Good nutrition is essential for all individuals, healthy or ill. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that can result in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HIV damages the body's CD4 T cells, blood cells that help the body fight disease. Treatment for HIV often leads to conditions such as wasting and diarrhea, making good nutrition essential. Healthy eating helps maintain strength and a healthy immune system.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines a healthy diet as one that provides enough of each essential nutrient, contains a variety of foods from all of the basic food groups, provides adequate energy to maintain a healthy weight and does not contain excess fat, sugar, salt or alcohol. The body needs six nutrients to thrive and function properly: protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water. Persons with HIV should work with a registered dietitian to develop an eating strategy to ensure adequate consumption of essential nutrients to fight the virus.
Protein
Protein builds organs, muscles and components of the immune system. A protein-deficient diet forces the body to use muscle protein to compensate for a decrease in energy resulting in a weakened immune system. HIV-positive men should take in between 100 and 150g of protein per day. Women with HIV should eat between 80 and 100g per day. Healthy options include lean meat, fish, low-fat dairy, eggs, legumes, nuts and beans.
Fat
The body utilizes fat for energy storage. Daily fat intake should be between 25 and 35 percent of total calories. According to Tufts University, people with HIV may have high cholesterol and triglycerides related to medication, requiring caution with regard to heart disease. Choosing healthy unsaturated fats can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Avocados, olive oil, vegetable oil, walnuts, almonds, salmon, herring, tuna and trout are good sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Saturated fat intake should be limited to less than 7 percent of total calories. Meat, poultry, whole fat dairy, fried foods and baked goods are high in saturated fat and should be limited whenever possible.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy. The Recommended Daily Allowance for carbohydrates is six servings a day, half of which should be whole grains. One serving is one slice of bread, 3/4 cup of cereal or 1/2 cup of cooked rice. Steel-cut oatmeal, brown rice or 100 percent whole grain bread are good sources of whole grains. Whole grains are also high in fiber, which is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and decreased cholesterol levels, according to the American Heart Association.
Calorie Intake
The body needs calories to function properly. People with HIV need to maintain an increased caloric intake to maintain weight and muscle mass. Tufts University recommends between 17 and 20 calories per pound of body weight. During times of illness, HIV patients may require between 20 and 25 calories per day to prevent wasting or further compromising the immune system. Nutrition supplements such as shakes or gels may be necessary to reach adequate calorie levels.
Food Safety
Having a compromised immune system puts HIV patients at an increased risk for food-borne illness. It is important to practice good food safety to limit exposure to food-borne pathogens. Fruits and vegetables should be throughly washed. Avoid consumption of raw foods including sushi, meat and eggs. Use separate, clean cutting boards for meats and produce. Use only filtered or store-bought water to avoid parasites, viruses and bacteria.
