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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Do You Follow A Specific Diet To Help With HIV?

myHIVteam asked a question 💭
San Francisco, CA
September 25, 2024
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Answer Summary

Members shared widely varied approaches to diet while managing HIV, with many emphasizing whole foods, fresh vegetables, fruits high in... Read more

Members shared widely varied approaches to diet while managing HIV, with many emphasizing whole foods, fresh vegetables, fruits high in antioxidants, lean proteins like fish and chicken, and limiting processed foods, sugar, and red meat as strategies that have helped them maintain strong CD4 counts and overall health. Several members discussed practical challenges including medication side effects like weight gain or loss of appetite, financial constraints from living on fixed incomes, managing comorbidities like diabetes or food allergies, and the importance of balance and moderation rather than rigid restriction. A recurring theme was the value of listening to your body, taking medications consistently, staying active, drinking plenty of water, and finding what works personally, whether that's intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, or simply making small sustainable changes over time.

A myHIVteam Member

I try to follow the Mediterranean diet. Lots of veggies, whole grains (gluten free because I have celiac disease) fish or seafood two to three times a week, and plant-based proteins like tofu. I try to limit my red meat consumption to no more than once a week, although I sometimes cheat. I follow this diet more to control my cholesterol than the HIV, but it doesn't hurt.

September 26, 2024
A myHIVteam Member

Actually I eat everything but I make sure I eat fruits and vegetables

September 26, 2024
A myHIVteam Member

Well, well, well, I have to lose the 30 lbs I gained during the summer weather. I ate fried foods because All seafood doesn't taste as great broiled or baked. So yes I indulged in all kinds of things. Yes I had the cake, pie and anything I wanted. Yet I did eat lots of fresh veggies and especially fruit because it was so delicious. I'm even buying pears and strawberries today. I eat a salad every day. Hope everyone is doing well and taking your meds faithfully. I also take more iron in the winter because I don't get much natural vitamin d in the cold winter of good ol New England.
I love you and there's nothing you can do about it,🙏🤗😘❤️

October 3, 2024
A myHIVteam Member

Don't try to gain weight i was tall and thin fir yrs before and some after then I decided I wanted to be able to eat a meal because I didn't have a great appetite and I gain from 185 to 200 to 250 then 380 pounds it's not worth it I could eat a full meal but 380 pounds and losing is dam hard
and getting in good shape and. All the skin Sagging what a pretty picture

October 2, 2024
A myHIVteam Member

Whatever i feel like eating really. I am thin and trying to put on weight is kinda difficult because sometimes i do not have much of a appetite so anything regardless how healthy or unhealthy works for me.

October 1, 2024

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