The recommended diet for HIV patients

One way to help patients living with the virus lead a healthy life and curb the virus is by maintaining a healthy diet. Hence, it is highly recommended that people living with HIV/AIDS reduce foods with added sugar such as sweets and soft drinks and foods with high-fat and proteins. Lots of fruits and vegetables are an added bonus in boosting immunity and should be considered while coming up with a diet for someone living with HIV.
 

Can HIV-positive patients take the same diet as those living without the virus?

Someone living with HIV/AIDS is more prone to infections than those who do not live with the virus. So, a person living with HIV will require a lot of energy since the body is constantly fighting infections because of their compromised immunity. This makes the infected person demand more nutrients than a person who does not live with the virus.

The gut walls of such patients are severely damaged for which the nutrients are not well absorbed into the body as required. The appetite for such people is constantly reduced due to tiredness, along with symptoms such as vomiting and nausea. These are several reasons that make people living with the virus reduce their food intake. This is another reason why such people require a different diet from those who do not have the virus.

However, regardless of the presence of the virus in the body, a healthy diet is recommended for all.
 

What foods were restricted before and why?

They restricted high-fat sources of proteins such as raw eggs, meats, and milk for patients living with this virus called AIDS. The reason for this was that such foods increase fats in such patients, which is not recommended for digestion and may cause overweight in some patients. Should note that some patients require weight loss, while others need to gain more of it. Therefore, this theory is not applicable for all patients.
 

What should they avoid? (Alcohol and alike)

HIV/AIDS patients should avoid drinks with added sugar, such as soft drinks and sodas. They are also recommended to have less milk and its products such as cheese. Alcohol is not so much of a concern as long as the patient does not take it in excess to the point that they forget to take their medication.
 

What lifestyle routine they should follow

Most people living with the virus are easily affected mentally due to stigma and isolation. Hence most are prone to depression and mental illnesses. This consequently requires their lifestyle to involve a lot of mental support and stress management. Antiretroviral treatment becomes a part of their lifestyle. This, therefore, requires them to avoid excessive use of drugs and alcohol. Part of healthy living needs proper and regular body exercise. Last but not least, a healthy eating lifestyle is highly required for people living with HIV/AIDS.