Tuberculosis -- a bacterial infection caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis -- usually affects your lungs, although it can also injure other areas of your body. The Medline Medical Encyclopedia states that tuberculosis is passed from one person to another when an infected individual talks, coughs or sneezes. Certain nutrients may be helpful in treating your tuberculosis-related symptoms, although always clear the use of nutrients with your primary care provider beforehand.
About Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a difficult infection to contract, notes the American Lung Association. In most cases, you must be exposed to an infected individual for a prolonged period before you develop tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is usually spread between people living in close quarters, such as family members and prison inmates. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with tuberculosis include severe coughing that lasts for over three weeks, unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood, night sweats and fatigue.
Useful Nutrients
Certain nutrients may be particularly useful in treating your tuberculosis. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch notes that grape seed extract, L-cysteine, L-methionine, selenium, vitamin D, glutathione and L-serine may be particularly useful for this health purpose. These nutrients may possess antioxidant action, enhance your immunity and promote a healthy immune system, protect your lungs by detoxifying harmful substances, help heal your damaged tissue and prevent free radical damage. Some of these nutrients may require more clinical research to support their use.
An Effective Nutrient
Vitamin D may be one of the most effective nutrients and natural substances in treating your tuberculosis. A 2000 study by Robert J. Wilkinson, Ph.D, and colleagues published in "The Lancet," states that a 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, or vitamin D, deficiency may be responsible for increased tuberculosis levels among Gujarati Asians living in West London. Vitamin D is essential for the proper utilization of calcium and phosphorus and people with tuberculosis require this nutrient to assist healing.
Warning
Tuberculosis is a serious health problem that may cause significant health complications, including permanent lung tissue damage. Nutrients are a safe and often helpful adjunct therapy in treating your tuberculosis, although the use of nutritional therapies does not guarantee a cure or a beneficial health outcome. Some nutrients may cause undesired health actions within your body and may not be appropriate for you. To better understand the role of nutrients in your tuberculosis treatment plan, meet with a health care professional specializing in clinical nutrition.
References
- Medline Medical Encyclopedia: Tuberculosis
- American Lung Association: Tuberculosis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The Lancet"; Influence of Vitamin D Deficiency; Robert J. Wilkinson, PhD et al.; Feb. 19, 2000
