Everyone can take heed here. Whether its you or someone you know, share the information please.

A person who is infected with HIV & AIDS and is not showing signs of illness does not need a specific “HIV-diet”. However, those infected with HIV should make every effort to adopt healthy and balanced nutrition patterns  in order to meet their increased protein and energy requirements and maintain their nutritional status.

Once people with HIV & AIDS become ill they will have special needs, which are described below.

PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV & AIDS HAVE INCREASED NUTRIENT NEEDS

When infected with the HIV virus the body’s defence system – the immune system – works harder to fight infection. This increases energy and nutrient requirements. Further infection and fever also increase the body’s demand for food. Once people are infected with HIV they have to eat more to meet these extra energy and nutrient needs. Such needs will increase even further as the HIV & AIDS symptoms develop.

HIV & AIDS reduces food intake

People with HIV & AIDS often do not eat enough because:

  • The illness and the medicines taken for it may reduce the appetite, modify the taste of food and prevent the body from absorbing it;
  • Symptoms such as a sore mouth, nausea and vomiting make it difficult to eat;
  • Tiredness, isolation and depression reduce the appetite and the willingness to make an effort to prepare food and eat regularly;
  • There is not enough money to buy food.

Taken from:

http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/Y4168E/y4168e06.htm

 

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