Eat to Maintain Your Weight
In a chronic infection like HIV, your body burns more energy (calories). If you're using more than you're bringing in, you may lose weight. Over time, too much weight loss can lead to malnutrition.
HIV+ people often need a higher daily calorie intake to prevent weight loss. Hunger isn't always a reliable guide, because you can feel nauseous or turned off by food, even when you need it most. If this is case, speak to your doctor about interventions such as appetite stimulants or medications to control nausea.
Carbohydrates are a good source of energy, but can be a problem if you have diabetes. They are found in foods like:
- Bread
- Pasta
- Rice
- Cereal
- Potatoes
Eat More Protein to Fight Muscle Loss
Protein (along with exercise) helps your body build and maintain muscles. During times of infection, protein stored in muscles, cells, and hormones can get burned as a fuel source. This can lead to muscle wasting.
HIV+ people may need 1.5 to 2 times as much protein as HIV- people. You should try to eat at least three serving of protein each day. Foods high in protein include:
- Beef
- Pork
- Chicken
- Fish
- Beans, chickpeas, soybeans, and nuts
Animal sources of protein are high in saturated fats, and should be used in moderation -- especially if you have elevated cholesterol or you're at risk for heart disease.
Fiber, Water, Fruits, and Vegetables for Gut Health
A healthy intestinal tract is necessary in order for your body to get what it needs from foods, supplements, and medications. Foods high in fiber can help regulate bowel movements and support your gut. These include:
- Oats
- Whole grain bread
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Beans
- Apples
- Raisins
- Prunes
Water (9-11 8 oz cups a day), juices, fresh fruits, and vegetables can help you digest and eliminate waste. Animal fat, especially dairy, can aggravate diarrhea. If diarrhea's a problem, you may need to cut back on animal fat, fried foods, and sugary foods.
Supplements
HIV+ people need more vitamins to build and repair tissue. It isn't always possible to get all the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) from foods you eat. Vitamins deficiencies can cause problems such as anemia.
While supplements do not replace a well-balanced diet, they can help you get the additional micronutrients you need. Most nutritionists treating HIV+ people recommend at a minimum:
- Regular use of a multivitamin (with trace elements)
- B Complex
- Additional supplementation as needed in individuals (such as calcium pills for women who don't get enough dairy)
Speak to your doctor and see a registered dietician for a nutritional evaluation. They can help you determine what combination of diet changes and supplementation can correct any micronutrient deficiencies you have.
Practice Food Safety
It's very important to protect yourself against infections that can be carried by food or water:
- Wash your hands before preparing or eating food
- Wash all fruits and vegetables carefully
- Don't eat raw or undercooked eggs or meat
- Use bottled water if the public water supply isn't totally pure
Taking Care of Yourself
It's not easy to stick to a well-balanced and healthy diet. But the benefits of good nutrition are clear. Well-nourished people have a healthier immune system and are better prepared to fight off infections. In addition, many HIV+ people use food and supplements to manage a variety of complications and side effects.
Think of your diet and supplements as part of your total strategy to fight HIV and stay healthy. Although research has yet to identify specific recommendations for HIV+ people, a well-balanced and varied diet that includes all vitamins and minerals seems to be the best way to go. Work with your doctor and a dietician or nutritionist on a regular basis to develop the best plan for you.
