Healthy Eating For Those With Hiv

Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a viral infection that depletes the immune system, leaving you susceptible to infection and increased risk of tumors. HIV can progress into AIDS. As of 2011, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but there is treatment to slow the progression of HIV through anti-viral medications and maintaining good nutrition to support the immune system and prevent muscle-wasting and weight loss. Talk to your doctor about nutritional supplements if you are unable to consume adequate nutrition.

Adequate Calories

Weight loss is a common problem that leads to malnutrition and decreased survival rates among those with HIV. Consuming an adequate number of calories is essential to maintaining weight and preventing weight loss in this population. According to Sylvia Escott-Stump, a dietitian and author, 35 to 40 calories per kilogram -- or 16 to 18 calories per pound -- of body weight are needed daily for those with HIV. This can be done by consuming a balanced diet of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables through frequent meals and snacks.

Adequate Protein

Protein needs with HIV are much higher than for those in the general population. Eating adequate protein helps strengthen your immune system and prevents muscle breakdown and wasting. Consuming 2 to 2.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.9 to 1.1 grams per pound, is recommended, according to Escott-Stump. High-protein foods include all animal sources such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy. Beans and nuts are rich sources of protein in addition to other essential nutrients that should be included in your diet. Nutrition and protein supplements are available to increase your intake if you are unable to consume adequate amounts through your diet.

Fats

Fats are essential for good nutrition and are high in calories, which help those with HIV maintain weight. It is recommended to consume less than 30 percent of your daily calories from fat, but certain medications needed with HIV can cause increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These are among the main causes of heart disease, so consuming only the appropriate fats is important, according to members of the nutrition and infection department at Tufts University Medical Center. According to Tufts' School of Medicine, saturated fats, which contribute to heart disease, should make up 7 percent of an HIV patient's calories per day; monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats should both represent 10 percent of total calories. All percentages are consistent with the general heart-healthy guidelines for all adults. Saturated-fat sources to limit in your diet include full-fat dairy products, butter, fatty meats and foods fried in coconut or safflower oil. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, fats that prevent against heart disease, include fish, nuts, avocados and seeds and oils such as canola and olive oil.

Adequate Minerals

Adequate consumption of certain minerals is important to strengthening the immune systems of those infected with HIV. Iron, which is found in red meats, spinach and fortified grains, is important to prevent anemia. Selenium and zinc are important to your immune system. Selenium, which enhances immune function and response, can be found in whole-grain products, millet, milk, cheese, yogurt, meats, poultry, eggs, nuts and beans. Consuming adequate amounts of zinc protects against a zinc deficiency that can cause a poor appetite. Rich sources of zinc include animal proteins, whole-grain products, especially cereals, dried beans, nuts and dairy products.

Vitamins

Adequate vitamins are essential in maintaining your immune system, especially B vitamins and vitamins A and C. Deficiencies in these vitamins have been linked to the increased progression of HIV, according to the Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Rich sources of vitamin A include spinach, green peppers, carrots and mangoes. Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, grapefruit, cabbage and potatoes. B vitamins can be found in meats, poultry eggs, whole-grain foods and legumes. Nutrients are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, which can become damaged with HIV, so additional supplementation may be needed if you are unable to consume adequate amounts.