The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a chronic disease caused by the respective virus that manifests in the form of a progressive weakening of one’s immune system. Late-stage HIV infection is known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), at which point the body’s immunity is basically defenseless against any kind of bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic threat.
Although HIV/AIDS can’t be managed without proper antiretroviral therapy using modern medications, there’s a lot of extra things you can (and should!) do to boost your body’s inner resources and help your immune system stand up to the disease.
Sleep well every night
Studies indicate that sleep deprivation has a detrimental effect on the body’s immune system, increases stress levels, and promotes inflammation. Sleeping for 7-8 hours every night is essential to ensure your body will have enough energy to resist the progression of HIV.
Eat enough vitamin-rich foods
Eating more fruit and vegetables enhances the function of the immune system. These foods are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients that may reduce inflammation and promote immunity in a natural way.
A good rule of thumb is to eat 1 cup of fruit and at least 2 cups of vegetables per day.
Engage in moderate physical activity
According to some studies, regular physical activity could have a positive impact on the general health of HIV/AIDS patients. Specifically, moderate but regular exercise may help to improve one’s metabolic processes, reduce the intensity of non-AIDS diseases, as well as support the function of the immune system.
Just remember that moderation is essential in this matter, as vigorous workouts may deplete the body of the energy it needs to combat the progression of HIV-infection.
Avoid excessive stress
Some stress is a fundamental part of life, so avoiding all of it is probably impossible. However, it’s crucial to stay clear of needless or too intense forms of stress like quarrels with friends and relatives, engaging in extreme sport, traveling to places with harsh conditions, and similar things.
Remember that chronic or intense stress may be detrimental to the immune system and thus speed up the progression of HIV.
Don’t forget about your non-HIV/AIDS conditions
To effectively slow down the progression of HIV and delay (or prevent) the onset of AIDS, it’s crucial to manage all the chronic conditions the patient may have.
Even though the patient may feel as if their diabetes, hypertension, chronic gastritis, or any other disease may seem secondary and less important than the HIV infection, it’s important to remember that untreated chronic conditions deplete the body’s inner resources to stand against immune deficiency.
Conclusion
Of course, the core component of HIV treatment is antiretroviral therapy, but that doesn’t mean you should mindlessly take the prescribed medications and stop caring about all the other aspects of your life and health. There is so much you can do to support your immune system and help it resist the disease!
Sleep well, eat well, do your best to stay calm and physically active. These simple lifestyle changes, along with the professional guidance of a qualified infectious disease specialist, will be a massive boost to your body’s immunity!