High time that you should consult a dietitian or a doctor for a diet plan for tb patient.
This is because of the sad reality that a total of 1.6 million people died from TB in 2021.
However, TB is the 13th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19 worldwide.
Nowadays, people prioritize living a luxurious life, but in the process, they often neglect their own health.
However, tuberculosis is an illness that can get worse if not treated properly and even in some cases lead to death. Also, a note for people who are suffering from this, please stay at home as it can spread quickly to others as well.
Fitelo offers a diet plan designed specifically for TB patients, along with essential tips that you must strictly follow. Fitelo offers a diet plan designed specifically for TB patients, along with essential tips that you must strictly follow.
Before we skip to the diet plan, let us first understand what is Tb, and what are its symptoms.

What Is TB/Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious illness primarily affecting the lungs, caused by bacteria.
It spreads when a person with the illness coughs, sneezes, or sings, releasing tiny droplets containing the germs into the air, which then transfer to another person.
Also, to note Tuberculosis spreads easily where there is a crowd or where people live in crowded conditions. People who have HIV/AIDS or weak immune systems have a higher risk of catching tuberculosis than people with typical immune systems.
Symptoms Of Tuberculosis
A TB infection occurs in three stages, each having different symptoms.
Primary TB Infection: The first stage, known as the primary infection, occurs when the bacteria initially enter the body. Your immune system cells find and capture the germs and may completely destroy the germs. But some captured germs might survive and multiply.
At this stage, people might not get aware of the symptoms but may get flu-like symptoms, such as:
- Low fever
- Tiredness
- Cough
Latent TB infection: Another stage is the latent TB infection in which immune system cells build a wall around lung tissue with TB germs. If the immune system keeps the germs under control then there can be no harm caused but the germs survive. Also, there are no symptoms during latent TB infection.
Active TB Disease: Active TB disease occurs when the immune system can’t control an infection. Further, the germs tend to cause disease throughout the lungs or other parts of the body and this happens right after primary infection. It usually happens after months or years of latent TB infection.
Symptoms of active TB disease begin gradually and worsen over a few weeks. They may include:
- Cough
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Chest pain
- Pain with breathing or coughing
- Fever
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Not wanting to eat
- Tiredness
- Not feeling well in general
Active TB disease outside the lungs: TB infection can also, spread to other parts of the body from the lungs and is called extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Symptoms vary depending on what part of the body is infected and some common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Not wanting to eat
- Tiredness
- Not feeling well in general
- Pain near the site of infection
Prevention Of TB
If you are suffering from active TB disease, you’ll need to take steps to prevent other people from getting an infection.
You will have to take medications for four, six, or nine months as directed during the entire time.
However, during the first 2 to 3 weeks, TB bacteria can spread to others as well, so follow the below instructions to avoid this.
- Stay home: Don’t go to work or school.
- Isolate at home: Try to spend as little time as possible with members of your household and sleep in a separate room.
- Ventilate the room: Try to open the doors and windows of the room as tuberculosis germs spread more easily in small, closed spaces.
- Wear face masks: Wear a mask when you have to be around other people.
- Cover your mouth: Use a tissue to cover your mouth anytime you sneeze or cough.
Diet Plan For Tb Patient
Another way to prevent tb is to follow a proper tuberculosis diet chart. A meal plan for a tuberculosis patient is different from a regular meal and should be with a guidance of an expert dietitian.
However, below is the diet plan for tb patient just to stay safe, and not get this disease you can connect with us.
| Time | Meals |
| Breakfast | 3 chapati with 1 bowl paneer bhurji |
| Mid Meal | 3 chapati with 1 bowl of paneer bhurji |
| Lunch | 1 bowl of grilled vegetables with cottage cheese |
| Evening | 1 apple +1/2 cup cottage cheese |
| Dinner | 2 chapati with 1 bowl of arhar dal |
| Time | Meals |
| Breakfast | 2 soy flour uttapam + coconut chutney + 1 glass skim milk |
| Mid Meal | 1 bowl of boiled black chana |
| Lunch | 1 bowl of rice with kidney beans curry + cucumber salad + cottage cheese vegetables |
| Evening | 1 bowl of brown rice flakes poha with nuts |
| Dinner | 2 paneer stuffed capsicum with 2 chapatis |
Note: Please avoid putting too much sodium in meals.
Best Diet Plan For TB Patients
A good diet plan for tb patients must include the below foods.
- Vitamin B-rich foods such as leafy, dark greens like kale and spinach.
- Plenty of whole grain cereals through bread, etc.
- Unsaturated fats like olive oil.
- Include bright-colored vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, cherries, and blueberries.
- Foods that are rich in Vitamins A, C, and E.
- Protein-rich foods and also, rich in Iron
While the foods that should not be a part of the TB diet chart plan are as below:
- Refined products like sugar, white bread, white rice, etc.
- Also, skip tobacco
- Refrain from alcohol
- Caffeine is to be kept within controlled limits.
