What Food Can I Eat To Fight Aids?

AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. If you have HIV or AIDS, it is important to take care of your health, because there is no cure. You can take control of your own health through proper nutrition, routine medical care and physical fitness. What you eat may be able to help you fight off complications derived from the AIDS virus.

AIDS and HIV

HIV is also referred to as human immune deficiency virus -- this is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV goes after your immune system, specifically, your T-cells or CD4 cells and reduces your immunity to diseases such as infections and cancer. You can get HIV through sexual contact, infected needles, through blood and it can also be passed to your child through pregnancy. If you have HIV, you will want to be in the best shape in order to prevent the virus from developing into AIDS. You may choose to eat certain foods that help to boost your immunity levels. If you already have AIDS, you should still follow a healthy diet to prevent the disease from taking over your health.

Vegetables

Attacking your HIV or AIDS virus means getting your daily intake of vegetables. Vegetables contain important antioxidants and phytochemicals, which may help to prevent diseases that you may be susceptible to with having AIDS. Polyphenols and flavonoids act as antioxidants and may assist with removing free-radicals from your system. Examples of vegetables that are high in antioxidants include potatoes and artichokes and dark-green leafy vegetables such as collard greens, spinach, turnip greens, broccoli and kale. You should also choose vitamin-rich orange and red vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, acorn squash and tomatoes. Vegetables are also a good source of dietary fiber and potassium -- both of which can help to maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce your cholesterol levels.

Fruits

When you eat fruit as part of your daily meal routine, you are boosting your body's response to fight off infection and illness -- something you need when you are fighting AIDS. Fruits are important because they contain a lot of vitamins that help maintain and improve your health. Vitamin A is important because it specifically helps to fight off infection and protects your vision. If you have AIDS, you may also experience skin breakdown. Fruits such as mango, passion fruit, watermelon, papaya, cantaloupe and grapefruit can help to improve your skin texture and tone. Vitamin C is also prevalent in oranges, breadfruit, black currants, pineapple and strawberries. Vitamin C will help your wounds heal properly, promote skin health and keep your gums and teeth healthy while battling AIDS.

Protein

It is important to eat foods from the protein food group when you have an immune deficiency disease such as AIDS. Protein is a building block for strong bones, and it helps to heal and repair cartilage, skin and muscles. Iron in protein foods such as lean ground beef or turkey helps to improve oxygen flow to the blood. Your physician may recommend increasing your protein intake to add calories to your diet if you have experienced weight loss. Seafood is also a part of the protein group and contains omega-3 fatty acids -- which are good for heart health. Examples of seafood you could try include oysters, anchovies, salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring.