Since the beginning of the 21st century, governments worldwide have collaborated closely with healthcare professionals to forge a strategic path for combatting Tuberculosis and providing cutting-edge treatment facilities to patients. While the improved and economically formulated anti-tuberculosis drugs play a pivotal role in ensuring immunity to the disease, there has been a growing global emphasis on the dietary habits and calorie intake of individuals prone to Tuberculosis. In 1882, Robert Koch catalysed efforts to find a cure for TB by discovering the cause of the disease. Fast-forwarding almost a century and a half, people worldwide are now adopting a more diet-centric approach to dealing with the disease rather than relying solely on medications.
Undernutrition and Tuberculosis: The need to refocus on nutritional value and diet trends
The relationship between tuberculosis and malnutrition is both complex and bidirectional. Undernutrition is a stimulating factor in increasing the risk of Tuberculosis and the disease in turn, can lead to undernutrition through increased metabolic demands. In many parts of India and the world, patients with active TB, especially those with pulmonary TB (the type that affects the lungs), have co-existing undernutrition, which can be severe and life-threatening. The distribution of undernutrition is higher in case of women, children and people in rural areas. Doctors and health professionals around the globe have asserted the need to incorporate a healthy diet rich in nutrients to prevent the disease and to accelerate the treatment process.
Geographic overlap between tuberculosis and undernutrition across the globe.
Representation of (a) Tuberculosis (TB) incidence rates and (b) Undernutrition prevalence globally which shows geographic overlap.
Image reference: Food for thought: addressing undernutrition to end TB – PMC (nih.gov)
Early dietary trends: The sanatorium diet
From the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Europe saw the development of ‘sanatorium’ – a medical establishment for people with chronic illness. In these medical facilities, patients were able to witness benefits from outdoor walks, physical exercise and a balanced diet. At these institutions, patients were motivated to follow a specific dietary regimen known as the “sanatorium diet”. At his sanatorium in Zurich, Maximilian Bercher Benner used a balanced diet of raw vegetables and fruit as a means to heal patients. This trend started declining at the end of the 19th century and became redundant with time.
The modern approach: Emphasis on Nutrient-Rich foods in the treatment of TB
Patients of TB and people prone to contracting the disease are encouraged to consume nutrient-rich foods and micronutrients to strengthen their immune systems. Food items like alcohol, processed food, which can deteriorate the immune system should be strictly avoided. Protein-rich and high-calorie foods are known to provide the necessary energy required to fight the disease and must be included in the daily diet.
Conclusion
As TB research and treatment methods proliferate worldwide, dietary trends are following suit. Present-day dietary guidelines play a crucial role in Tuberculosis management. Consuming the right foods is imperative for bolstering the immune system, facilitating recovery, and averting additional complications. Undernutrition stands as the primary risk factor for Tuberculosis. While the predominant emphasis has traditionally been on disease control through antibiotics and vaccination programs, there is a growing recognition that a healthy diet is the most effective means of preventing the disease from becoming fatal.
References:
Undernutrition & tuberculosis in India: Situation analysis & the way forward – PMC (nih.gov)