HIV & AIDS Health Center

Nutrition and HIV/AIDS

Nutrition and HIV: Coping with Special Problems continued...

Lack of appetite

• Exercise to help stimulate your appetite.
• Don't drink too much right before meals.
• Eat with family or friends, making meals as attractive as possible.
• Try smaller, more frequent meals.
• Include a variety of textures, shapes, and colors.
• Ask your doctor about medications that stimulate appetite.

Too much weight loss

• Include more protein, carbohydrates, and fats in your diet.
• Use cream or half and half on cereals. Add ice cream to desserts.
• Eat dried fruits or nuts for snacks.
• Talk to your doctor about adding a nutrition supplement, such as Boost, Ensure, or Carnation Instant Breakfast.
• Ask your doctor about medications that stimulate appetite and treat nausea.

Mouth and swallowing problems

• Eat soft foods such as yogurt or mashed potatoes.
• Avoid raw vegetables; cook them instead.
• Choose softer fruits, such as bananas or pears.
• Stay away from acidic foods, such as oranges, lemons, and tomatoes.
• See your doctor to make sure you do not have an opportunistic infection or need more diagnostic testing.

Lipodystrophy (fat redistribution syndrome)

• Limit fat, especially saturated and trans fats.
• Choose unsaturated fats and sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna.
• Limit alcohol, and refined sugars.
• Prevent insulin resistance by limiting foods that raise glucose and insulin levels: primarily carbohydrates.
• Eat more fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Exercise.