HIV & Nutrition - A.J.

Why is good nutrition important for people living with HIV?

Good nutrition is about finding and maintaining a healthy eating style. Good nutrition supports overall health and helps maintain the immune system. It also helps people with HIV maintain a healthy weight and absorb HIV medicines.

HIV attacks and destroys the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight off infections. People with HIV take a combination of HIV medicines (called an HIV treatment regimen) every day. The medicines prevent HIV from destroying the immune system. A healthy diet also helps strengthen the immune system and keep people living with HIV healthy.

What is a healthy diet for people living with HIV?
In general, the basics of a healthy diet are the same for everyone, including people living with HIV.

Eat a variety of foods from the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy. Also, stay hydrated.
Eat the right amount of food to maintain a healthy weight.
Choose foods low in saturated fat, sodium (salt), and added sugars.

Can HIV or HIV medicines cause nutrition-related problems?
HIV and HIV medicines can sometimes cause nutrition-related problems. For example, some HIV-related infections can make it hard to eat or swallow. Side effects from HIV medicines, such as loss of appetite, nausea, or diarrhea can make it hard to stick to an HIV regimen. If you have HIV and are having a nutrition-related problem, talk to your health care provider.

To avoid nutrition-related problems, people with HIV must also pay attention to food safety.

Coping with Special Problems

Your body may have a variety of responses to HIV and you may also experience side effects from medications. Here are tips for dealing with some of the most common problems.

Nausea and vomiting
Try bland, low-fat foods, such as plain pasta, canned fruit, or plain broth.
Eat smaller meals every one to two hours.
Avoid greasy or spicy foods, or foods with strong odours.
Drink ginger tea or ginger ale.
Eat more cold foods and fewer hot foods.
Rest between meals, but don't lay flat.
Ask your doctor about nausea medications.

Diarrhea
Drink more fluids than usual. Try diluted juices or Gatorade.
Limit milk and sugary or caffeinated drinks.
Eat slowly and more frequently.
Avoid greasy foods.
Try the B.R.A.T. diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) for a brief time.
Instead of fresh produce, try well-cooked vegetables or canned ones.
Try calcium carbonate supplements or fiber supplements like Metamucil wafers.

Lack of appetite
Exercise to help stimulate your appetite.
Don't drink too much right before meals.
Eat with family or friends, making meals as attractive as possible.
Try smaller, more frequent meals.
Include a variety of textures, shapes, and colors.
Ask your doctor about medications that stimulate appetite.

Too much weight loss
Include more protein, carbohydrates, and fats in your diet.
Use cream or half and half on cereals. Add ice cream to desserts.
Eat dried fruits or nuts for snacks.
Talk to your doctor about adding a nutrition supplement, such as Boost, Ensure, or Carnation Instant Breakfast.
Ask your doctor about medications that stimulate appetite and treat nausea.

Mouth and swallowing problems
Eat soft foods such as yogurt or mashed potatoes.
Avoid raw vegetables; cook them instead.
Choose softer fruits, such as bananas or pears.
Stay away from acidic foods, such as oranges, lemons, and tomatoes.
See your doctor to make sure you do not have an opportunistic infection or need more diagnostic testing.

Lipodystrophy (fat redistribution syndrome)
Limit fat, especially saturated and trans fats.
Choose unsaturated fats and sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna.
Limit alcohol, and refined sugars.
Prevent insulin resistance by limiting foods that raise glucose and insulin levels: primarily carbohydrates.
Eat more fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Exercise.

Source: Guide for HIV/AIDs Nutrition