Good eating habits are important for controlling tuberculosis (TB). The foods you choose can affect how well your body heals itself. Here are some tips for healthy eating:
Follow Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating:
- Be generous with the food you eat. Your body needs extra energy for healing.
- Choose a variety of foods to be sure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs.
Choose foods high in the following nutrients:
- Vitamin B6 pyridoxine
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Protein
- Calcium
Choose foods high in protein such as meat, poultry, fish, milk, and dried beans, peas and lentils.
You need to increase your servings of meat and alternatives to three to four per day.
See food choices below.
When you are taking isoniazid be aware that it may cause itchy skin, headaches, and light-headedness when you eat some cheeses and fish. If this happens, contact your doctor or public health nurse.
Avoid alcohol:
- Alcohol has calories, but no other nutrients.
- It is also hard on your liver, especially if you are taking isoniazid (INH), pyrazinamide (PZA), or rifampin (RMP).
Food choices:
Foods high in vitamin B6 (pyridoxine):
- liver, chicken, pork, beef, fish
- dried fruit (raisins, dates, figs)
- hazelnuts, walnuts, peanuts
- brussel sprouts, cauliflower, peas, broccoli
- chick peas, soybeans
- wheat germ, whole grain cereals, oatmeal
- bananas, cantaloupe, grapes
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Foods high in iron:
- cream of wheat, whole grain cereals
- meat: beef, pork, veal, ham
- dried peas, beans and lentils
- prune juice, prunes, dates, dark green leafy vegetables
Tip: Iron is taken up by the body best when eaten with foods high in vitamin C.
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Foods high in vitamin A:
- broccoli, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes
- spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables
- liver, dairy products, eggs
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High protein foods:
- beef, pork, lamb, veal, ham
- dried peas, beans and lentils
Tip: Add skim milk powder to soups, milk and casseroles.
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Foods high in vitamin C:
- broccoli, sweet peppers, kale
- cantaloupe, strawberries, cabbage, cauliflower
Tip: Steam or cook vegetables in a small amount of water just until tender-crisp. This will help you get the most amount of vitamin C from the vegetables.
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Foods high in calcium:
- milk, yogourt, and cheese
- sardines and salmon with bones
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Revised: 2011-02-28