While there is no specific eating plan crafted for HIV-positive people, following an overall healthy diet is one effective way to give your health the protection it needs. The virus is notorious for weakening your immune system. Once compromised, the body’s innate defense mechanism won’t be able to shield yourself from the many diseases and illnesses around.

However, your body can use all the help it could get from the essential nutrients found in food to keep up with its fight against germs. Choosing to eat well can also enable you to combat infections. Aside from that, eating healthily after you tested positive on a HIV screening has other benefits — including but not limited to; boosting your energy, helping you avoid health issues, and easing complications brought on by the virus and the side effects of its treatment.

Healthy eating can also become a preventive measure against any health complications that may arise during the course of your treatment. Unhealthy calorie intake can lead to being overweight or obese, making you at risk of acquiring illnesses such as a heart disease or diabetes and putting your life on the line.

Combined with an active lifestyle and proper medications, people with HIV in Singapore need not to constantly worry over acquiring potential diseases through eating a lot of greens and whole foods. This article has pierced together some of the ideal diet points and meal plans to follow for those with HIV, in hopes of helping them deal with the virus efficiently.

A Lot of Fruits and Vegetables

Long before you are found positive on your HIV testing session, it is always beneficial to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables on the daily. Not only do they contain less fat and calories than most tempting junk food, but they also provide the body with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs. They are also ideal to consume regularly for those who are living with HIV because they are rich in antioxidants — nutrients which protect the body’s immune system.

Generous Amount of Lean Protein

Lean protein is good for the body as it helps build muscles and tissues, as well as it keeps the immune system strong. Healthy options of lean protein include poultry, lean beef, fish, eggs, nuts, and a number of beans. During a visit to a confidential hiv test clinic in Singapore, they may advise for you to fast if necessary. There may be an urgent need for you to incorporate a lot of protein-rich food in your diet if you are deemed underweight or if you are in the later stages of HIV. Consult with a nutritionist to help you figure out the appropriate amount of lean protein you are recommended to take.

Less Sugar and Salt

There are many dangers attributed to the virus combined with the treatment medications and drugs you are obliged to take on the daily. If you tested positive on your anonymous HIV test, it means you have higher risks of landing a heart disease. Too much sugar and salt intake can only complicate your situation further. Aim to avoid sugary food and drinks and choose to snack on healthy whole foods instead. Also, do not go beyond the recommended daily serving of 2,300 mg. of sodium.

Moderate Fats

Fats are good sources of energy, but excessive consumption of it can yield a staggering amount of calories. It can also directly increase your cholesterol levels and can cause high blood pressure. Having healthy fats is still ideal, however, if only taken in moderation. Healthy choices include avocado, vegetable oils, and a variety of nuts. It is also important to limit your intake of foods that are abundant in fat especially if you’re avoiding weight gain.

More Whole Grains

Carbohydrates also provide the body the energy it needs. Whole-grain carbohydrates, such as whole wheat bread and brown rice, make an excellent source of fuel for the body. These foods are rich in energy-boosting B vitamins and has generous levels of fiber. Incorporating ample fiber content in your diet can decrease your chances of acquiring fat deposits called Lipodystrophy, which is one harmful side effect of the virus.

Stay Hydrated

Everyone is encouraged to drink plenty of water on a daily basis, but the need becomes more urgent especially if you’re found positive after a HIV testing session. Drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water on the daily is highly recommended. You may also incorporate other healthy drinks, such as herbal tea. These fluids carry nutrients throughout the body and effectively flush excess medications outside the body. Other than that, staying hydrated is also one way to lift up your energy levels.

Right Amount of Calories

HIV-positive patients are often found to be overweight. This is considered to be alarming because carrying too much weight or being obese can put one’s life at risk, with greater chances of landing long-term diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Eating just the recommended amount of calories is one way to keep your body fit and healthy. Excess calories can only weaken your immune system further, compared with those who limit their calorie count to what is the ideal amount.

Eating delicious food remains to be a guilty pleasure among a lot of people, and while it is one effective way to lift up one’s spirits from time to time, eating well is a more ideal route to take. Those who live with HIV are especially encouraged to eat a balanced diet on the daily, with a meal plan that doesn’t have excessive amounts of fats, sugar, and sodium. Since the immune system is compromised, it is important to supply the essential nutrients the body needs through eating greens and whole foods. This is done in order to protect yourself from potential diseases and illnesses around.