Nutrition and exercise

Nutrition

Having HIV is unlikely to mean that you have to make any drastic changes to your diet. People with HIV can usually follow the same healthy eating advice as everyone else. Eating a balanced diet from a variety of food groups should mean that you get the full range of energy, fibre and nutrients that you need.

You can obtain advice on your nutritional requirements from the dietician at your clinic who will advise you about:

if your existing diet is meeting all your nutritional requirements
any changes in your diet that you may need to make
your body weight and any concerns you may have about lipodystrophy
any trouble you may have eating because of nausea, diarrhoea or illness
any food restrictions associated with your anti-HIV drugs
food safety

People with HIV rarely need to take special nutritional supplements, some of which can be harmful or stop HIV drugs working properly. As a general rule, try to get most of your nutrients from food.

Even if you do not see a dietician, it is important to measure your weight regularly. Weight loss is often a sign of infection or illness, and being overweight increases your risk of cardiovascular disease.

If you are taking medicines you may find that some have to be taken on an empty stomach, or with food, or only with a low fat meal. If you are not sure, check with your clinic or HIV pharmacist.

If weight loss is a problem, the aim should be to eat more. Try having several small meals or snacks during the day, instead of two or three larger meals. You should still aim to eat a balanced diet.

Some tips for eating well:

eat lots of fruit and vegetables
eat lots of bread and cereals
eat more fish
cut down on saturated fat
try to eat less sugar and salt
drink plenty of water
don’t skip breakfast

If you want to lose weight you should reduce the overall amount that you eat, but still eat a balanced diet.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a common problem for people with HIV, either as a drug-related side effect or due to HIV itself or infection. Changes in diet have little effect on drug-related diarrhoea. However, a variety of treatments are available from doctors to try and control diarrhoea caused by drugs.

Diarrhoea resulting from medical causes can sometimes be alleviated by avoiding coffee, raw vegetables and spicy food, as well as foods that are high in fat, fibre or lactose.

As diarrhoea may result in excessive loss of salts and water from the body it is important to drink plenty of fluids or special rehydration drinks. Eating foods like bananas, potatoes, chicken and fish will help to replace potassium levels. And soluble fibre from natural sources like pulses, oats, bananas, apples and pears has been shown to be effective against diarrhoea.

You should be particularly careful with food and water safety to avoid picking up infections, particularly if you CD4 count is low.

Exercise

Regular exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. It can improve your appearance and increase your life expectancy. It is good for the heart, lungs, circulation, mobility and posture.

Exercise is also good for your mental health. It can help to relieve stress, tension, anxiety, and depression. It will help you to feel relaxed, energised and sleep better.

Specific benefits for people with HIV include:
It can help strengthen you immune system (although very rigorous exercise may nor be helpful)
If you often feel tired, exercise can help you feel better
If you have lost too much weight, the right exercise can help you build muscle
If you want to reduce the effects of lipodystrophy, exercise is very important. It can help improve your blood sugar and blood fat levels, and so reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

Tips for keeping motivated:

Choose activities you enjoy
Don’t be over ambitious – start slowly and build up
Set yourself achievable goals and reward yourself when you achieve them
Set yourself measurable goals e.g. "swim ten lengths without stopping"
Make exercise part of your weekly routine
If you get bored, change your programme of activities
If you don’t feel comfortable in a gym or sports club, try another one
Exercise with other people by joining a club or team

For more information about nutrition go to: http://www.aidsmap.com/files/file1000893.pdf
For more information about execise go to: http://www.aidsmap.com/cms1045096.aspx

Last updated April 2010