Dietary Advice once on treatment?

[shelby1983]

Hello Everyone, Firstly, I sincerely hope everybody who responded to my initial (very scared) post has read the words of thanks I put on the end of that post earlier today - sincerely can't thank you all enough. I hope I can impose again to ask if anybody has any suggestions how I can help myself diet wise now I have started treatment. Only as I am aware how much these tablets must be costing the nhs and I feel so guilty for getting them for free - I have always paid for my prescriptions so now I want to do everything in my power to ensure I help things along. Many thanks in advance for any advice once again - I couldn't praise this group enough at my clinic, you guys are have been great.

[hottchoc]

Hello Shelby, it’s important the TB meds are free because there are people who would not pay and then they would spread the disease further costing even more money, it’s the only way to keep some control, but I do understand what you are saying. With regards to your diet, I too was very scared, but the most important thing you can do is avoid those foods you had advice on... cheese, fermented foods like mushrooms, salami etc and no alcohol particularly red wine as any of these can cause flushing and blood pressure problems. Also be careful taking paracetamol because your liver will already be under strain. You will be ok because you can always ask for advice as we all do to each other giving valuable support. X

[shelby1983 in reply to hottchoc]

Thanks so much for the advice, I really appreciate it! I didn't actually get any food advice at all at my consultation, but that's not the team's fault - I just didn't think to ask the question at the time. The side effects have been minimal so far, so fingers crossed I am a lucky one. Thank you very much once again!

[askessing in reply to hottchoc]

Can I ask why mushrooms aren't recommended or fermented foods as I'd have thought these would be good for the gut? I have also had no food advice so interested to hear more!

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi shelby1983,

Here is some good advice on eating to aid recovery, that we hope to put into a patient leaflet soon:

Good nutrition helps patients tolerate their medication and to recover quickly from the effects of TB.

There is no evidence that any particular foods are more beneficial for TB than others, the key is simply to get a balanced diet with a range of foods including proteins (particularly meat and dairy, but vegetarian alternatives also work), cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables.

If your don't have much appetite, youmay find that you prefer six smaller meals per day rather than the usual breakfast, lunch and dinner. You may also find it helps to drink protein ‘shakes’ and to take multivitamins (extra Vitamin D is generally recommended). However, before taking any supplements you should consult with the patient’s doctor or nurse to make sure they are appropriate.

Best wishes,

Helen

[shelby1983 in reply to HelenC]

Thanks so much Helen, really appreciate that information! I think I've been lucky so far, the side effects of the medication don't seem to be that bad (touch wood as I say this) so I am managing to eat okay. I hope I'm not being too over confident but I have my first home visit from one of the TB nurses on Tuesday, I'm hoping she'll be pleased with my progress. Thanks once again for the advice!

[askessing]

I'm living in Thailand, although British, and was diagnosed a week ago with TB. I have had lots of advice from nutritionalist friends not on TB specifically, but on health. They have said that TB is inflammation - you need lots of protein to help repair inflammation. I am vegan so for me this is lots of pulses and nuts and tofu. I also think general health advice would be to cut out dairy and meat - or cut down or at the very least make sure it's organic you're eating. They said I should take a probiotic every day to help my body repair itself and cope with the meds. I take one every morning and I'm also taking vitamin C. Vitamin D is meant to help with TB - I live in Thailand so am just trying to get out more but I'm not sure if you could look into supplements? Or just be outdoors more. I also read that Green tea is good for the lungs. And an additional thing that's not to do with food, is cleaning the air around you. If you're able to get lemon eucalyptus essential oil and put it in a burner - this can kill of TB in the air. I've also got an aloe vera plant in my bedroom to help clean the air. I've basically just told you everything I've found out so far! Good luck on your journey. x

[askessing]

OH and I also remembered that I read that apples and grapes are good for lung health!