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AIDS diet manual could mean new lease of life
Lynne Altenroxel
2003-03-06

The World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation have published a new guide on nutrition for people living with HIV.The manual outlines the basics of a good diet, which can delay progression to AIDS. It also includes chapters on traditional remedies and dietary advice for common ailments in HIV patients. AIDS has a devastating effect on a person's nutritional well-being, for these reasons: nutrient absorption is reduced due to damage to the gut wall; appetite and metabolism are disrupted as the body uses more energy to fight HIV infection; muscles, organs and other tissues waste away; and, secondary infections and other stresses increase demands for energy and nutrients. HIV-related illness, such as nausea, can decrease the appetite, and painful opportunistic infections of the mouth and gut can make eating difficult. The manual offers advice on making food easier to eat during severe illness and tips on basic hygiene, and includes a chapter on herbal remedies for symptoms such as fever, nausea, inflammation and diarrhoea. By bolstering the immune system and boosting energy levels, balanced nutrition can help the body to fight back against the ravages of HIV, the UN agencies say. The manual is available at www.fao.org (Source: Lynne Altenroxel: The Star, 3 March 2003)

The World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation have published a new guide on nutrition for people living with HIV.

The manual outlines the basics of a good diet, which can delay progression to AIDS. It also includes chapters on traditional remedies and dietary advice for common ailments in HIV patients.

Food isn't a magic bullet. It won't stop people dying of AIDS, says William Clay of the FAO's food and nutrition division. But it can help them to live longer, be more comfortable and lead more productive lives.

AIDS has a devastating effect on a person's nutritional well-being, for these reasons: nutrient absorption is reduced due to damage to the gut wall; appetite and metabolism are disrupted as the body uses more energy to fight HIV infection; muscles, organs and other tissues waste away; and, secondary infections and other stresses increase demands for energy and nutrients.

HIV-related illness, such as nausea, can decrease the appetite, and painful opportunistic infections of the mouth and gut can make eating difficult.

The manual offers advice on making food easier to eat during severe illness and tips on basic hygiene, and includes a chapter on herbal remedies for symptoms such as fever, nausea, inflammation and diarrhoea. By bolstering the immune system and boosting energy levels, balanced nutrition can help the body to fight back against the ravages of HIV, the UN agencies say.

The manual is available at www.fao.org  (Source: The Star, 3 March 2003)

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