HIV Disease and AIDS

Many people with HIV disease and AIDS suffer from serious weight loss, known as wasting. When wasting occurs, it can be very difficult for your body to absorb and keep all of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and avoid malnutrition. To avoid malnutrition, make a habit of eating enough each day to ensure your body gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs to keep you going strong. Anything less can weaken your immune system and your battle against the disease.

• Try eating several small meals instead of three large ones.
  
  
• Choose mild or bland foods. They're easier on your stomach than spicy foods.
  
  
• Eat slowly. Chew your food well. And do your very best to keep stress away at mealtimes.
  
  
• Consider taking vitamins or food supplements to make up for any nutrients you may be missing in your diet. Be sure to let your pharmacist know what you are taking.

When your immune system is not working at full strength, the water you drink may put you at risk for certain diseases. Some of them can be very dangerous, even life-threatening. But you can take measures to minimize the threat.

• The best way to avoid problems is to boil all the water you drink. Water should be boiled for three minutes.
  
  
• Use previously boiled water when brushing your teeth, making ice cubes and mixing juice concentrates.
  
  
• Always wash hands with soap and water before preparing food and before eating.
  
  
• Peel fresh fruits and vegetables that will not be cooked.
  
  
• Always wash hands with soap and water after handling human waste (including diapers), animals or garden soil.
  
  
• Avoid swallowing water from public drinking fountains, swimming pools, water slides, wave pools and lakes or rivers.

"Instead of boiling my drinking water, are filtered, bottled and distilled water okay for me to use?"

They are less reliable than boiling, but will still help decrease your chances of infection.