Your nutritional needs will vary during different stages of HIV. Specific nutrients will not destroy the virus, but a healthy diet will help your body work right. Your body needs over 40 nutrients everyday. Some like Vitamins A, C, and E, selenium and protein, help to make your immune system strong. Others, like carbohydrate, zinc and thiamin, give you energy.

Healthy foods will make your immune system strong to fight infection. Follow the Food Guide Pyramid to make sure you are eating a healthy diet. To get all the nutrients you need, follow these guidelines:

GRAINS - Good source of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin B6, selenium, carbohydrate.
One serving =

1 slice of bread
1/2 bagel, bun
1/2 cup cooked cereal
1 cup cold cereal
1/2 cup rice or pasta
6 saltine crackers

Recommended # servings = 6 to 11

FRUITS - Good source of Vitamins A, C, carbohydrate, fiber.
One serving =

1 medium fresh fruit
1/2 cup canned fruit
3/4 cup of 100% fruit juice
1/4 cup of dried fruit

Recommended # servings = 2 to 4

VEGETABLES - Good source of Vitamins A, C, folic acid, iron, selenium.
One serving =

1/2 cup cooked vegetables
1 cup raw vegetables
3/4 cup of vegetable juice

Recommended # servings = 3 to 5

MILK - Good source of Vitamins A, D, B12, calcium, riboflavin, selenium, zinc, protein.
One serving =

1 cup of milk or yogurt
1-1/2 ounces of natural chesse
2 ounces of processed cheese

Recommended # servings = 2 to 4

MEAT, DRIED BEANS - Good source of protein, Vitamins B6, B12, thiamin, niacin, iron, selenium, and zinc.
One serving =

3 ounces of meat, fish or poultry
1 well cooked egg
4 tablespoons of peanut butter
1 cup of cooked beans or peas
1/2 cup nuts or seeds
6 ounces of tofu

Recommended # servings = 2 to 3

FATS and SWEETS - You do not need to eat less fat or sugar. Foods high in fat (butter, margarine, oil, etc.) and high in sugar (sugar, jam, jelly, honey, etc.) can add extra calories and flavor to your food. It is important with HIV not to limit your calories. Be sure that high-fat, high-sugar foods(cakes, cookies, etc.) are not replacing more nutritious foods.

DO I NEED TO TAKE A VITAMIN SUPPLEMENT?

* It is a good idea to take a vitamin supplement with minerals.

* Read the label to make sure the supplement does not go over 150% of the USRDA.

* More does not mean better. More than 200% of the USRDA can cause nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite and liver and kidney problems.

* Too much Vitamin A, selenium, zinc and iron may actually weaken your immune system.

* There is no benefit from using "natural" vitamins instead of synthetic brands.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I WEIGH?

* Maintain a comfortable weight for your height. Ask your registered dietitian what is the best weight for you.

* This is not the time to diet. Having a few extra pounds may help when you aren't feeling well. Once you lose weight, it may be hard to put it back on.

* Weigh yourself once a week. If you lose more than five pounds without trying, call your registered dietitian or doctor.

* If you are overweight and want to lose weight, talk to your registered dietitian. She/he can help you lose weight safely.

~~~ FOOD SAFETY ~~~

You are at high risk for food poisoning. If food is not handled or cooked right, bacteria can grow to high levels. If you eat these foods there is a chance you may not be able to fight off the bacteria. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills are the symptoms of food poisoning. To limit your chances of food poisoning, follow these tips:

* Don't buy dented cans of foods or out dated foods.

* Store raw meats below cooked foods in the refrigerator. If meats are not used within 2 days they should be frozen.

* Thaw meat, fish and poutlry in the refrigerator.

* Avoid raw or uncooked meats, fish or poultry.

* Avoid raw or undercooked eggs. This includes sunny side up, poached and soft boiled eggs.

* Keep utensils, cutting boards and can openers clean. Replace sponges every 2 weeks.

* Leftovers and doggie bags should be put in the refrigerator quickly.