HIV stands for the human immunodeficiency virus, a devastating virus that can lead to the disease AIDS. Good nutrition is extremely important for people with the HIV virus because they have a compromised immune system and can get sick or get an infection easily. They are also at higher risk for developing other diseases and may experience side effects such as fatigue often. Certain foods can help people with HIV to feel better, while others can boost their immune system so that they get sick less often.
Oranges
Oranges are a good food for people with HIV to eat because they are rich in antioxidants including vitamin C. Columbia University's Go Ask Alice health answering service states that the vitamin C found in citrus fruits such as oranges can boost your immune system so that you get sick less often and fight off sicknesses faster.
Beans
According to the Nutrition and Infection Unit at Tufts University, people with HIV need to get at least 15 to 20 percent of their daily calories from protein. This translates to about 100 g to 150 g of protein each day for men with HIV and 80 g to 100 g of protein each day for women with HIV. Tufts University explains that protein helps to build up the immune system and protects the muscles from wasting. Beans are a good source of protein and they also contain zinc, which improves the function of the immune system, according to Columbia University.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole grain that provides carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Tufts University states that carbohydrates are important for people with HIV because fatigue is so common and carbohydrates provide energy for the body. Tufts University recommends that people with HIV get 50 to 60 percent of their daily calories from carbohydrates. Brown rice also has vitamin E and the mineral selenium, which improves the immune system, according to Columbia University.
Avocados
People with HIV are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to Tufts University. Instead of totally limiting fat, Tufts University recommends that people with HIV get 25 percent of their daily calories from fat. Much of this requirement should be met by eating monounsaturated fats, which can actually reduce the risk of heart disease. Avocados are a good source of monounsaturated fats, according to Tufts University. Avocados also have vitamin E, which Columbia University recommends for its immune-enhancing qualities.
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