.com/jfmpc/fulltext/2024/13050/a_study_to_assess_the_nutritional_status_and.81.aspx
