Dietician

Getting the benefits of good nutrition

‍Good nutrition is important for everyone, but essential for people living with HIV (PLHIV). A nutritious diet is one of the key components of the treatment of HIV, and the sooner you start with a healthy eating pattern and lifestyle, the more successful you can be at staying healthier.

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Good nutrition means eating foods that supply the body with all the nutrients needed to meet the special dietary requirements of PLHIV.

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Following a healthy diet will help you to:

• Promote health and improve your quality of life
• Keep your immune system strong so you can better fight other infections
• Manage your body weight, that is to prevent both weight loss and weight gain
• Prevent loss of muscle
• Help manage symptoms and complications of HIV
• Reduce the side-effects of medication and treatment

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A Registered Dietitian forms part of the multi-disciplinary team who can help you to achieve your “individualised” nutrition goals by assisting you with meal planning to ensure you eat a varied diet within your budget.  

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Dietary education, ongoing encouragement, and practical advice will also help you to implement and sustain these recommendations. These nutritional needs will vary, and may need to be reviewed and revised according to the development of the disease.

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Nutrition support also includes guidance on the use of supplements and alternative therapies, as well as food safety concerns.