You may feel that many things are out of your control if you have HIV. But you
can control what you eat and drink, and how much. Good nutrition is an important
part of your plan to stay well.
Eating right can make your body and your immune system stronger.
When you are HIV-positive, you may need to eat more. Be sure to eat a diet
that is high in proteins and calories.
Exercise can stimulate your appetite and make you feel like eating more.
Drink plenty of liquids to help your body deal with any medications you
are taking. If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, you will need to drink
more than usual.
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.
You can use certain foods and beverages to help you deal with symptoms and
side effects.
Before taking vitamin and mineral supplements, check with your VA health
care provider.
Remember, there is no one "right" way to eat. Eating well means getting the right
amount of nutrients for your particular needs. Your VA health care provider can
refer you to a dietitian or nutritionist who can help design a good diet for
you.
For general guidelines on good nutrition, you can follow the U.S. Government's
Food Pyramid guide. Check it out here: http://www.mypyramid.gov/.
