Protein requirements in an HIV patient

HIV – also known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a critical virus that causes AIDS, a deadly syndrome in which the body destroys its own immune system, making it vulnerable to a lot of other diseases. This results in the normal ordinary infections becoming dangerous to the human body as the immune system fails to detect and counteract them, thereby making them quite life threatening. About 75% of people who get infected with this virus do not exhibit any signs or symptoms for about more than 10 years. That is why there are lesser indications which alert patients at the early disease stage which ends up making them ignorant about the early signs and symptoms. Abnormal pap smears, pelvic diseases and chronic, persistent yeast infections are some alert signs. That is why; every person who is active sexually should get themselves tested for these early signs and symptoms and keep a check of their disease status.

Once a person finds out that they are HIV positive, then they should not take it as a death sentence, rather incorporate those changes that are needed in order to fully live life. It is also important that once a person becomes HIV positive, they should change their attitude and practice towards sex. They should be aware that they cant donate blood and should inform their doctors/dentists when they go for any treatment. Treatment in the form of medication should be taken so that the symptomatic treatment can be done to prevent long term damage. However, other than treatment, changing one’s diet is also an important element of managing this condition. Dietary guidelines should be consulted with the physician or nutritionist so that the changes are done as per a person’s nutritional requirement.

Nutritional aggression compared to the dietary needs:

Many medicines have evolved for the management of HIV disease which not only combat the battle but also give a better quality of life to the infected patients. Better nutrition and diet supplements also tend to improve the management of this disease. This fact is also supported by a study conducted by John Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health. Nutritionals boosts also tend to improve and steady a regular health status and keep the health stable enough to prevent the complications of this disease. These elements include:

Increased calories
Hydration
Protein

Increased calories:

Increased calories can give you the enhanced energy that you need. In an HIV patient, these extra calories tend to give you the extra energy for your life. Moreover, calories from healthy diets also give minerals and vitamins to the body. It is also important that the majority of these supplements should be consumes from natural sources rather than the synthetic ones.

Hydration:

Everybody needs to keep their body hydrated as water makes up more than 70% of the human body. The body should therefore be kept well hydrated so that not only the fluid is maintained, but also the electrolyte balance of the body is maintained. The electrolytes are used to keep the body functions intact and in case of an imbalance in the electrolyte concentration, the signals in the body get crossed and cause problems such as heart beat irregularities, etc. Too little fluid in the body also tends to cause dehydration in the body. Dehydration results in very serious consequences in HIV patients. Fluids are used to transport different micronutrients and medicines throughout the body. If a body is dehydrated, it would not be able to transport or break down the medicine in the body. About six to ten glasses of fluids should be consumed everyday in the form of milk, juices or plain water. It is also recommended that sodas, coffee or alcohols are avoided so that they do not cause dehydration.

Protein:

A very essential role is played by protein to provide the functioning of every cell in the human body. Proteins also tend to build and strengthen the immunity, increase the muscle mass and improve the overall health of the human body. In HIV patients, it is important that the proteins are consumed in the form of supplements such as Profect by Protica and other such brands, so as to maintain a stable and steady supply of proteins in the body. Moreover, while consuming proteins, it is important that the body is well hydrated because proteins also tend to cause dehydration.

It is suggested by doctors that other than the protein supplements, an HIV infected person should consume about 20 grams of proteins in every meal, thereby having high protein foods. During meals, high protein snacks can be consumed such as powders, protein shakes or bars. These protein snacks and supplements should be used according to their set guidelines so that the immunity of an HIV patient remains at its optimum condition.

Protein bars provide about 5 to 10 grams of proteins and few sugars. The sugar content of a protein bar should be regularly checked as excessive sugars also tend to deplete the immune system. Protein shakes and powder provide instant protein to the body and do not contain any negative ingredients.

Liquid supplement protein shots are a good suggestion to take if they are taken under proper guidelines i.e. being high in protein content and low in sugars. This makes them easily absorbable by the human body.

Whey proteins are also a good supplementary option for HIV positive patients. Firstly, this whey protein helps to provide the best protein source to the human body along with the intake of other dietary elements such as fats, carbs and vitamins. These proteins also help to boost the immune system. Those patients who are lactose intolerant should avoid using whey protein concentrate and prefer using whey protein isolate as it has lesser lactose while giving the same amount benefits.

Whey protein isolates are 90% proteins and other than boosting the immunity, these also tend to provide the optimum level of amino acids needed by the body. Protein is broken down into amino acids which are then used to create the amino acids not found in the body along with other elements such as enzymes and hormones. The body also produces its own amino acids but isn’t able to produce 8 particular ones. These essential amino acids, not produced by the body are then taken from foods and supplements.