Following good nutritional practices can help ensure that your immune system remains strong if you have the human immunodeficiency virus, also called HIV. Good nutrition also helps the body process the many medications people with HIV take, according to Tufts University School of Medicine. Choosing healthy foods and the proper balance of nutrients are important components of a healthy diet, particularly if your immune system is compromised.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates give you the energy you need to maintain a healthy body. While many foods contain carbohydrates, some carbohydrates are healthier than others. Whole grains and legumes provide a higher amount of vitamins, minerals and fibers than simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates include such foods as sugar, cake, cookies and ice cream. Choosing whole wheat breads and pastas and substituting brown rice for white rice can help you ensure that you are choosing healthier complex carbohydrates.
Fats
Using the right kinds of fat will help you preserve your health and reduce your chance of developing high cholesterol or heart disease. In some cases the medication you take may increase your cholesterol level, requiring you to be particularly careful about the amount of fat in your diet. Avoiding or limiting saturated fats such as butter, palm oil, chicken with skin and fatty meat will reduce your intake of dangerous fats. Instead, substitute monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, fish and nuts and polyunsaturated fat, found in soybeans, corn and sunflower seeds.
Protein
Proteins nourish your organs, muscles and immune system. If you don't receive enough protein and calories through food, your body uses protein from muscle to for fuel, which weakens your body and immune system, according to the Tufts University School of Medicine. Foods that contain protein include lean cuts of beef and pork, eggs, skinless poultry, nuts, dried beans, low-fat dairy products and seeds. Cook meats completely and wash your hands after preparing meats and eggs to prevent infection. If you are losing weight or not getting enough protein try drinking high-calorie protein drinks to supplement the protein you receive from food.
Vegetables and Fruits
Eating vegetables and fruits with every meal, in addition to choosing foods high in protein and low in saturated fats, is part of a healthy diet. Vegetables and fruit also contain fiber, which can be useful in reducing constipation and lowering your cholesterol. Leafy vegetables, broccoli, tomatoes, beans, carrots, citrus fruits, kiwi and bananas contain nutrients and vitamins that are important to your good health. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests avoiding citrus fruits if you have mouth sores. Be sure to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them to prevent infection with E. coli or salmonella bacteria. Because your immune system is weakened, you may suffer more severe symptoms if you develop these infections.
