Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic disease, caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS, which attacks your white blood cells, has a dramatic impact on your immune system. In addition to medical treatments, such as drug therapy, a healthy, nutritious diet can enhance your immune system and help prevent HIV and AIDS complications, such as infections and unintentional weight loss. For best results, seek specified guidance from a qualified health care professional before altering your diet.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are prime sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which support your body's ability to defend itself from infections and disease. Tufts University HIV/AIDS nutrition experts, Margo Woods and Emily Potts, as well as dietitian Joan Connors, recommend aiming for five to six servings, or roughly 3 cups, of fruits and vegetables per day. Choose fresh, colorful varieties, such as berries, citrus fruits, apples, red grapes, cantaloupe, kiwi, tomatoes, leafy greens, bell peppers, broccoli and brussels sprouts for maximum antioxidant benefits.
High-Quality Protein
Protein provides amino acids---the building blocks of lean tissue. Protein-rich foods promote strong immune system function, cognitive abilities and tissue repair. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends high-quality protein sources, such as organic eggs, lean meats, soy and dairy products, for improved muscle tissue and to prevent unintentional weight loss that may occur as a side effect of HIV/AIDS treatment. Examples of valuable protein-rich foods include baked skinless chicken or turkey breasts, grilled turkey burgers, egg and vegetable omelets, edamame, baked or grilled tofu, grilled fish fillets and low-fat milk, yogurt, cottage cheese and smoothies.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are rich sources of fiber and nutrients, such as iron---a nutrient important for HIV/AIDS patients. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends replacing refined carbohydrate sources, such as enriched breads, pasta and snack foods, with complex sources, such as whole grains. For best results, incorporate a variety of whole grains, such as oats, quinoa, spelt, millet, bulgur, whole wheat, wild rice, brown rice, barley and popcorn, into your diet regularly. When purchasing whole grain foods, check packaging to ensure that whole grains are listed as main ingredients.
Healthy Fats
Dietary fats help your body absorb certain nutrients, such as vitamin K and E. They also enhance food texture, hair and skin health and brain function. Woods, Potts and Connors recommend eating at least one serving of nuts or seeds---healthy fat sources---per day. Choose healthy, unsaturated fat sources most often, which include olive oil, canola oil, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, pecans, avocados and fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and sardines.
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