Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a type of chronic retrovirus, can cause acquired immune deficiency (AIDS). AIDS is a late stage of HIV. HIV attacks the immune system of the body, destroying white cells needed to fight infections.
HIV treatment has advanced a lot, and those with HIV can lead long, healthy lives as long as they are able to access and take their prescribed medication.
Many people living with HIV, in addition to ART and diet, are also interested in other natural ways to improve their health. This article discusses the importance of a healthy diet and supplements for HIV-positive individuals and offers recommendations on how to maintain overall health.
The body's immune system, as well as its proper functioning, depends on nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.
It's therefore important that all people, regardless of whether they have HIV or not, consume a variety of foods rich in nutrients.
A balanced diet can support the immune system and reduce the risk of malnutrition. HIV-positive people are more susceptible to nutrient deficiency and have higher nutritional needs. Some nutrients are particularly important for HIV-positive people, since they play a vital role in immunity and can help reduce the side effects of ART.
Malnutrition is more common in people with HIV than in the general population. Energy needs are about 10% higher for those with HIV asymptomatic and 20–30% greater for those with HIV symptomatic.
In a study conducted in 2019, 812 HIV-positive people were found to be at risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition risk was higher among older adults and women. Hispanic participants had a higher malnutrition risk than black and white participants.
It is possible that HIV-positive people, even if they are not asymptomatic, have a higher need for overall calories and nutrients. This includes protein.
Despite the fact that HIV-positive people have higher protein requirements than HIV-negative people, there are no current guidelines on protein intake.
Some experts, based on older research, recommend 45 to.63 grammes of protein per pound (1.44 g/kg of body weight) for HIV-positive people maintaining muscle mass and weight, and 68 to.9 grammes per kilogramme (1.5-2 g/kg of weight) for HIV-positive people increasing muscle mass.
Other studies have shown nutritional supplements high in protein can help HIV-positive people gain weight and muscle mass.
Plus, research from the past suggests that protein supplements can help boost immunity by increasing the levels of certain blood cells that fight infection, such as CD4 lymphocytes. CD4 counts are used to determine the health status of HIV-positive people.
HIV-positive people are more likely than the general population to be lacking in certain nutrients. This is likely due to immune dysregulation, increased nutrient requirements, nutrient malabsorption, and ART-related effects.
Over time, studies have shown that HIV-positive people are more likely than others to be vitamin and mineral deficient, such as vitamin D, folate, selenium, and vitamin B6.
Numerous studies have shown that HIV-positive individuals are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, which can negatively affect immune function. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to bone disease, depression, and high blood pressure in HIV-positive people.
Research suggests that vitamin D supplements can help replenish vitamin D and improve immune function markers, such as CD4 counts.
Multivitamins or supplements that contain a single nutrient can be beneficial for people living with HIV. They can treat nutritional deficiencies and help them maintain optimal levels of nutrients.
It's better for people with HIV to work with a healthcare team to create a customized supplement regimen, as HIV-positive individuals have different nutritional needs based on factors such as diet, sex, age, or the severity of their disease. Healthcare professionals can assess your levels of vitamin D, B12, and other nutrients if you have HIV. They will then make recommendations for supplements based on the results.
A diet rich in nutrients may reduce the side effects of HIV medications and enhance treatment effectiveness for people living with HIV.
Some ARTs can negatively impact bone health and the ability of the body to metabolize sugars. This may increase your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and decreased bone density.
It is important that people who are HIV-positive and taking ARTs eat a balanced, healthy diet. They should also supplement their diet with specific nutrients as needed.
Diets rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats can help reduce the side effects of ART and HIV, such as insulin resistance and high blood fat.
A balanced diet with high fiber and a low glycemic index may reduce blood fat and promote healthy insulin and blood glucose regulation. Supplementing with vitamins D and calcium can also help to reduce ART-related side effects, such as decreased bone mineral density.
The energy (caloric needs) of those with HIV are higher by around 10% and up to 30% in cases of asymptomatic HIV.
This increased energy requirement can make HIV-positive individuals find it difficult to maintain or gain weight or muscle mass.
One study showed that malnutrition risk was higher for certain groups of HIV-positive people, such as older adults, Hispanics, and females.
According to older research, people with HIV who are food insecure have a higher risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition has been linked to poor physical and mental wellbeing and worse clinical outcomes for people living with HIV.
