Living Positively

Good eating habits are the first steps to good health. This is even more important for people with weak immune systems like those living with HIV.

Studies have shown that, with the right sort of nutrition, it is possible to minimize contracting opportunistic infections. Healthy foods enhance fitness and improve the quality of life. One thing that needs to be noted though is that healthy foods should not act as a substitute for medical treatment.

When the body does not get the right foods or enough food, it becomes weaker and cannot function optimally. Here are tips and warnings to keep your immune system strong.

The DO’s:

·         Include a form starch as the basis of your meals – this food type supplies the body with energy to going.

·         Eat protein-rich foods to help build and repair the body’s cells and keep the immune system active.

·         Eat 5-7 types of vegetables and fruits daily – these contain vitamins and minerals to keep the body functioning and immune system strong. They also play an important role in fighting infections.

·         Eat fats, oils and sugary foods in moderation. They are all sources of energy and help control weight loss – but an excess can be unhealthy.

The DON’T’s:

·         Limit fried foods, processed salty snack foods, sweetened foods and fizzy drinks as well as alcohol. They cause damage to your immune function.

·         Don’t drink unfiltered water or partially cooked foods – this increases your risk to contract bacterial infections.

·         Do not skip meals when you are on your ARV’S.

·         Do not drink alcohol if you are on ARV’S.

·         Do not eat ARV’s on an empty stomach.