HIV Nutrition and Cancer
- Explain how to prevent opportunistic infections through their diet in people living with HIV.,
- Describe the type of cancer frequently associated with HIV and explain how this cancer’s symptoms may cause anorexia on those with HIV
People with HIV have weakened immune systems, making them more vulnerable to opportunistic infections (OIs) caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. A safe and nutrient-dense diet is essential to reducing infection risk and maintaining overall health. Key dietary strategies include:
- Food Safety Practices: Avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and eggs to prevent foodborne illnesses such as salmonella and toxoplasmosis. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and opt for pasteurized dairy products.
- Hydration and Proper Hygiene: Drinking clean, filtered water and maintaining good hand hygiene can help prevent infections like cryptosporidiosis, which causes severe diarrhea.
- Nutrient-Rich Diet: A diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and protein strengthens immune function. Whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables help support overall immunity.
- Probiotics and Gut Health: Foods like yogurt with live cultures or probiotic supplements may help maintain gut health and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections.
- Limiting Sugar and Processed Foods: Excessive sugar and unhealthy fats can contribute to inflammation and weaken immune response, increasing vulnerability to infections…
People with HIV have weakened immune systems, making them more vulnerable to opportunistic infections (OIs) caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. A safe and nutrient-dense diet is essential to reducing infection risk and maintaining overall health. Key dietary strategies include:
- Food Safety Practices: Avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and eggs to prevent foodborne illnesses such as salmonella and toxoplasmosis. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and opt for pasteurized dairy products.
- Hydration and Proper Hygiene: Drinking clean, filtered water and maintaining good hand hygiene can help prevent infections like cryptosporidiosis, which causes severe diarrhea.
- Nutrient-Rich Diet: A diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and protein strengthens immune function. Whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables help support overall immunity.
- Probiotics and Gut Health: Foods like yogurt with live cultures or probiotic supplements may help maintain gut health and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections.
- Limiting Sugar and Processed Foods: Excessive sugar and unhealthy fats can contribute to inflammation and weaken immune response, increasing vulnerability to infections…
