People with HIV/AIDS who are showing symptoms need to be especially mindful about following a healthy diet. Nutrition is of concern for these patients as they experience many dietary challenges that may prevent them from receiving adequate amounts of nutrients. Without following a healthy diet, the condition of a person suffering from HIV/AIDS may deteriorate quickly.
Dietary Considerations
If you have HIV/AIDS, it reduces your immunity. This has two implications for nutrition. First, you need to consume plenty of the nutrients that improve immune function to help keep your immune function as high as possible. Second, your reduced immune function may make it harder for you to consume the nutrients you need due to the illnesses you get. In times of illness, you need even more calories to fuel your body's fight against the illness. Illnesses that cause diarrhea or vomiting or make food unappealing, however, can make it harder to consume enough food to provide this energy.
Healthy Diet
You should consume a diet consisting of 25 percent fat, 50 to 60 percent carbohydrates and 15 to 20 percent protein, according to the Tufts University School of Medicine. The exact amount of calories you need depends on your weight. If your weight is stable and you are not suffering from any infections, you should eat between 17 and 20 calories per pound. If you have an infection, you should increase this to 20 calories per pound, and if you are losing weight you should consume 25 calories per pound. Consume at least 3 cups of fruits and vegetables, and make half of your carbohydrates whole grains.
Nutrients of Concern
If you are losing weight, you should consume more calories to counteract this weight loss. Try eating more meals and snacks, and add foods that are higher in fat to increase calories. Eat plenty of protein-rich foods, and add beans and nuts to increase both nutrition and calories. Add sweets to your foods if that makes them more appealing so you can eat more. Vitamins and minerals that are especially important for those with AIDS include the B vitamins, iron, zinc, selenium and vitamins A, C, and E, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Food Safety
Since AIDS weakens your immune system, you need to pay particular attention to food safety. Make sure to wash your hands and all surfaces and utensils well that touch your food. Wash all your fruits and vegetables before eating them. Use separate cutting boards for meats and produce, and avoid eating any meat, seafood or eggs that are not fully cooked.
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