Tuberculosis Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid

Updated on 25 June 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) isn't just a sickness of the lungs; it's a battle for your whole being. But in this fight, it's not just medicine that can save the day– it's what's on your plate too. A healthy diet is just like little warriors, boosting strength and helping you stand tall again. So, while the doctors do their part, let your meals be your partners in this journey to recovery.

Tuberculosis is a complex disease that requires a multifaceted treatment and management approach. While antibiotics and other medications are the primary means of treating the infection, the role of adequate nutrition must be considered. A well-balanced and nutrient-rich meal plan can help strengthen the immune system, support the body's natural healing processes, and alleviate some symptoms of TB.

In this blog, let's explore the essential components of a nutritional tuberculosis diet, provide knowledge about healthy dietary choices, 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:

Protein-Rich Foods:
- Lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish)
- Legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas)
- Eggs
- Dairy products (low-fat milk, yoghurt, cheese)
- Nuts and seeds
Fruits and Vegetables:
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens)
- Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits)
- Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
Whole Grains:
- Brown rice
- Whole wheat bread and pasta
- Oats
- Quinoa
Healthy Fats:
- Avocados
- Olive oil
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
- Nuts and seeds
Fluids:
- Water
- Herbal teas
- Soups (vegetable, chicken, or bone broth)

These most recommended foods for tuberculosis provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the body's immune function, promote tissue repair, and alleviate some common symptoms associated with tuberculosis, such as 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:

Processed and High-Fat Foods:
- Fried foods
- Baked goods (cookies, cakes, pastries)
- Sugary drinks and snacks
- Processed meats (bacon, sausages, deli meats)
Alcohol:
- Alcohol can be one of the members of your list of "food not to eat in TB". Alcoholic beverages can interfere with the absorption and utilisation of essential nutrients, as well as weaken the immune system.
Caffeine:
- High amounts of caffeine can contribute to dehydration and disrupt sleep patterns, essential for the body's healing process.
Raw or Undercooked Foods:
- Avoid raw or undercooked meats, eggs, and unpasteurised dairy products to minimise the possibility of foodborne illnesses.

By limiting these foods and focusing on a nutrient-rich, well-balanced diet, individuals with tuberculosis can support their overall health and wellness during treatment and recovery.

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:

Meal	Food Items
Breakfast	Oats porridge with nuts and seeds 2 Boiled eggs with whole wheat toast - Cheese Sandwich - 2 Plain dosa or 3 idlis with coconut chutney - Poha with green peas
	- Whole wheat toast with avocado and tomato
	- Vegetable smoothie with spinach, berries, and yoghurt - 2 Moong dal cheela with paneer filling
Mid-morning Snack	- Fresh fruit (e.g., apple, banana, orange) - Roasted lotus seeds
Mid-morning Snack	- Handful of mixed nuts
Lunch	Lentil or bean curry with brown rice 1 Cup fish curry or roasted chicken with rice or 2 chapatis
	- Steamed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, carrots)
	- 1 Cup soybean or chickpeas or rajma or paneer curry with two chapatis - 1 Cup green beans or palak paneer or cottage cheese vegetable with two chapatis
Afternoon Snack	- Roasted chickpeas or edamame 1 Cup boiled black chana - Vegetable sticks with hummus
Afternoon Snack
Dinner
	Sautéed leafy greens or Quinoa or whole wheat pasta with vegetable-based sauce Your favourite curry with 2 chapatis
	Baked sweet potato - 1 Cup daal with 2 chapatis

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: When a patient is first diagnosed with tuberculosis, a doctor develops a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medical and nutritional components.
Dietary Modifications: If you have some restrictions related to a particular type of diet due to allergies or other health conditions that may impact your nutritional needs, a doctor can guide you on how to modify your diet to ensure optimal nutrient intake.
Monitoring and Adjustments: Your body's nutritional needs may change throughout the course of tuberculosis treatment. Regular follow-up visits in a clinic help ensure your diet is adjusted to support your recovery.
Supplementation: Sometimes, your doctor may recommend nutritional supplements to manage deficiencies or support the body's healing process.

Conclusion

A well-designed nutritional tuberculosis diet can be a powerful tool in supporting the body's recovery and building strength from within. Remember, a nutritional tuberculosis diet is not a substitute for medical treatment of the condition but rather a complementary approach to enhance the effectiveness of your overall care plan. Consult with your doctor or nutrition expert to develop a personalized dietary strategy that aligns with your specific needs and supports your path to recovery.

Dt. Sushma kumari

Dietetics & Nutrition

CARE Hospitals