In this article

• Why Nutrition and HIV/AIDS Are Linked
• The Basic Principles of Nutrition and HIV
• Nutrition and HIV: Coping with Special Problems

Nutrition and HIV: Coping with Special Problems

• Try bland, low-fat foods, such as plain pasta, canned fruit, or plain broth
• Eat smaller meals every one to two hours.
• Avoid greasy or spicy foods, or foods with strong odors.
• Drink ginger tea or ginger ale.
• Eat more cold foods and fewer hot foods.
• Rest between meals, but don't lie flat.
• Ask your doctor about nausea medications.

• Drink more fluids than usual. Try diluted juices or Gatorade.
• Limit milk and sugary or caffeinated drinks.
• Eat slowly and more frequently.
• Avoid greasy foods.
• Try the B.R.A.T. diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) for a brief time.
• Instead of fresh produce, try well-cooked vegetables or canned ones.
• Try calcium carbonate supplements or fiber supplements like Metamucil wafers.

• Exercise to help stimulate your appetite.
• Don't drink too much right before meals.
• Eat with family or friends, making meals as attractive as possible.
• Try smaller, more frequent meals.
• Include a variety of textures, shapes, and colors.
• Ask your doctor about medications that stimulate appetite.

• Include more protein, carbohydrates, and fats in your diet.
• Use cream or half and half on cereals. Add ice cream to desserts.
• Eat dried fruits or nuts for snacks.
• Talk to your doctor about adding a nutrition supplement, such as Boost, Ensure, or Carnation Instant Breakfast.
• Ask your doctor about medications that stimulate appetite and treat nausea.

• Eat soft foods such as yogurt or mashed potatoes.
• Avoid raw vegetables; cook them instead.
• Choose softer fruits, such as bananas or pears.
• Stay away from acidic foods, such as oranges, lemons, and tomatoes.
• See your doctor to make sure you do not have an opportunistic infection or need more diagnostic testing.

• Limit fat, especially saturated and trans fats.
• Choose unsaturated fats and sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna.
• Limit alcohol, and refined sugars.
• Prevent insulin resistance by limiting foods that raise glucose and insulin levels: primarily carbohydrates.
• Eat more fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Exercise.