▪️Why is good nutrition important for people living with HIV?
Good nutrition is about finding and maintaining a healthy eating style. Good nutrition supports overall health and helps maintain the immune system. It also helps people with HIV maintain a healthy weight and absorb HIV medicines.

HIV attacks and destroys the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight off infections. People with HIV take a combination of HIV medicines (called an HIV treatment regimen) every day. The medicines prevent HIV from destroying the immune system. A healthy diet also helps strengthen the immune system and keep people with HIV healthy.

▪️What is a healthy diet for people living with HIV?
•-In general, the basics of a healthy diet are the same for everyone, including people with HIV.
•-Eat a variety of foods from the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy.
•-Eat the right amount of food to maintain a healthy weight.
•-Choose foods low in saturated fat, sodium (salt), and added sugars.

▪️Can HIV or HIV medicines cause nutrition-related problems?
HIV and HIV medicines can sometimes cause nutrition-related problems. For example, some HIV-related infections can make it hard to eat or swallow. Side effects from HIV medicines, such as loss of appetite, nausea, or diarrhea, can make it hard to stick to an HIV regimen. If you have HIV and are having a nutrition-related problem, talk to your health care provider.

To avoid nutrition-related problems, people with HIV must also pay attention to food safety.

▪️What is food safety?
Food and water can be contaminated with germs that cause illnesses (called foodborne illnesses or food poisoning). Food safety is about how to select, handle, prepare, and store food to prevent foodborne illnesses.

To Read more https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/hiv-and-nutrition-and-food-safety

Other HIV/AIDS and Nutrition Sources:

https://www.who.int/hac/techguidance/pht/8518.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/healthy-living.html

https://hab.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hab/clinical-quality-management/2014guide.pdf