HIV and Nutrition and Food Safety

Good nutrition is about finding and maintaining a healthy eating style.

If you are living with HIV, good nutrition is important for you because supports your overall health and helps strengthen your immune system and keep you healthy.

Moreover, good nutrition also helps you maintain a healthy weight and absorb HIV medicines well. 

What is a healthy diet for people living with HIV?

• Eat a variety of foods from the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy.
• Eat the right amount of food to maintain a healthy weight.
• Choose foods low in saturated fat, salt, and added sugars.

Can HIV or HIV medicines cause nutrition-related problems?

HIV treatment can sometimes cause nutrition related problems such as loss of appetite. If you are experiencing a nutrition-related problem, talk to your health care provider and you will get help. 

What is Food safety?

Food safety is about how to select, handle, prepare, and store food to prevent food related illnesses. 

If you are living with HIV, following food safety guidelines may reduce your risk of food related illnesses.

Basic steps to food safety

• Wash your hands before cooking and after cooking. It is also important to wash food, utensils and the area you are preparing food
• Separate food to prevent the spread of any germs from one food to another
• Cook your meals well. 
• Store your food that are likely to spoil within 2 hours of cooking or purchase in the fridge 

For more information about nutrition and food safety, talk to your healthcare provider for help.