|
|
 |
Nutrition, Wellbeing and HIV/AIDS - Thukela Child Survival Project
|
We are in a context where many people are infected with HIV, and as a result, we are all affected by HIV in one way or another. People often feel hopeless and that there is not much we can do. However, we can change that by thinking creatively how we can work towards wellbeing for all: physical, psychological, social, developmental and spiritual. The information that follows is about nutrition and HIV. Good nutrition can contribute significantly to the wellness and quality of life for people with HIV.
The link between HIV and nutrition
- HIV is a virus that attacks our immune systems, which can then lead to our bodies getting other infections. Weight loss can also occur.
- Therefore when we look at nutrition and HIV, we look at ways to maintain the immune system, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of getting other infections. We also look at ways to keep one's weight constant.
- Everyone's bodies need enough energy, protein, fats and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to maintain a good immune system
- HIV increases nutritional needs, as the body reacts to the virus with the immune response that uses more energy and nutrients, and anxiety can also weaken the immune system.
- A good diet does reduce the risk of getting any kind of infection
- A good diet can also strengthen the immune system if a person is HIV positive (this helps fight off the other infections people who are HIV positive get)
- Eating healthy food with enough energy also results in a person feeling healthier and stronger, which strengthens psychological wellbeing
- Eating enough AND a balance of different foods helps maintain body weight and muscles
- Deciding what, when and how much to eat is a complex process, and depends on lots of factors eg availability of food, taste, appetite, how much money and time we have
- Food cannot cure HIV or AIDS, nor does it treat the virus
The full version of this document can be downloaded on the righthand side of this page
|
| Was this article helpful to you? |
 ?0%???? ?0%
|
|
Back
|
|
|
|
