Nutritional Diet for TB

Tuberculosis, also known as pulmonary tuberculosis, is an infection of your lungs caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or M. tuberculosis. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that tuberculosis is transferred between people by respiratory droplets in the air. Seniors, infants and people with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to this condition. Nutritional treatments may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating TB, although you should always discuss treatments with your doctor before using them.

Tuberculosis

There are several risk factors that may increase your likelihood of contracting tuberculosis including frequent exposure to others with this condition, poor nutrition and living in crowded or unsanitary conditions. Some of the most commonly experienced signs and symptoms associated with tuberculosis include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood or mucus, weakness, fatigue, low appetite, chills, fever and night sweats.

A Balanced Diet

Malnutrition is a common finding among people with tuberculosis. If you suffer from the negative health effects of tuberculosis, establishing and maintaining a balanced diet may be one of the most effective ways for you to combat or control your condition and reduce your likelihood of developing a nutritional deficiency. The Net Wellness website recommends several strategies for creating a balanced diet, including consuming a sufficient amount -- and sufficient variety -- of fruits and vegetables each day, consuming three or more 1 oz. equivalents of whole-grain foods daily and drinking 3 cups of low-fat milk per day.

Dietary Considerations

Several dietary measures deserve consideration in treating your tuberculosis. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certain foods may be helpful in treating your tuberculosis including alfalfa sprouts, fish, fowl, pomegranates, raw cheeses, raw seeds and nuts, whole grains and garlic. Balch recommends consuming a diet that contains at least 50 percent raw vegetables and fruits. She also recommends drinking fresh pineapple and carrot juice as well as raw potato juice to help combat this condition.

Useful Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements are an important inclusion in your tuberculosis treatment plan. Numerous nutritional supplements have historically been used in treating your tuberculosis, states the University of Maryland Medical Center, including goldenrod, horsetail, omega-6 fatty acids, barberry, garlic, zinc and vitamins A and D. Grape seed extract, selenium and coenzyme Q10 may also be helpful. Some of these nutritional supplements may require greater scientific scrutiny to determine their true effectiveness in treating your tuberculosis.

Warning

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a serious health condition that may lead to numerous health complications, including irreversible lung damage and vision changes. If you develop pulmonary tuberculosis, discuss all possible treatment strategies with your physician. Dietary changes and nutritional supplementation should always be used as an adjunct therapy in treating your condition and should not be used in place of other therapies recommended by your doctor. Some nutritional supplements may cause unwanted health side effects.