The Role of Diet in Tuberculosis

The typical Tuberculosis treatment regimen calls for 6 to 18 months of daily administration of several powerful antibiotics: usually isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazimadide, and either ethambutol or streptomycin, Both the disease and the medications cause loss of appetite, but it is critical to maintain good nutrition to minimize weight loss, bolster immunity, and rebuild damaged tissue.

The diet should provide ample high-quality protein, preferably from lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and other animal products.

Although the results are inconclusive, some studies suggest that vegetarians are more vulnerable to TB and its complications than are people whose diets include some animal protein.

Citrus fruits and other fresh fruits and vegetables provide vitamin C and beta carotene, antioxidants that the body needs to boost immunity.

Zinc is also important to foster healing and a strong immune system; good sources include prawns and shrimps, lean meat, yogurt and fortified cereals and breads.

Doctors have observed now that TB patients who spend time in the sunshine and fresh air often improved faster.

Researchers have now found an explanation. White blood cells that are armed with high concentrations of vitamin D appear to be more effective in destroying the bacillus.

The body makes vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight; good dietary sources of vitamin D include fortified milk and margarine, eggs and fatty fish such as pangash and hilsha. Isoniazid is especially destructive to the nerves. To reduce this risk, some doctors prescribe vitamin B6 supplements. Foods that are high in this nutrient include most animal products, grains, spinach and potatoes.

It is extremely essential to consume calories more than the daily requirement usual to counter the weight loss that is characteristic of TB. The diet should emphasize foods that are dense in calories and easy to digest.

In addition to the foods already mentioned, good choices are legumes, pasta and noodles, grains and other starchy foods; milk shakes or perhaps enriched milk-based drinks; and rich soups, custards, eggs, puddings, and ice cream.

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• Disease and Treatment
• Diet & Nutrition