Nutrition consults must occur on a regular time schedule. Comprehensive nutritional services that include nutrition education and nutrition counseling are a vital part of the health care treatment plan.

Highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can cause serious side effects such as liver and heart disease, bone disorders, diabetes, and body shape changes. All of these conditions can be related to nutritional status. 

Nutrition Guidelines for People With HIV

• Protein helps build and maintain your muscles. Meats, fish, beans, nuts, and seeds are good sources.
  
  
• Carbohydrates give you energy. Complex carbohydrates come from grains, cereals, vegetables, and fruits. They are a "time release" energy source and are a good source of fiber and nutrients. Simple carbohydrates, or sugars give you quick energy. You can get sugars in fresh or dried fruit, honey, jam, or syrups.
  
  
• Fat gives you extra energy. You need some -- but not too much. The "monounsaturated" fats in nuts, seeds, canola and olive oils, and fish are considered "good" fats. The "saturated" fats in butter and animal products are "bad" fats.

Practice Food Safety

It's very important to protect yourself against infections that can be carried by food or water. Be sure to wash your hands before preparing food, and keep all of your kitchen tools and work areas clean. Wash all fruits and vegetables carefully. Don't eat raw or undercooked eggs or meat, and clean up juices from raw meat quickly.

What About Supplements?

Some people find it difficult to go shopping and prepare meals all the time. Supplements can help you maintain your body weight and get the vitamins and minerals you need.

Don't use a product designed to help you lose weight, even if it says it contains everything needed for good nutrition! Your health care provider can help you choose a supplement that's right for you. Vitamin and mineral supplements can be very helpful.