Disease Information > Living positively with HIV

LIVING POSITIVELY WITH HIV


I am living with HIV - how do I manage my status?

 

Don't lose hope!
Living with HIV does not mean that you have no future. Many people live happy, healthy and productive lives with HIV. You have to keep your immune system healthy, lower your stress levels and build a good support system. Your case manager will refer you for further supportive counselling and medical help whenever you need it.

 

Eat correctly
Providing your body with healthy food will help to keep your immune system strong for as long as possible. When your body gets enough of the right food, you will feel better and more positive about yourself and the future.

  • Food provides us with the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that we need to live a healthy life.
  • Eating the right food can help your body to stay stronger during any medical treatment that you may need.
  • Many of the physical symptoms of HIV and AIDS can be lessened by eating the correct foods.

Good nutrition means eating foods each day that will give you the nutrients (vitamins, minerals and proteins) that your body needs to keep it strong and healthy.

 

What kind of food does the body need?

  • Food that builds the body e.g. dry beans, lentils, peas, eggs, meat, fish, chicken, milk, cheese, peanut butter and cooked Mopani worms.
  • Food that gives energy e.g. bread, samp, porridge, mealie rice, rice, potatoes, oats, sugar, jam and fatty foods (bacon or oil in tinned fish and margarine).
  • Food that protects you from disease, e.g. fruit and vegetables.

Stay healthy

  • Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol and use of addictive drugs.
  • Exercise for at least 20 minutes three times per week; this will help to keep your lungs and heart fit. Regular exercise may help you to feel better about yourself. Good ways to exercise include swimming, walking, jogging or going to the gym. If you have circulation or breathing problems, you should speak to your doctor.
  • Eat healthily.
  • Protect yourself against sexually transmitted infection (STI).

 

Reference
1. METROPOLITAN FOUNDATION. 2009. B the Future cellbook. South Africa.