HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, can lead to AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. HIV destroys the CD4+ T cells and affects the body's ability to fight diseases. AIDS is the late stage of HIV. Common transmission methods of HIV include unprotected sex, sharing needles and mother-to-child transmission through pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. Medications have allowed HIV patients to live longer with the disease and to slow the development of AIDS.
Statistics
Approximately 1.1 million people in the United States have HIV according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reported that 56,300 people were newly infected in 2008; more than half of these newly diagnosed individuals were gay or bisexual men. In the United States in 2008, 42,439 individuals were diagnosed with HIV and 37,991 were diagnosed with AIDS.
Nutrition Implications
Maintaining a healthy diet is necessary for managing HIV. Marcia Nelms, coauthor of "Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology," suggests that improving nutritional status in HIV/AIDS patients can improve their clinical outcomes. HIV leads to increased protein breakdown, resulting in weight loss and muscle wasting. HIV and its opportunistic infections can also result in appetite loss, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and oral lesions, which can all affect nutrient absorption. HIV and AIDS patients may also experience lower levels of vitamin B6, B12, E, A, selenium, iron and zinc.
Nutrition Therapy
Calories and protein needs are increased during HIV/AIDS due to weight loss and muscle wasting, "Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology" indicates. Thus, increasing calories and protein will help you to maintain your weight. The AIDS charity AVERT recommends that calorie intake should increase by 10 percent. During an opportunistic infection or illness, AVERT suggests that calorie needs can be increased by up to 30 percent. Multivitamin and mineral supplementation may be needed to correct micronutrient deficiencies. Supplements or appetite stimulants can also be used to prevent or reverse wasting.
Symptom Management
If you have a poor appetite, eating five to six small meals per day could help. Keep snacks with you at all times in the event that you get hungry. Avoiding fluids at mealtimes to prevent fullness can also help with poor appetite. If you are experiencing diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, replace the lost fluids and electrolytes as soon as possible. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse suggests that fatty and high fiber foods can exacerbate diarrhea and should therefore be avoided. If you have oral lesions, avoid tough, spicy or hot foods. Eating moist and soft foods are recommended for oral lesions.
Inreasing Calories and Protein
There are several ways to increase calories and protein in your diet. Add butter to vegetables, potatoes, rice or pasta. Use milk with a higher percentage of fat, and add it to hot or cold cereals. Add sour cream to baked potatoes. Add cheese to sandwiches, casseroles, vegetables or potatoes. Use regular products instead of low-fat or low-calorie options. You can add protein to your diet by adding meat, poultry or fish to salads, casseroles or omelets. For a snack, add peanut butter to fruit, crackers or toast. Eat scrambled eggs or omelets, or add eggs to salads or casseroles. Make a smoothie with yogurt, milk or frozen yogurt. You can also use milk instead of water in hot cereals and soups.
Warning
Speak with a doctor or dietitian before making dietary changes.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: HIV/AIDS Statistics and Surveillance: Basic Statistics.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Basic Information about HIV and AIDS.
- "Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology"; Marcia Nelms, Kathryn Sucher, Sara Long; 2007
- Avert: HIV and nutrition
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Diarrhea.
