Good nutrition is very important if you're HIV+. It's not a replacement for ARVs (HIV medication). But it can help you stay healthy for longer so you can start taking ARVs later. Once you start taking ARVs, good nutrition will help them work better.

What to eat

- Enjoy a variety of foods
- Make starchy foods the basis of most meals
- Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits every day
- Eat dry beans, peas, lentils and soy regularly
- Chicken, fish, milk, meat or eggs could be eaten daily
- Eat fats sparingly
- Use salt sparingly
- Drinks lots of clean, safe water
- If you drink alcohol, drink sensibly
- Use foods and drinks containing sugar sparingly and not between meals.

Eat enough

People with HIV often lose their appetites when they're sick. But fighting HIV means the body needs more energy. Make sure you eat enough when you are ill even if you've lost your appetite.

Vitamins

Public clinics give HIV+ people vitamin pills. They're useful, but they're NOT a substitute for ARVs (HIV medication). Eat lots of fruit and vegetables so you get enough vitamins.