The World TB Day is observed to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis and to step up efforts to end the global epidemic.

India is the country with the highest burden of TB. The World Health Organisation (WHO) TB statistics for India for 2016 give an estimated incidence figure of 2.79 million cases of TB for India.

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis targets the lungs causing pulmonary tuberculosis. Other organs like the lymph nodes, kidneys, bones, urinary tract or the reproductive organs are also affected by the bacteria. Tuberculosis was earlier mostly prevalent in the lower socio-economic groups

Tuberculosis was earlier mostly prevalent in the lower socio-economic groups; however, there is increasing incidence in the higher socio-economic groups as well.

The chief symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis are fever, weight loss, gradually worsening cough, expectoration (may be accompanied by blood), and fatigue and a general run-down condition.

Malnutrition worsens the situation and weakens the patient even and thus it`s the biggest risk factor. Patients suffer from high fever and significant catabolism (breakdown) of tissues.

Patients should induce a diet that could strengthen the immune system, prevent weight loss, strengthen and improve the recovery of the patient in turn.

·         Patients who tend to ditch meals should actually intake 300-500 calories /day to minimize weight loss.

·         The protein intake should be increased to 1.5 gram kg body weight from the usual 1 gram/kg body weight. Proteins of high biological value like egg, dairy, cereal-pulse combinations, fish, tofu, beans should be given.

·         Adequate amounts of healthy carbohydrates to be included. Emulsified fats such as coconut and dairy fat should be included in the diet in a regular basis

Diet pattern during chronic phase: As the patient improves, the diet is progressed to a semi-solid and then solid diet.

·         Meals should be simple, easily digestible, freshly prepared, well-cooked

·         Seasonal fruits and vegetables should be given.

·         Small and frequent meals should be given throughout the day.

·         All meals should have cereal pulse combination with some animal protein, e.g., khichadi with curd, daliya with milk, missi roti with curd, egg with roti/rice etc.

·         The patient should be given plenty of fluid and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.

Habit and diet that should be avoided

·         Avoid cigarettes and tobacco in any form.

·         Alchohol multiplies the risk to the liver from damage by some of the drugs used to treat TB.

·         Limit refined foods like refined flour as they provide empty calories and are devoid of nutrients.

·         Avoid caffeine or beverages laces with caffeine as much as possiibile

Early detection besides adequate nutrition is the hallmark of prevention and management of tuberculosis.