Diet and Food Guidance for Meningitis

Food does not treat meningitis. The illness needs hospital treatment. Diet matters during recovery, when the body needs rest, fluids and good nutrition.

During hospital care

The medical team decides what the patient can eat. Very sick patients may be fed through a drip or a tube. Follow their instructions.

Once eating is allowed

• Fluids: water, oral rehydration solution, soups, coconut water and buttermilk
• Small, soft meals if there is nausea: khichdi, rice gruel, idli, banana and curd
• Protein for healing: dal, eggs, milk, paneer and fish if eaten
• Fruit and vegetables for vitamins, well washed and cooked where possible

For tuberculous meningitis

Good nutrition helps recovery, along with long TB treatment. Include protein, calories and enough fluids. Some TB medicines can affect the liver, so avoid alcohol and follow the doctor's food advice.

Food safety

• Eat freshly cooked food and avoid unpasteurised milk
• Wash hands and use clean water, to avoid new infections while immunity is low

Things to avoid

• Alcohol
• Very oily, spicy or heavy food while recovering