Tuberculosis: Dietary tips for speedy recovery

Tuberculosis is an airborne disease and can happen to anyone. It's one of the deadliest diseases in India, and not many people are aware of its symptoms and treatments. A person suffering from TB needs to take a good rest and should finish taking the medicines as prescribed so that it doesn't relapse shortly. Apart from the medication, following a proper diet and eating healthy is quite essential for TB patients. 

The food that they are supposed to eat is not expensive and can be afforded by everyone. It is available all through the seasons in every part of India. TB patients usually have a low appetite because of the medications that they are taking, and hence they shouldn't be forced to eat more than required. Here are some tips for the speedy recovery of TB patients.

Include protein in the diet:

Eggs, toned milk, curd, chicken and tofu should be added in their diet. TB patients need the energy to recover and protein helps them with that. Proteins, however, get digested better if combined in equal amounts with carbohydrates, grains, brown rice or boiled potatoes.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables should be included:

Lots of fruits and vegetables should be included in the diet. But the patient should only consume as per his/her appetite. Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients and also provide energy to the body.

Water intake should be more:

Lots of toxins are generated through the process of healing & toxins need to be flushed out by the Kidneys. Hence, the TB patients should intake not less than 6 litres of water daily. It will not only flush out the toxins but will also keep them hydrated. 

Things to avoid:

TB patients should ideally avoid alcohol in any form, as it increases the risk of drug toxicity, carbonated drinks, tobacco and tobacco products, avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol red meat and excess of spices & salt. Also, limit refined products like sugar, white bread and white rice.

Try to follow a high-calorie diet:

High-calorie diet underweight patients gain body weight. And this is essential because Tb makes a person weak. A high-calorie diet should also have a good combination of zinc and other micronutrients. 

Apart from this, a TB patient should take ample amount of rest for a speedy recovery.