The human immunodeficiency virus, widely known as HIV, is a viral condition that can lead to AIDS or the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The HIV virus damages your body's CD4 T cells, which are important in helping your body fight disease and promote healthy immune functions, reports the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Since HIV treatment often leads to diarrhea and nausea, good nutrition is important. Healthy eating helps maintain a healthy immune system and overall body strength.
Protein
Protein builds muscles, organs and components of your immune system. A protein-deficient diet regimen forces your body to utilize muscle protein to make up for energy reduction, which results in a weakened immune system. According to Tufts University School of Medicine, HIV-positive males should consume between 100 and 150 g of protein daily while women with HIV should eat protein in the amounts of 80 to 100 g daily. Healthy protein options include eggs, nuts, beans, legumes, low-fat dairy, lean meat and fish.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are your body's main energy source and important for HIV patients. The Recommended Daily Allowance for carbohydrate sources is 6 daily servings, half of that amount should consist of whole grains. One serving is equivalent to 1/2 cup of cooked rice, 3/4 cereal or one slice of bread. Brown rice, 100 percent whole grain bread and steel-cut oatmeal are healthy sources of whole grains. Fiber, another key ingredient in whole grains, is associated with reduced cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease, reports the American Heart Association.
Fats
Your body utilizes fat for energy storage. According to Tufts University, HIV patients should consume an amount of 25 to 35 of total calories. HIV patients may have triglycerides and high cholesterol related to medication, which requires caution with regard to your cardiovascular health. Choose healthy unsaturated fats to lower your heart disease risk. Walnuts, olive oil, avocados, vegetable oil, herring, salmon, tuna, trout and almonds are beneficial sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Limit your saturated fat intake to no more than 7 percent of your total calories. Fried foods, baked goods, whole fat dairy and poultry should be limited as they are high in saturated fat.
Caloric Intake
Your body needs calories to operate properly. HIV patients need to sustain a substantial amount of calories to maintain muscle mass and weight. Tufts University Medical School suggests between 17 and 20 calories daily, based on per pound of body weight. However, during times of illness, you may require up to 25 calories daily to prevent body wasting or immune system problems. Nutrition supplements such as gels or shakes may be utilized to reach adequate caloric levels.
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