Foods to Avoid If Diagnosed with Tuberculosis
According to the World Health Organization, those with active tuberculosis who haven't received treatment will infect an average of 10-15 people each year. Risks and symptoms of tuberculosis, also known as TB, can be reduced by eating foods full of B-vitamins, iron and antioxidants, and by staying away from refined foods such as sugar and white bread.
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Refined Sugar
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Bread slices Certain foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables can reduce the symptoms of TB. But there are other foods, especially refined foods, that should be avoided by those with TB. This includes white bread, white sugar, refined cereals and sweets such as pies and puddings.
Sauces
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Barbecue ribs Sauces full of sodium and sugar, such as pasta sauce and barbecue sauce, should be avoided as well. Try apple or cranberry sauce as an alternative.
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Tea
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Teapot and teacup Strong tea with a lot caffeine should be avoided because caffeine is a stimulant. But according to University of Maryland Medical Center website, caffeine-free green tea can be used in conjunction with TB medical treatment because of its antioxidant properties.
Coffee
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Coffee cup Coffee may have certain benefits such as reducing the risk of gallstones and Parkinson's disease, but it doesn't help TB patients. Because coffee is considered a stimulant it must be avoided as well.
Pickles
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Pickles A well-balanced diet is important in general, but especially for those infected with TB--that's why it is important to watch your sodium intake. Foods high in sodium include pickles and condiments that include pickles such as relish. According to Dietbites.com, a 1 to 2 oz serving size of dill pickles can contain as much as 850 milligrams of sodium.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Sharat Ganapati Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of thebittenword.com Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jennifer L. Sovanski Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Demion
