HIV is a chronic infection that leads to a life-threatening disease called AIDS. HIV damages your immune system and interferes with your body's ability to fight disease-causing organisms. HIV is mainly transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. HIV can also be spread through direct contact with infected blood and from mother to child during pregnancy, child birth and breastfeeding. The doctor may advise you to eat more protein to prevent HIV-associated wasting.
Protein and HIV-Associated Wasting
HIV wasting is the unintentional loss of more than 10 percent of body weight, according to the HIV/AIDS information website Thebody.com. HIV increases the energy demands of the body. Protein and fat are usually broken down to fuel the body's energy needs, which leads to weight loss and muscle wasting. Protein is needed to build muscles, help repair damaged organs and to replace immune system blood cells lost during periods of illness.
High-Calorie Diet and High-Protein Foods
A high-calorie diet that contains plenty of protein is recommended to prevent muscle wasting. Examples of foods high in protein and calories include milk shakes, whole milk, cheese, sweetened milk, whole milk, powdered milk, butter, nuts, eggs, meat, peanut butter and instant breakfast drinks. You can add powdered milk to foods and beverages to increase calories and protein. You can also add extra eggs or egg whites to foods. Avoid using raw eggs, because they may cause a gastrointestinal infection.
Protein Dietary Supplements
Protein dietary supplements plus progressive resistance training can help prevent muscle wasting in HIV patients, according to Thebody.com. Most protein supplements contain soy and whey protein as the main active ingredients. Take supplements only with permission from your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Too much protein can cause kidney damage. Protein supplements may also cause allergic reactions.
Treatments
Severe HIV-wasting is treated with hormone treatments and anabolic steroids, which increase weight and lean body mass, according to Thebody.com. Serostim is an artificial form of human growth hormone which stimulates muscle growth. However, it is expensive. Oxandrolone and Nandrolone are anabolic steroids used to treat HIV-related wasting.
