Nutrition: the other side of TB care

Every year on March 24, World Tuberculosis Day is observed around the world, in order to raise public awareness on the impact of tuberculosis on health, its social and economic consequences and to increase efforts to end the TB epidemic. It is a fact that about a quarter of the world’s population is infected with the bacteria of TB.

Tuberculosis is a severe infectious disease, caused by the virus strains of mycobacteria, commonly known as the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The treatment of an active TB patient involves long term dependence on drugs and daily doses of antibiotics, but with the aid of right diet and nutrition, he or she can help the body fight off the disease and achieve speedy recovery.

Role of nutrition

Nutritional deficiencies have been closely linked with the contraction of TB and its severity. The poorer the diet is, the more chances for a person to be contaminated and affected. Further, improper nutrition or malnutrition reduces the impact of drugs against TB. With a proper combination of appropriate pharmaceutical drugs and the right nutrition, the effects of tuberculosis could be easily countered.

Here are some nutritional facts on TB:

• People with the virus have decreased levels of zinc in their blood, which can be improved with proper nutrition and medication.

• Supplements of vitamin E and selenium, when given to TB patients along with proper drugs, can better their condition.

• Iron plays a significant, yet a very complex role in TB. Low iron levels leading to anaemia is often observed in TB patients. With nutritious food rich in iron, this deficiency can be countered.

• The link between vitamin D and TB is still under investigation, but the deficiency of this vitamin has been seen in almost all cases of TB.

A well-balanced diet rich in proactive nutrients like vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants are essential for people who have been infected with TB and need to combat the damages caused by it. Keep a note of these three elements:

• Proteins: these are necessary to replenish waste from the body stores (such as muscle tissues).

• Energy: the need for energy is heightened because of the disease itself, and if the person is affected with AIDS, this requirement is only increases.

• Micronutrients: vitamins and minerals (both micronutrients) are the most essential part of tuberculosis prevention and care.

Ideal foods

What was once a dreaded disease is now better understood through awareness efforts, like the World Tuberculosis Day. TB is an infectious disease that can be easily transmitted from one person to another through the simplest of actions like sneezing or coughing.

Some of its common symptoms are weight loss, weakness, night sweats, shortness of breath and alike. And, according to findings by the World Health Organisation (WHO), being undernourished or poorly-nourished is itself a risk factor for developing TB. Nutrition is, therefore, a major factor towards the management and recovery from tuberculosis.

Listed below are the most ideal nutrients that need to be a part of any tuberculosis diet:

• Protein-rich foods: nuts, tofu, soya, eggs, paneer, dry fruits and legumes are good foods that can be given to TB patients.

• Calorie-dense foods: these extra calories are necessary to meet the high-energy demands of TB patients and prevent them from experiencing continuous weight loss. Bananas, milkshakes, rotis, peanuts and sprouts are advised.

• Vitamin A, C and E: oranges, mangoes, papaya, guava, orange, tomatoes, capsicum, wheat germs, seeds and vegetable oils are foods that should be eaten.

• Selenium and zinc: sunflower seeds, chia seeds, fortified eggs, Brazil nuts, fish and chicken are enriched with the goodness of selenium and zinc and should be a part of the regular diet of TB patients.

• Vitamin B Complex: This vitamin group can easily be found in foods like pulses and whole grain cereals, nuts and seeds. Fish, eggs and sea fishes like tuna and salmon are a good sources of it.

Poor appetite and malnutrition are the two demons that can increase the chances of infection or worsen the condition for people who are already infected. So while there is no special food needed for people with TB, a diet that is well-balanced and nutritious can be highly beneficial.

(The writer is a dietitian)