August 28, 2014
Good nutrition means eating the right kinds and amounts of food. Good nutrition can be a problem for many people with HIV. In order to fight infection, the body uses energy and nutrients from food at an increased rate.
Some medications can upset your stomach, and some opportunistic infections can affect the mouth or throat. This makes it difficult to eat. Also, some medications and infections cause diarrhea (see Fact Sheet 554.) If you have diarrhea, your body actually uses less of what you eat. This is called malabsorption. If you experience an upset stomach, diarrhea, or mouth pain, see your doctor and dietitian.
First, eat more often. Try to eat 4-6 times per day instead of 2-3 times per day. This will help prevent muscle loss. Extra muscle weight will help you fight HIV. This is very important. Many people want to lose weight, but for people with HIV, it can be dangerous.
Make sure you eat plenty of meat, fruits, and vegetables.
A moderate exercise program will help your body turn your food into muscle. Within 15 minutes after exercise, eat a small meal or snack with meat, fruits, and veggies or drink a glass of chocolate milk. Take it easy, and work exercise into your daily activities. See Fact Sheet 802 for more information on exercise.
Drinking enough liquids is very important when you have HIV. Extra water can reduce the side effects of medications. It can help you avoid a dry mouth and constipation. Remember that drinking tea, coffee, colas, chocolate, or alcohol can actually make you lose body liquid. The best way to know if you're getting enough water is to monitor the color of your urine. Light-yellow is ideal.
Supplements can be dangerous. Avoid supplements unless you have discussed with your doctor and dietitian. Supplements (vitamins, minerals, protein powder, meal replacement drinks, amino acids, herbs) are often contaminated, expensive, and not regulated by the FDA. Supplements could contain ingredients that interfere with your medications.
Eating healthy foods is very important for people with HIV. When you are HIV-positive, you will need to change the types and amounts of foods you're eating.
Be sure to eat a balanced diet, including plenty of lean meats, fruits & vegetables, and whole grain foods. An exercise program will help build and maintain muscle.
Drink plenty of liquids to help your body deal with any medications you are taking.
Practice food safety. Keep your kitchen clean, wash foods, and be careful about food preparation and storage. If your tap water isn't pure, drink bottled water.
If you feel you need to use nutritional supplements, be sure to get some expert advice from your health care provider.
You can get more information on nutrition and HIV from the following:
US Government Food Safety Information: www.foodsafety.gov/
US Government Dietary Guidelines: www.choosemyplate.gov
Dong K, Imai CM.. Medical nutrition therapy for HIV and AIDS. In: Mahan LK, Escott-Stump S, Raymond JL. Krause's Food and the Nutrition Care Process. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:864-883.
This article was provided by AIDS InfoNet. Visit AIDS InfoNet's website to find out more about their activities and publications.