ASK THE EXPERTS

In this section, we share expert information given by professional practitioners and researchers in response to questions asked by community members. Remember that if you have a question about any HIV/AIDS-related issue that you need answered, and wish to remain nameless, Sondela will publish the reply without revealing your identity. Simply write to us at SONDELA, c/o HIVAN (Centre for HIV/AIDS Networking), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, or send an e-mail to [email protected]

In this edition, advice given by Neil M. Orr (MA Psych) shows us how ?coping and hoping?, by looking after our bodies' special needs, will help us to live longer if we are HIV infected.

QUESTION: If I know that I am HIV-positive, what can I do to take care of my body?

ANSWER: There are many things you can do to give your body more strength, and to balance your feelings and thoughts so that stress does not weaken it. In this edition, we will focus on your body's most important needs.

Firstly, because a warm body can fight HIV infection better than a cold one, make sure that you do not get too cold or too tired for long periods- so get enough sleep, and rest when you are tired; keep warm clothing with you, exercise regularly by walking and stretching every day, and eat starches (mielie-meal, bread, potatoes, ndumbi) in the morning. Secondly, protect your stomach from germs that live in uncooked food-wash your food and cook it properly (especially meat), drink only clean water and plenty of it (two litres a day if possible), eat a lot of different kinds of fresh vegetables and fruit, and try not to eat left-over foods that may have gathered germs.

Avoid drinking tea, coffee, sugar and alcohol, as too much of any of these can cause harm to your immune system. Spicy and fried foods are also damaging to the stomach. To clear your stomach of worms or germs, eat a handful of dried pumpkin seeds and a raw carrot every day. If you have diarrhoea (runny stomach) eat the middle (core) of a pineapple and/or raw garlic. Raw garlic is very good and safe to eat daily for the prevention of many illnesses. In general, try to eat more than you usually do - you need to keep your weight up so that your body is strong enough to fight infection.

Eat at least three times a day or more if you can. If you have a runny stomach for more than three days, go to a doctor as soon as possible. If you have a sore mouth, chew raw garlic every few hours; also, rinse your mouth with warm salted water or a mixture of baking soda and water, and eat only soft foods like porridge and soup. In the next edition, we will share more information about affordable treatment, the importance of keeping your mind calm and your heart peaceful, and the need to practice safe sex. With acknowledgements to Positive Health, published by Empowerment Concepts and Metropolitan Life Tel: (021) 940 5772

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