Living Healthy With HIV/AIDS
A Nutrition and Fitness Approach

Eat a combination of different foods daily. Combination and variety are the key to providing the nourishment the body needs to build and replace worn out muscle and T-cells. Maintaining lean muscle mass and a good immune response is important in HIV infection. As the immune system lacks the energy and other fuels to generate cell growth, the risk of HIV progression increases. Your body may need new red blood cells depending on the side effects of medications; your eating habits and if you are a menstruating female. Oxidative stress within the body is believed to stimulate the secretion of “TNF-a” (Tumor Necrotic Factor-Alpha), a protein from infected T-cells causing anorexia, wasting and the proliferation of the HIV virus. A daily meal plan consisting of a combination of various common and ethnic foods will provide the essential antioxidants to prevent or control injury from oxidation.

These nutrients are categorized as protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, fats, and water. Nutrients are derived from the food you incorporate in your daily meal plan. Consumption of a wide variety of foods will ensure that the body receives the nutrients it needs to function properly. Consuming various foods in a daily meal plan will assist in controlling weight and preserve the integrity of the lean body mass and satisfy hunger. The food pyramid is designed as a guideline to help you learn what foods you should eat. You can also consult with a Nutritionist to help you understand more about nutrients.

For more information continue to visit this website. A nutritionist is available at the Poverello Food Bank, four (4) days per week from 10A.M.–3 P.M, (Eastern Time) and on Friday, by appointment.