Nutrition After an HIV Diagnosis | Living Y Ready

Let’s talk health so you can be Living Y Ready! When it comes to living with HIV, we’ve covered family dynamics, keeping the stigma out, having emotional support, getting your family involved, and now, we talk about food.

Various studies have shown that proper nutrition helps maintain our quality of life. When the immune system is not receiving the nutrients it needs, it can no longer do its job of fighting infections; that is called immunodeficiency. 

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV is a virus that enters the body and attacks the defense system, which makes the human body unprotected against many infections. Food becomes a very important tool when our immune system is compromised. The type of diet of an HIV positive person is of the utmost importance to maintain their health. Learning to select the foods we consume well, to identify in which foods each nutrient is found, is vital to give the body the proper nutrition. 

A balanced and healthy diet is the best way to prevent disease and potentialize your health and the functions of your system. Therefore, we’ve consulted with the experts about what are some of the key steps to take.

• A protein-rich diet: Your immune system is fed by protein molecules, even so, our system is made out of proteins. So there must be lots of low-fat proteins in your diet like chicken, low-fat red meat, egg whites, or at least 1g of protein per pound of your body.

• Keep processed foods to a minimum: it’s not the same to eat white rice as brown rice, the second option is more beneficial for your health as it has more fiber and nutrients.
• 5-6 servings of vegetables a day: Consuming antioxidants is crucial to your health, and even  better if you consume them in its raw and original form, rather than supplements.

• Avoid too many supplements: Ingesting nutrients in excess can be counterproductive. Choosing natural sources of vitamins or nutrients that can be found in fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid trans fats and foods that contain a high amount of colorants and preservatives. As your immune system may be more compromised, it may be harder for it to process these foods.
• Eat Fiber-Rich foods: fruits, vegetables, are your best option! Eat small portions, but a few more times a day. 

What if someone who is HIV positive has no desire to eat?

Smoothies with fruits and vegetables are the answer. If you have no desire to chew, the lysine amino acid supplements could be helpful. 

“Without the right foodsHIV can evolve in a negative way a lot faster in the body when it has a lot less defenses to fight any disease. So, make an effort and eat, even if you don’t feel like you want to, you should eat without appetite, if you can’t chew, please make smoothies,” says nutritionist and biochemist José Roselló. 

An HIV positive person can prevent other illnesses by keeping a well-balanced diet with foods and drinks that are necessary for the body. Make sure you watch the full conversations about living with HIV on our Living Y Ready series. New episodes coming soon!