Many symptoms of HIV, as well as the side effects caused by HIV medicines, can be
helped by using (or avoiding) certain types of foods and drinks. Below are some tips for dealing with common problems people with HIV face. You
should also look in the side effects section for more information.  | Nausea | | - Try the BRATT Diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Tea, and Toast).
- Try some ginger--in tea, ginger ale, or ginger snaps.
- Don't drink liquids at the same time you eat your meals.
- Eat something small, like crackers, before getting out of bed.
- Keep something in your stomach; eat a small snack every 1-2 hours.
- Avoid foods like:
- Fatty, greasy, or fried foods
- Very sweet foods (candy, cookies, or cake)
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| Mouth and Swallowing Problems | | - Avoid hard or crunchy foods such as raw vegetables.
- Try eating cooked vegetables and soft fruits (like bananas and pears).
- Avoid very hot foods and beverages. Cold and room temperature foods
will be more comfortable to your mouth.
- Do not eat spicy foods. They can sting your mouth.
- Try soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and oatmeal.
- Also try scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, macaroni and cheese, and
canned fruits.
- Rinse your mouth with water. This can moisten your mouth, remove bits
of food, and make food taste better to you.
- Stay away from oranges, grapefruit, and tomatoes. They have a lot of
acid and can sting your mouth.
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| Diarrhea | | - Try the BRATT Diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Tea, and Toast).
- Keep your body's fluids up (hydrated) with water, Gatorade, or other
fluids (those that don't have caffeine).
- Limit sodas and other sugary drinks.
- Avoid greasy and spicy foods.
- Avoid milk and other dairy products.
- Eat small meals and snacks every hour or 2.
- Try taking Glutamine protein powder to help repair the intestinal
lining.
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