Tuberculosis continues to be one of India’s most persistent infectious diseases, but beyond medicines and diagnostics, one factor often decides how well a patient recovers or resists infection in the first place: nutrition. Experts say food and lifestyle are not just supportive elements in TB care. They are central to both recovery and prevention.

Why Nutrition Matters More Than You Think

Tuberculosis and malnutrition are closely linked. The infection weakens the body, reduces appetite, and leads to weight loss, while poor nutrition further lowers immunity, making it harder to fight the disease. Research, including findings published in PubMed Central, shows that undernutrition significantly increases the risk of developing active TB and worsens outcomes during treatment.

Dr Mihir Gangakhedkar explains that TB is both a cause and effect of protein energy malnutrition. In simple terms, poor dietary habits can increase susceptibility, and the disease itself further drains nutritional reserves. To counter this, patients often require nearly 1.5 times their usual calorie intake to regain weight and strength.

Read: Is Cough Really Necessary For TB? 80% Of Patients Don't Have It, Says Study

What Should TB Patients Eat?

Experts agree that rebuilding the body starts with prioritizing protein and calorie intake.

Dr Sumeet Singhania recommends including protein-rich foods such as eggs, lentils, dairy products, and meat to help repair tissues and regain muscle mass. Dr Gangakhedkar echoes this, adding paneer, curd, and even protein supplements if needed.

Alongside protein, micronutrients play a critical role. Colorful fruits and vegetables provide vitamins A and C, which support immune function and recovery. Whole grains like millets offer sustained energy, which is crucial for patients dealing with fatigue.

Another key takeaway from research is consistency. The RATIONS study in India demonstrated that improving dietary intake among families of TB patients reduced disease incidence by nearly 40 percent. This highlights that nutrition is not just important for patients, but also for those living with them.

Patients are also advised to avoid processed and junk foods, which offer little nutritional value and may slow recovery.

Read: World Tuberculosis Day 2026: Theme, Origin, And Significance

Can Lifestyle Changes Prevent TB?

While TB spreads through airborne droplets, not everyone exposed develops the disease. Immunity plays a decisive role here.

Dr Harsha Jain emphasizes that a strong immune system can significantly reduce the risk of developing active TB. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress.

Certain habits can increase vulnerability. Smoking damages the lungs and weakens local immunity, while excessive alcohol intake can impair overall immune response. Avoiding these is considered essential.

Environmental factors also matter. Good ventilation reduces the concentration of infectious droplets in the air, and simple practices like covering the mouth while coughing can limit transmission. Early screening, especially for high-risk individuals, adds another layer of protection.

Food, Habits And Recovery Go Hand In Hand

TB treatment is often long and demanding, but recovery is not driven by medication alone. A nutrient-rich diet helps the body heal faster, regain weight, and tolerate treatment better. At the same time, healthy lifestyle choices strengthen immunity and reduce the chances of infection or relapse.

In a country where TB remains widespread, these everyday choices can quietly make a powerful difference.

Dr. Sumeet Singhania is a Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

Dr Harsha Jain is a Consultant - Pulmonologist at Sahyadri Super Specialty, Deccan

Dr. Mihir Gangakhedkar is a Consultant - Pulmonology at Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai

Hyderabad pediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh shared on X, previously Twitter that she has been sent a notice by JTNL Consumer Health (India) Private Limited, a Kenvue Inc. company. The notice claimed that Dr Sivaranjini has been maligning the names of ORSL and ERZL for her "own commercial benefits" and for "increasing the number of followers" on her page.

Also Read: Shigella Cases Rise To 12 In Kerala: Doctor Explains Why The Bacterial Infection Is Fatal For Young Kids

Dr Sivaranjini has been campaigning that commercial beverages labeled as ORS were often high in sugar and nutritionally different from the WHO-recommended Oral Rehydration Solution, a life-saving treatment for dehydration. In a statement following the court order, Dr. Sivaranjani said, “The long battle we have won! ORSL cannot produce new high-sugar ORSL, but it wants to clear out its existing ₹180 crore stock. India, please stand with me! People’s power has to win against corporate lobbying.”

