HIV kills the immune system cells- CD4 lymphocytes, also called T-cells. People who are infected with HIV, the T-cell count can falls dangerously low, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). If you’ve been infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), you need to be especially focused on keeping your immune system strong and healthy. It’s essential that people with HIV do everything in their power to get in the best physical shape possible. Learn how to boost your immune system and stay in better shape.
Have a Healthy Diet
Maintaining a nutritious diet is crucial to your overall health when you’re living with HIV. A healthy diet keeps the immune system strong, protect against illness. A healthy diet can also possibly prevent the progression of HIV. According to nutrition experts from Tufts University School of Medicine, the right diet makes it easier for the body to process the medications that people with infected with HIV must take, and it may even help ease symptoms like diarrhea, fatigue and nausea.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and drugs weaken the immune system, which is particularly dangerous for people with HIV. Alcohol and drugs can also interfere with the medications that are necessary to keep HIV in check. Avoid drinking any kind of alcohol and taking recreational drugs.
Reduce Stress
Reducing stress is an essential when it comes to staying well with HIV. Chronic stress of living with HIV can have a great influence on patient’s overall health. Stress can interfere with appetite, sleep patterns, and all other things that are important for staying healthy. Some great ways to manage stress are yoga, meditation and counseling.
Take Your Vitamins
Nutritional supplements have been shown to be extremely beneficial in patients with HIV. It’s extremely important to take supplements that will improve your well-being while struggling with HIV. Researches have shown that vitamin B, vitamin D, vitamin A and antioxidants are really helpful and are great immune system boosters, especially if you’re infected with HIV.
Keep Your Mental Health and Mind Positive
Your brain suffers a great deal processing the information that you have HIV. Try and keep your mind healthy and calm down all your negative thoughts. It’s hard when you’re faced with this kind of illness, but focus your mind on keeping your health the best way possible instead of having all those dark thoughts. Positive thoughts will help you through your everyday struggle, now that’s a fact.
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