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New guide on nutrition for people living with HIV/AIDS launched
Lynne Altenroxel. Cape Times. 03 March 2003. Republished courtesy of Independent Newspapers (Pty) Ltd.
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A new guide on nutrition for people living with HIV/AIDS has been jointly published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
The manual outlines in simple terms the basics of a good diet which can delay progression of HIV/AIDS. It includes chapters on traditional remedies and dietary advice for common ailments in HIV patients.
"Food isn't a magic bullet. It won't stop people dying of HIV/AIDS," explained William Clay of FAO's Food and Nutrition Division.
"But it can help them live longer, more comfortable and more productive lives."
HIV/AIDS has a devastating effect on nutritional health:
- Nutrient absorption is reduced due to damage to the gut wall;
- Appetite and metabolism are disrupted as the body uses more energy to fight HIV infection;
- Muscles, organs and other tissues waste away; and
- Secondary infections and other stresses increase demands for energy and nutrients.
At the same time, HIV-related illness such as nausea can decrease the appetite and painful opportunistic infections of the mouth and gut, such as thrush, can make eating difficult.
The new manual offers advice on making food easier to eat during severe illness, tips on basic hygiene, and includes a chapter on simple herbal remedies for symptoms such as fever, nausea, inflammation and diarrhoea.
"By bolstering the immune system and boosting energy levels, balanced nutrition can help the body fight back," said the UN agencies.
The manual is available on the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) website. This can be accessed by clicking on the link on the righthand side of this page.www.fao.org.
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