Medically Reviewed By:
Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta
It is difficult to suggest a best diet for tuberculosis patients. A diet high in proteins and full of micro and macronutrients helps maintain the symptoms. Such a diet should prevent the loss of muscle, fat, and weight. As the dietary choices of each individual are different, it is difficult to recommend specific food items that are good for people with tuberculosis.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare discusses about how deadly tuberculosis is in India. According to it, more than 40 percent of the Indian population carry tuberculosis bacteria in their body.
Is there a special diet that can cure tuberculosis?
No. There is no special diet to cure tuberculosis. Therefore, people must not believe any claim making such a statement blindly. An experienced and qualified dietitian can help prepare a diet plan specific to one’s nutritional needs. A proper healthy diet rich in protein can help tuberculosis patients improve their quality of life. Tuberculosis patients often lose their appetite. The lack of hunger is due to the chemical processes occurring within the body. This hinders the body’s ability to process protein.
A document by tbcindia.gov.in recommends a protein intake of 1.2 to 1.5 g/kg of ideal/desirable body weight per day for patients with active TB. The document recommends eating micronutrients daily. Increasing protein intake and other important nutrients can help people meet their nutritional demands.
Can we eat curd in tuberculosis?
Yes. The available scientific evidence suggests people can eat curd with tuberculosis. People should add curd to their daily diet because it helps maintain a healthy gut. Curd has good bacteria that positively changes the gut environment. These bacteria can reduce the growth of mycobacterium, which causes tuberculosis.
What to eat during tuberculosis treatment?
Nutritional deficiency is considered the primary cause of tuberculosis. Hence, people with nutritional deficiency are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis. This makes it difficult to recommend a best diet for tuberculosis patients. A review published in 2009 has shown that micronutrients are important for good human health. Deficiency of zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, iron, copper, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and healthy cholesterol increases the risk of tuberculosis in people at a higher risk.
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