Proper nutrition is extremely important for people living with HIV/AIDS. The vitamins, minerals, and energy you receive from food, along with advice from your medical team about using nutritional supplements, may help minimize the complications of HIV disease. When you make nutrition a priority each day, the benefits may include feeling and looking better and staying healthier longer.
Make nutrition a priority
Eating enough of the foods you need can be challenging, because HIV/AIDS adds stresses that change your usual nutrient needs. But making nutrition a priority pays off. Consuming enough food can maximize your day-to-day energy level, productivity, and sense of well-being. Think of nutrition as an investment that pays off both physically and psychologically. You need good nutrition habits to maintain muscles for strength, your body weight, and, in the long run, a healthier mind and body.
Nutrients build immune defenses
Three or more meals and snacks each day can provide the nutrients needed to build a strong immune system. These nutrients include protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. In addition, food keeps the digestive tract working. Because the digestive tract plays an important role in building a strong immune system, the act of eating is a disease-fighting tactic.
Tips on snacking
Include nutritious snacks, such as hot or cold cereal and milk with raisins, peanut butter and crackers, or frozen yogurt as an additional strategy for improving your nutritional health.
Managing HIV/AIDS-related complications
Many HIV/AIDS-related complications, including fever, weight loss, and muscle wasting, may be worsened by poor nutrition habits. While receiving medical treatments, you can greatly strengthen your defenses against these complications through good nutrition. For example, when fever strikes, the body burns fuels at a higher rate. Thus, body tissues and muscles may be used for fuel, especially if energy from food is in short supply. When you eat enough during a fever, body tissues and muscles are more likely to be spared. Good nutrition planning includes consuming enough food and fluids to hasten your recovery from HIV/AIDS-related complications.
For more food and nutrition information, call the American Dietetic Association/National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics at 800-366-1655.
Also check these sites:
Unofficial site of Gulf Coast Community Care
email: [email protected]
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