Dr Sivaranjini claims that this is why she has been sent a notice by the company. However, the truth is that ORSL or ERZL, while specializes in hydration solution and claims it as solutions for illness and daily fluid replenishment, however, it does not match the WHO standards.

Also Read: Beat The Heat With ORS: How To Know Which One Is Real?

A Doctor's 8-year-long Fight Against Fake ORS

In 2022, Dr Sivaranjini filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Telangana High Court seeking directions for manufacturers to remove the letters “ORS” from the product name ORSL. Following the petition, companies began promoting the idea of “silent dehydration,” a term that does not appear in recognised medical literature, to market the drink.

the problem is that while there are disclaimers on the ORSL tetra packs that state: “Do not use during diarrhoea,” but these disclaimers are often printed in very small fonts, and easy to overlook. “Pharmacists also prefer selling ORSL because they earn a higher margin, as ORSL is twice as expensive as standard ORS solutions,” said Dr Sivaranjini.

Dr Sivaranjini has documented cases of children developing life-threatening dehydration despite being administered drinks marketed as ORS. These are so-called "repair solution" drinks, as she calls them, which contain excessive sugar and inadequate salt and electrolyte ratios and can undermine the purpose of a life-saving medical formulation, which is recognized by the WHO.

Dr Santosh explains: "During diarrhoea, high-sugar drinks should be avoided because excess sugar can worsen the condition.When ORSL was introduced, manufacturers met with paediatricians, leading many to believe it was ORS. But in reality, the sugar content in ORSL is as high as in packaged soft/fruit drinks, with only a little extra sodium. We noticed that many children’s diarrhoea worsened. When we investigated we realised ORSL is not the same as ORS.”

What Is ORS?

It is an adequate glucose-electrolyte solution called the Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) solution. It was first used in 1969, and then a new solution has been recommended by the WHO and the UNICEF since 2003. This use of ORS formulation, as WHO mentions has improved effectiveness from as compared to the old solution.

Matcha has quickly become one of the trendiest drinks among young adults in India. From cafés to home kitchens, the bright green powder now appears in lattes, smoothies, desserts and wellness drinks. Many people see it as a healthier alternative to coffee, especially because of its antioxidant properties and calming effect.

The popularity of matcha has also been fueled by celebrities and social media influencers who often promote it as a superfood. However, as the drink gains popularity, questions have also started circulating online about whether matcha could affect fertility.

Experts say the concern needs careful understanding rather than panic.

Why matcha has become so popular

Matcha is a finely powdered form of green tea made from specially grown tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and then removed, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf in powdered form mixed with water or milk.

Because of this, matcha contains a higher concentration of antioxidants, caffeine and plant compounds known as catechins. These compounds are associated with several potential health benefits, which is one reason the drink has attracted so much attention.

Dr Rashmi Agarwal, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility in Gurugram, says that while matcha can be part of a healthy lifestyle, the key issue is how much people consume.

“Matcha itself does not directly cause infertility. However, excessive consumption may have an indirect impact on reproductive health,” she explains.

The role of caffeine

One of the main reasons experts advise moderation is the caffeine content in matcha.

Although matcha is often seen as gentler than coffee, it still contains caffeine. Drinking several cups a day can increase overall caffeine intake.

Dr Agarwal notes that “high caffeine intake may affect hormone balance and fertility in some individuals.”

Caffeine can influence hormonal regulation in the body. In women, excessive intake may affect ovulation, while in men it may have an impact on sperm quality.

This does not mean that occasional matcha consumption harms fertility. Problems may arise only when it is consumed in very large amounts over a long period of time.

Sleep and stress can also play a role

Another indirect factor linked to high caffeine intake is sleep disturbance.