Therefore, only by addressing the above points will the Indian diet plan for TB patients be considered the best.
Cure For TB Patients
Treating TB effectively involves a multi-faceted approach, addressing the infection with medications while ensuring patient adherence and monitoring for any complications.
- Antibiotic Therapy: TB is primarily treated with a combination of antibiotics over an extended period. The most common drugs used include isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. These medications work by killing the bacteria that cause TB and preventing them from multiplying. The treatment typically lasts for 6 to 9 months, depending on the severity of the disease and the patient’s response to therapy. It’s crucial to take the medication exactly as prescribed to avoid the development of drug-resistant TB.
- Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS): DOTS is a strategy recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure that patients adhere to their treatment regimen. Under DOTS, a healthcare worker or trained volunteer directly observes the patient taking their medication. This approach is crucial in preventing the spread of TB and ensuring that the treatment is completed, which helps reduce the risk of drug resistance.
- Nutritional Support: TB patients often suffer from malnutrition, which can weaken their immune system and make it harder for them to fight off the infection. Providing adequate nutritional support, including a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, is essential. Foods high in protein, vitamins A, C, E, and zinc can boost the immune system, helping the body to recover more effectively. In some cases, nutritional supplements may be necessary.
- Regular Monitoring and Follow-up: Continuous monitoring of the patient’s health is crucial during TB treatment. Regular check-ups allow healthcare providers to assess the patient’s response to treatment, manage side effects, and adjust the therapy if needed. Sputum tests, chest X-rays, and blood tests are commonly used to monitor progress. Regular follow-ups also reinforce the importance of adherence to the treatment regimen.
- Managing Side Effects: TB medications can cause side effects such as nausea, liver toxicity, and allergic reactions. Patients need to report any side effects to their healthcare provider immediately. Managing side effects may involve adjusting the dosage, changing medications, or providing additional treatments to alleviate symptoms. Proper management ensures that patients can continue their treatment without interruption.
- Isolation and Preventing Transmission: In the early stages of treatment, patients with active TB are usually advised to stay isolated. To prevent the spread of the disease to others. This is particularly important in the first few weeks when the patient is most infectious. Good ventilation, wearing masks, and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing are additional measures. That can help reduce transmission and slowly help build the immune system.
By following these steps, TB patients can significantly improve their chances of a full recovery. Early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and comprehensive care are the keys to overcoming this disease. Consuming protein rich foods can support avert muscle loss and bolster the immune system.
A Healthy Reacap On The Diet Plan For TB Patients
Tuberculosis can be a serious illness if not treated on time and with time. If you feel any of the above symptoms, then you should make sure that you consult a doctor. Get yourself checked then and there.
However, we have also, mentioned for you the home remedies or tips that can stop the spread of this disease and keep others and even a patient safe. At this time it is, however, important to follow a proper tuberculosis diet plan.
Also, there is a best diet plan for tb patients above recommended by the dietitians that are safe to follow and easy to go with.
Moreover, foods such as sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, fatty fish, nuts and seeds, lean meats, and leafy greens, can help support the proper functioning of the immune system, promote healing, and improve bone health and wound healing in patients with tuberculosis.
Fun Fact
There are certain dishes when cooked at home, get a smile on your face, and definitely one of that is rajma chawal.
But most people avoid eating it because they think it can give them weight gain. So, now is the time to come out of the world of myths and enter the world of reality.
Check out the link because it has it all!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Diet Plan For TB Patients?
Doctors or dietitians specially design and customize the diet plan for TB patients, making it essential to seek their recommendations.
Can You Add Milk To Tuberculosis Diet Chart?
Yes, you can add milk to the diet plan for TB patients because it is a great source of protein and provides the strength necessary to perform day-to-day activities.
What Drink Can You Add To Diet Plan For TB PAtients?
You can drink green tea as according to a study, increasing the consumption of tea further, decreased the risk of tuberculosis.
Can You Eat Banana In Meal Plan For Tuberculosis Patients?
Yes, you can, however, add foods like banana, cereal porridge, peanut chikki, wheat, and ragi as they are quite beneficial for TB patients.

Weight Loss Transformation
A healthy lifestyle leads to a healthy you. However, the more you make up your mind to get fit, the more there are distractions and demotivation around you.
But all you need is to stay focused and determined and tell yourself, ” Yes I Can Do It.’
So, here are the success stories of men and women of all age groups who have transformed themselves beautifully and are living healthily now.
Contact Us Today
We understand it is a bit tricky which diet plan will work for you and which will not, it can be complicated and confusing, hence you need to consult a professional. So, contact us today if you are looking for a customized diet plan or any diet plans, and we will help you fulfill your new year’s resolution.
Disclaimer
This blog post was written to help you to make healthy and better food choices altogether. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your own health before starting a diet that is restrictive. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.
Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long happy life.
Idli also called rice cake, is arguably one of the…