As the messages have been pumped over and over again the first step is to test. Yes, folks we all need to know our HIV status! When you know better, you can act better and preserve your life.
Good nutrition always benefits everyone. It is indeed a first step to ensuring that an individual functions properly. Good nutrition even prevents a lot of conditions that affect us today, especially chronic non-communicable diseases. Therefore, taking care of our nutrition should be pretty much like drawing a breath of fresh air. It should be a part what we do to survive and thrive. What more justification does one need to do the right thing vis--vis eating healthy balanced and nutritious meals?
As you may well know by now, people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) face greater risk of malnutrition because of poor absorption of the foods eaten and reduced food intake. They also have high levels of malnutrition as a result of increased loss of nutrients due to infections and the amount of the virus in the system.
Effective medical treatment can serve to slow the progress of the disease, reduce opportunistic infections, and ease symptoms. However, food can interact with drugs and affect how well the drugs work; drugs can also interact with foods and nutrients and negatively affect the nutritional status of PLWHA. The side effects of both traditional and modern medications can affect both food intake and nutrient absorption and thereby affect the client's adherence to medications. PLWHA on medication may face greater risk of malnutrition because of potentially harmful drug and food interaction and increased negative effects. Therefore, the nutritional implications of modern and traditional therapies need to be properly addressed to prevent weight loss, wasting and malnutrition. Proper management of drug and food interactions will also ensure the efficacy of the therapy. Always confirm with the health practitioner, pharmacist, dietician or nutritionist as to how the drugs should be managed with food so as to get the best mileage from both.
As a basic rule, the following is advisable as a guide to attaining the basic and best nutrition for all individuals - not just those living with HIV and AIDS;
l Cereal, bread, rice, pasta - at least six servings per day;
l Fruits - 5-10 servings per day. Aim for a variety in colour, texture etc;
l Vegetables - four servings per day, salads are good in the summer time especially;
l Meat and other protein sources - two to three portions per day;
l Dairy products - two to three servings daily, yoghurt is particularly best;
l Fats, sweets, and other 'empty' calorie foods - minimal, say two-three servings.
Having recommended the above, it is important once again to note that when taking any form of medication, the side effects that interfere with the food may limit or reduce nutrition absorption and even lead to poor medication adherence. Read the labels and ask your doctor. Nutrition supplements may be important to balance things out a bit. Proper nutritional management of the side effects of medications will help to improve the client's adherence to the treatment. So dietary counselling should be part of the package of a holistic prevention, care and treatment of HIV and AIDS. The nutrition message is finally sinking, at last! Thank God...
It is no surprise that there is some truth in the old adage 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'. If one knows to eat their five to 10 fruits and vegetables per day, they will get the essential vitamins and minerals to boost immunity. Fruits, vegetables and nuts, provide a range of essential vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants and phytochemicals, which are protective against many diseases. Therefore they play specific and vital roles in optimising the functioning of the immune system.
On a parting note, let me remind you that what affects our immune systems hinges on a healthful diet, physical activity, and a positive emotional state. These ingredients whip us towards a wonderful recipe to stimulate and strengthen the body's soldiers to protect us against deterioration and decimation. We all have a chance to do better nutritionally, let's grab the opportunity!
