Once an invariably fatal disease, HIV is no longer an automatic death sentence. While life-saving antiretroviral drugs play a central role in controlling HIV infection, they are most effective when used as part of an overall healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition. Understanding the role of medical nutrition therapy in HIV treatment enables patients and their doctors to create the most effective treatment protocol for a better prognosis.
Purpose
Medical nutrition therapy involves nutritional assessment and counseling provided by dietitians and nutritionists. According to the AIDS Project Los Angeles, national antiretroviral treatment guidelines mandate that HIV patients have access to nutritional therapies as part of an overall treatment program. The purpose of medical nutrition therapy is to optimize immunity while preventing weight loss and nutrient deficiencies that can occur in people with HIV. It is not intended as a replacement for medications or other standard therapies, but can be helpful when used in conjunction with them.
Diet
A healthy, well-balanced diet is vital for the health of people with HIV. Unfortunately, the virus and medications used to treat it can cause nausea and appetite loss that make it difficult to eat. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs suggests eating smaller meals throughout the day, exercising to stimulate appetite and eating whenever you feel well enough to do so. Underweight HIV patients and those with high viral counts may require additional protein and calories, while overweight individuals should follow the Food Pyramid guide to achieve a healthy weight.
Nutritional Supplements
Even with an ideal diet, it can be difficult to obtain all the essential nutrients the body needs each day. Dietary supplements can help to fill in the gaps by providing vitamins, minerals and other vital nutrients. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, multivitamin supplements have been shown to delay HIV progression by increasing CD4 and CD8 cell counts and lowering viral loads. Immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C, selenium and zinc may be especially important for people whose immune systems are depleted by HIV. To prevent dangerous drug interactions, ask your doctor before adding a new supplement to your regimen.
Food Safety
Because food-borne illness can be life-threatening for people with immune suppression, food safety is an integral part of medical nutrition therapy. The Food and Drug Administration states that keeping utensils, counter tops and other food preparation items clean is one of the best ways to prevent food poisoning. To further reduce your risk, avoid eating undercooked meat and raw dairy products and check the expiration date on all perishable food products. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food and avoid thawing meat at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
References
- AIDS Project Los Angeles: HIV Medical Nutrition Therapy
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: HIV/AIDS: Diet and Nutrition
- New England Journal of Medicine: A Randomized Trial of Multivitamin Supplements and HIV Disease Progression and Mortality
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Eating Defensively: Food Safety Advice for Persons with AIDS