Dr Agarwal explains that drinking large quantities of matcha, particularly later in the day, may interfere with sleep patterns because of its caffeine content.

Poor sleep and chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels in the body. Over time, this imbalance may contribute to fertility problems.

Maintaining proper sleep cycles and managing stress are both considered important for reproductive health.

The risk of replacing proper nutrition

Experts also point out another modern lifestyle pattern linked with trendy beverages.

Dr Agarwal says some people rely heavily on drinks such as matcha lattes or wellness beverages while neglecting balanced meals.

“Sometimes people replace balanced meals with trendy drinks like matcha lattes. This may lead to nutritional deficiencies that can affect reproductive health,” she says.

A healthy diet that includes proteins, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals plays an essential role in supporting fertility.

Moderation is the key

According to fertility experts, there is no evidence that moderate matcha consumption causes infertility.

Dr Agarwal recommends limiting intake to about one cup a day. In moderate quantities, matcha is generally safe and can even provide antioxidant benefits.

For individuals planning a pregnancy or dealing with fertility issues, discussing dietary habits with a doctor can be helpful.

Along with mindful caffeine intake, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly and managing stress remain the most reliable ways to support reproductive health.

New Delhi: Lustrous curries, flavourful breads, and delectable condiments—that is Indian food for the whole world. This cuisine holds a special place in the hearts of many, even the not-so-desi crowd. The cloud to this silver lining, however, is the fact that Indian food also ranks among the unhealthiest cuisines in the world. The striking flavours that it has to offer have, over time, made India the diabetes capital of the world. With rising diabetes and obesity incidence, it is time to turn to the healthier side of Indian cuisine—especially for breakfast.

Read more: 5 Scientifically Proven Sustainable Tips to Lose Weight Fast

In a country where a large chunk of people like to start their day with paranthas, puri, and pakoras, it is time to turn to healthier breakfast options with a relatively lower calorie count. Here, we enlist the top 6 Indian breakfast foods that can work wonders not only to keep your calorie intake low but also to support weight loss goals in the long run. With less than 300 calories and a whole pool of nutrients on offer, here is what you can have for breakfast on a weight loss diet.

Read more: Are You Losing Weight Or Muscle Mass? What Does Healthy Weight Loss Look Like?

Steamed idli: Steamed idli is one of the best ways to ensure that your breakfast is healthy, filling, and also weight-loss-friendly. Idli served with coconut chutney or sambar gives 150–200 calories per serving (2–3 idlis). The fermented rice cake is gut-friendly, low in calories, and easily digestible, especially when paired with high-fibre sambar.

Moong dal chila: One of the best ways to keep your protein intake high for breakfast, without relying completely on eggs, is by eating moong dal chila. This lentil-based pancake is savoury and delicious, and due to its nutrient composition, it can make you feel satiated in a single serving. It is high in protein and promotes satiety. It provides around 200 calories per chila.

Uttapam: Made from semolina and lots of vegetables, sometimes even a millet base such as ragi or jowar, this delicious South Indian breakfast food will not just satiate you but also support your weight loss efforts. Per pancake, uttapam can provide 150–200 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Daliya: As much as this might sound like a sad breakfast option, especially when one is counting on the unique flavours of Indian cuisine, daliya can be made tastier. Also known as broken wheat porridge, this dish is high in fibre and works wonders for better digestion. Each serving will help you keep the calorie count below 200 while also ensuring that you stay satiated.

Paneer bhurji and roti: Paneer, or cottage cheese, is a fresh cheese that is high in both protein and fats. It is one of the most recommended foods when it comes to designing a weight loss diet plan. For breakfast, before kicking off a long and demanding day, it is advised to enjoy this with one roti—this way, you can keep the calorie intake low while getting ample protein to start your day.

Methi thepla: A Gujarati delicacy, this thin flatbread contains fenugreek, fibre, minerals, and carbohydrates that provide energy. When it comes to Indian breakfast foods, it could be one of the best choices for keeping it light while also being filling.