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Recovering from tuberculosis with a healthy diet

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Recovering from tuberculosis with a healthy diet

Pulmonology | by CMRI | Published on 09/06/2021



Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacteria MTB ( Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Though the infection primarily affects the lungs, it can affect other parts of your body as well. In the majority of cases, the patient does not experience any symptoms at all. In such cases, the patient is said to have latent tuberculosis, whereas, those experiencing all the symptoms are said to have active tuberculosis infection. It can affect both adults, as well as children, and treatment for the same is offered at all the leading hospitals in Kolkata.

 

A person suffering from tuberculosis has to undergo a year-long treatment with a daily dose of antibiotics and other medicines. During this period your main focus should be on boosting your immunity and regaining the lost strength with the right nutrition. It has been found that people who suffer from malnutrition are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis and have elevated chances of reinfection or relapse, as this can directly impact your immunity and make it weak. As such, it is very important to make healthy changes in your day-to-day lifestyle and eating habits, that not only boost your immunity but also help you recover from the damage that has already been done. The best TB doctor in Kolkata also recommends healthy dietary modifications to all patients suffering from tuberculosis.

 

Focus on getting good nutrition

 

As you are recovering from TB, you have to closely monitor your nutritional intake and make sure that you take your daily dose of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that aid your recovery and help you get back your strength and stamina. There are a lot of options available when it comes to food and you can always experiment with healthy ingredients. Experts from the best hospital for TB treatment in Kolkata suggest that intake of high-calorie food and energy supplements can easily help to make up for the loss of nutrients. You can also take zinc combined with other micronutrients of vitamin A. Try to include the following foods in your diet:

 

  • Green leafy vegetables like Kale and spinach, as these are rich in vitamin B and iron

 

  • Whole grain products like wheat pasta, bread and cereals

 

  • Foods like tomatoes, blueberries and cherries which are loaded with antioxidants

 

  • Saturated fats, that are found in vegetable oil or olive oil

 

Food that should be avoided when you have an active tuberculosis infection

 

  • Tobacco in all forms

 

  • Alcohol, coffee and caffeinated drinks

 

  • Refined carbs

 

  • Foods containing unsaturated fats and unhealthy cholesterol

 

Why is staying active and healthy is important? 

 

Patients suffering from tuberculosis are required to take a lot of medicines. Though these can help to beat the infection, they can trigger certain side effects as well. You may lose your appetite and feel nauseated whenever you try to eat. As you can’t simply stop your treatment midway, you can rather try opting for some healthy dietary habits that can help to lessen the adversity of the side effects. 

 

You have to try your best to make sure that your body gets all the nutrition that it needs to build strength and fight the disease. If you are finding it difficult to plan a proper diet chart for yourself, you can always take help from the best lungs specialist in Kolkata.  Apart from that you also need to focus on being active and take part in mild to moderate activities that will help to regain the lost strength and function of your lungs. You have to be very patient throughout the treatment and follow the recommended guidelines to avoid any unnecessary complications.