Anonymous
2 years
Tuberculosis patient diet
Hello, I am a tuberculosis patient. My doctor told me that I can eat any foods or drinks except alcohol, but I searched online and found out that tuberculosis patients cannot eat processed foods, cheese, or seafood. Is it true that I cannot eat the foods as listed above?
Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli,
2 years
Hello and good afternoon.
Thank you for your question.
Based on your question, I understand that you are worried about your problem. I will try to help you.
For your information, here are some foods that you should avoid or restrict its intake (which means you can still consume them, but in moderation):
- Avoid any form of alcohol - this is the main thing to take note of, as alcohol can interact with your medications and can result in toxicity, causing liver damage.
- Avoid carbonated drinks - these contain high levels of sugar which may hinder the immune system from containing the tuberculosis bacteria in the body.
- Avoid tobacco and tobacco products - tobacco decreases the immune system’s response.
- Limit consumption of tea and coffee or any other caffeinated drinks.
- Limit consumption of spices and salt.
Otherwise, you should maintain a healthy balanced diet. Everything else can be consumed in moderation. If in doubt, always refer back to your doctor to clarify any doubts or queries. You can also contact our doctor online for further information and treatment.
I hope this answer helps you. Thank you.
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