AIDS, also known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is the end-stage of an infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV. This virus attacks and kills white blood cells, which causes the immune system to become too weak to fight the virus. One of the obstacles that AIDS patients face is that their body faces increased nutritional demands, which means that they may need to alter their diet.
Features
There are two different aspects to AIDS nutrition, TheBody explains: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins and fats, which provide calories. The other part of AIDS nutrition is micronutrients, which are vitamins and minerals. Micronutrients do not add any calories to the diet but help keep cells in the body functioning properly.
Importance
Proper nutrition can help AIDS patients in many different ways, Tufts University states. Good nutrition can keep the immune system stronger for longer, which helps prevent serious AIDS-related health problems. People with AIDS also often have problems with weight loss and wasting. Having a balanced diet can also increase the effectiveness of the medications used to treat HIV, and can also help prevent some of the symptoms associated with HIV/AIDS.
Considerations
Although there are no diets that can boost your immune system, HIV Insite notes, when the immune system is fighting off an HIV infection, it needs more energy. People who are underweight and have HIV need to consume extra calories. People who have AIDS may also need to consume more calories to help fight off the more advanced forms of a HIV infection. HIV Insite explains that AIDS patients should consume more protein and calories, which can come in the form of carbohydrates and fats.
Risks
One major risk of HIV is wasting syndrome, TheBody reports. Wasting syndrome is the gradual result of lean muscle, which is a sign of advanced AIDS, although people who are experiencing wasting syndrome may also lose body fat in addition to muscle. Wasting syndrome can be life-threatening; people who lose more than 5 percent of their body weight who are HIV positive should contact their physician about the possibility of wasting syndrome. Wasting syndrome can be prevented by consuming extra calories and protein, as this can help prevent muscle loss.
Supplements
People with HIV may need to take vitamin supplements, HIV Insite notes. Because of the increased nutritional needs of AIDS patients, it can be difficult to get enough vitamins into the diet. Many patients take multivitamins or other supplements, though even with regular supplementation a healthy and well-balanced diet is important.
