Healthy Diet Plans For Tuberculosis

Can TB patients eat nonveg or not? Can they eat pulses and potatoes post surgery?

Patients who are afflicted with tuberculosis usually suffer from malnutrition. The inadequacy of protein in their diet usually has a damaging effect on their body, especially in their fight against tuberculosis. Most tuberculosis patients also suffer from multiple nutrient deficiencies which are commonly seen among such patients.  In order to fight tuberculosis, patients must consume a well-balanced diet in order to provide the body with necessary nutrients and fight the disease. As part of a diet for tuberculosis patients, pulses and potatoes can be eat along with non-vegetarian food meals. However one must strictly avoid the consumption of alcohol or alcoholic drinks, during the course of treatment for tuberculosis.

Along with the right medication, treatment and proper nutritional supplementation, tuberculosis patients can live a normal life with appropriate weight gain. It is important to consult a qualified nutritionist or registered dietician to get a customized diet tailored for the needs of a tuberculosis patient.

Choosing Foods For TB Patients

Here are some guidelines to ensure a balanced diet:

• Eat a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables daily, but well within the correct calorie values recommended by the doctor.  Select different vegetables from various sub-groups such as dark green vegetables, orange colored vegetables, legumes, etc.
• Whole grain foods must also form an integral part of diet in order reduce the risk heart disorders and help in the maintenance of weight gain in addition to lowering the risk of other chronic disorders or immune related deficiencies.
• Milk or milk products must be consumed at least three times in a day. The calcium in the milk is extremely critical in building bone health in patients with tuberculosis.
• While choosing meat products, opt for meats that are lean, low-fat, or fat-free in nature. At least 10 percent of your daily calorie intake must come from saturated fats and approximately 200 mg of cholesterol. Try to avoid hydrogenated fats as far as possible and maintain a total intake of fats and oils that are between 25 - 30 percent of your daily calories. Most of the fat must come from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat which are found in foods such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils.
• Consume a wide variety of foods that are rich in protein such as beans, green peas, nuts and seeds. Try having small meals throughout the day at frequent intervals and care must be taken to ensure the patient has a sufficient quantity of fluids and salts in the diet.
• Do not have foods that are rich and spicy in nature; instead a diet for a tuberculosis patient must be simple, well-prepared and easily digestible. Larger meals can be given to the patient once the condition has considerably improved.