HIV can increase energy requirements, so it is important to maintain a healthy diet that includes regular meals and snacks.
This is essential for anyone who has HIV, whether or not they are experiencing symptoms. A higher protein diet seems to promote muscle gain and maintenance for HIV-positive people.
You can ensure you meet your daily protein requirements by adding a protein source to every meal and snack. Chicken, fish, beans, and eggs are all examples of sources of protein.
A supplement of protein powder can help HIV-positive people increase their daily needs for protein.
A smoothie or shake made with berries, Greek yogurt, and other nutrient-rich ingredients such as nut butter can improve the quality of your diet.
There is no single diet that will work for everyone when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight and promoting good health.
It's always helpful to receive personalized advice from medical professionals like a registered dietitian.
A healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber is essential for HIV-positive people. A healthy diet is important for maintaining a healthy weight, immune system, mental health, and more.
There is currently no recommended dietary pattern for HIV-positive individuals. Food safety is essential for HIV-positive people because HIV affects their immune system.
Foodborne illness (food poisoning) is a greater risk for people living with HIV. Therefore, certain precautions must be taken to reduce this risk.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services advises HIV-positive people to avoid raw meat, raw eggs, unpasteurized milk, and raw seafood. Before eating fruits and vegetables, they must first be washed thoroughly to remove dirt.
Foodborne illness can be prevented by:
It is recommended that people with HIV eat a variety of nutritious foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and fish. They should also consume healthy fats such as avocados, oil, and nuts and seeds.
A balanced diet will help to minimize the risk of nutritional deficiencies. It will also ensure that your body receives enough protein, vitamins, and minerals, as well as other nutrients important for immune function and muscle mass maintenance.
It is important to note that some HIV-positive people may experience diarrhea or other symptoms as a result of ART side effects, pathogens, or HIV-related intestinal injury.
You can ask your healthcare provider to prescribe medication that will help you reduce the symptoms. They may also recommend a special food plan to treat diarrhea, whether chronic or temporary.
Everyone, including HIV-positive people, should stay hydrated. This is especially important if you have diarrhea that lasts for a long time. It can cause dehydration as well as other complications.
You should consult a doctor if you have diarrhea or any other symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract.
People with HIV have a greater risk of certain diseases. HIV can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes by up to four times.
A diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, and protein may reduce the risk of HIV-related health complications. This is because it improves blood sugar regulation and blood lipid levels.
Each person with HIV may have different needs and benefit from different supplements based on factors such as dietary intake and nutrient deficiencies. Some evidence suggests that certain dietary supplements could be helpful in improving certain aspects of the health of people living with HIV.
One review of nine studies showed that omega-3 supplements reduced triglyceride and heart-protective HDL cholesterol levels in HIV-positive individuals.
In a 2019 review of six studies, there was some evidence that supplementing with 200 mcg selenium daily for 9–24 months could help to delay the decline in CD4 counts among people living with HIV.
Vitamin D supplements can increase vitamin D levels and have been shown to improve CD4 levels, reduce inflammation, and protect bone health.
Those with HIV may benefit from supplementing with calcium, folate, and other nutrients, as well as zinc and B12. You should consult with a healthcare professional to create a customized supplement regimen. Everyone living with HIV will have different needs. They can guide you in choosing supplements that are most beneficial for you and also suggest the appropriate dosage.
Discuss all supplements with your healthcare team. Some supplements, such as herbs like St. John's Wort, vitamin C, and certain forms of calcium, and herbs like St.
There are many ways that people living with HIV can promote their health. They can follow a healthy diet, take certain supplements, and minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
HIV-positive individuals can now live long and full lives thanks to medical advances. Learn more about HIV and the long-term outlook of people living with HIV by clicking here. Healthy lifestyles, regular exercise, and medical care can support your overall well-being.
HIV attacks the immune system of the body, destroying essential white blood cells needed to fight infection. HIV-positive people have a higher need for energy and are more susceptible to nutritional deficiencies.
There is no recommended diet for HIV-positive individuals. However, a balanced, nutrient-dense diet can support the immune system, reduce weight loss, and reduce HIV-related effects such as decreased bone mineral density and diabetes.
People with HIV who follow a healthy diet and receive regular medical attention can improve their physical and mental health even further by getting enough rest, exercising regularly, and creating a wellness plan with a professional.
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