Healthy Food for Tuberculosis Patients

Healthy Food for Tuberculosis Patients
Photo Credit oranges and orange juice image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com

Maintaining a healthy diet may help relieve and manage tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a type of bacterial disease that mostly affects your lungs. This condition occurs when you are infected by airborne droplets that contain the bacteria Mycobacteria tuberculosis. These droplets are spread from other infected persons. Symptoms include fever, headaches, chills, fatigue, appetite loss, coughing, breathing difficulty, and swollen glands, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consuming certain foods may aid in reducing your tuberculosis symptoms.

Foods Rich In Vitamin D

Vitamin D-rich foods may be helpful in relieving your tuberculosis symptoms. The University of Maryland Medical Center finds that people with low vitamin D levels are more vulnerable to tuberculosis symptoms. Studies are inconclusive and more research is required to establish a benefit. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that a good dose is 200 to 400 IU daily. Consult your doctor to see if a supplement might benefit you. In addition to a supplement, some foods contain vitamin D, including fatty fish such as mackerel, herring, sardines, and salmon. Other foods such as milk products and breads and cereals may be fortified with vitamin D.

Foods Rich In Vitamin C

Increasing your intake of vitamin C-rich foods may be helpful in reducing your tuberculosis symptoms. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that acts to protect your body from foreign bacteria and viruses that can cause cellular damage, infection, and illness in your body. This strengthens your immune system and increases your ability to fight the tuberculosis infection. Good sources of vitamin C include strawberries, melons, grapefruits, oranges, lemons and broccoli.

Foods Rich In Iron

Consume iron-rich foods to help reduce symptoms of tuberculosis. Iron is an important mineral that helps your body produce red blood cells and carry oxygen and nutrients to your body organs and heart. This can help your body fight fatigue, a common symptom of tuberculosis. Good iron-rich food sources include meat, poultry, egg yolks, dark leafy greens, beans and nuts.

Foods Rich In Vitmain A

Vitamin A is an antioxidant that can boost your immune system. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that you consume antioxidants in your daily diet in order to strengthen your ability to fight illness and infection. Good sources of vitamin A include plant foods such as squash, pumpkin, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Animal sources may also contain this vitamin and include eggs, meat, milk, and cheese.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Jan 25, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments