As the immune system becomes weak, immunity of the body automatically reduces. This leads to the body’s inability to fight against any form of illness.
Finally the body is prone to get every form of illness and infection. This final stage is known as AIDS.
AIDS means Acquired Immune Defficiency Syndrome. AIDS produces a reduction in in immune response to infection and cancer.
However, it has been proven that certain foods and lifestyle reduces the development of this disease.
Artificial diet poor in fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts tends to be deficient in antioxidant vitamins (A,C, and E). Moreover, poor diet promotes the development of AIDS.
AIDS patients tend to be malnurished. This leads to weakness in the immune system. Weight loss is a sign of poor prognosis.
Various factors lead to malnourishment. These include
Frequent infection that results from reduced resistance.
Inability to assimilate fats. Which are eliminated through the feces. The feces is foamy and greasy (steatorrhea). This is present in 1/4 of AIDS patients. It also prevents the assimilation of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
Anti AIDS medication usually produce a digestive side effects. This include vomiting, nausea which leads to malnourishment.
Therefore, nutrition is very important to improve Aids condition and slows Aids progression.
Hiv/Aids patients should increase the intake of the following foods.
? Every food that boost the immune system. Like antioxidants, proteins, citrus fruits, garlic, yughurt, Acerole Royal jelly, Propolis, oils and Trace elements.
? Fruits. These supply antioxidants and phytochemical. They also eliminate waste from blood stream. Kiwi, citrus, guava, currants, Acerolas , are the major ones.
? Whole grains : These produce complex carbohydrates and calories to curb malnutrition and weight loss.
? Nuts: These are good sources of essential fatty acids, vitamin E, proteins and trace elements like selenium and Zinc. These all help immune system and slow Hiv progress.
? Legumes : These are good source of protein, minerals, and trace elements. They also reduce Hiv progress. Use uncooked groundnut, coconuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts, chestnuts and hazelnut.
? Vegetables : They alkalize the blood and facilitates the elimination of waste products. They also boost vitamin A that is always reduced by Aids. Major vegetables to take are carrots, spinach, chard, peppers, yellow orange, red and dark vegetables.
? Yogurt : Yogurt that contains LIFE BACTERIAL cultures improve the condition of the bacterial flora of the colon. It stimulates the body’s natural resistance of the intestine and other body areas. It is also good source of protein and calcium.
?Antioxidants : These are highly important in cases of Aids. Provitamin A, (beta-carotene), vitamin C, E and selenium and flavonoids are good antioxidant. Supplements should be bought at the pharmacy.
? Vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency is common in Aids cases. Fruits and vegetables are good source of provitamin A (beta-carotene).
? B Vitamins : B6, B12 deficiency contribute to the increase in viral load in Aids patients.
?Vitamin C: This is essential in immune system building. Kiwi, citrus, guava, currants, Acerolas , are the major ones.
? SELENIUM: This particular trace element is required by the body’s antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide-dismutase. This enzymes strengthen resistance and positively affect the course of AIDS. Sources are Brazil nuts, brewers yeast, wheat germ, molasses and raw groundnuts are all good sources.
Selenium should also be bought from pharmacy as supplement.
Most importantly, Hiv/Aids individuals should avoid anything that weakens the immune system. Stop the consumption of Alcoholic beverages, white sugar, shellfish, total fat and coffee.
Nevertheless, one should be careful not to contact Hiv. However, that one is diagnosed with Hiv/Aids does not mean that the one has been given a death penalty.
With good diet and quality lifestyle, a Hiv individual can live normal life till old age.
