The human immunodeficiency virus, typically known as HIV, is a potentially fatal disease that may result in death if left untreated. A person's life can drastically change after receiving an HIV-positive diagnosis. Most individuals continue to disregard the topic of HIV because of the stigma and conspiracy theories surrounding it. Even though society has made significant progress in the face of injustice, there are still many obstacles to overcome.
HIV can disrupt and impair the immune system, making it much more difficult for the body to fight against diseases. At this point, HIV is incurable. However, treatments are available to help HIV-positive individuals lead healthy lives, and transforming one's lifestyle is essential for making progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. If you're living with HIV and want to manage your health, you should incorporate these five ways into your routine, as told by Mr. Kamayani Naresh, Health Expert & Founder, Zyropathy.
Nutritious Diet To Facilitate A Healthy And Active Life
A healthy lifestyle is essential to living, and eating properly can strengthen your physical health. The definite benefit of proper eating is that it enables your body to produce the nutrients and energy required to manage HIV complications and symptoms. It also helps the increased absorption of medications and manage any side effects.
Also Read: 5 Bizarre Myths About HIV That Needs To Be Busted
A healthy diet encompasses having balanced meals that include protein, carbohydrates, fibre, and a modest amount of fat.You should also maximise your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are the colours of the rainbow. You can attain optimal health with vitamin and mineral supplementation. Certain vitamins and micronutrients are essential for the immune system to function effectively and also to support cell healing are listed below:
- Vitamin D, C, E
- Selenium
- Compound B vitamins (including B1, B2, B6, B12, and folate)
- Ginkgo biloba
- Milk thistle
- Valeria
- Folate
- Beta‐carotene
It’s compulsory to consult your healthcare provider before taking supplements and other additional vitamins.
Proactive Life With Physical Exercise
The immune system benefits immensely from exercise. By engaging in regular physical activity, you can reduce your risk of developing conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and numerous different types of cancer. All of these medical conditions have the potential to harm HIV-positive individuals more seriously.
People with HIV should work out for physical health. Despite living with HIV, you possess the power to transform your health. Individuals who are HIV positive should indulge in physical training and low-intensity workouts to enhance their immunity in order to fight off diseases that could jeopardise their health.
Also Read: People Living With HIV Have a Higher Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease
Practising Safe Sex To Diminish The Chances Of Transmitting The Virus
Safe sex should always be practised to lessen the chances of spreading the virus to other potential partners. About 95% of HIV infections worldwide are caused by sexual encounters without the use of contraception. Utilising contraception can lower the possibility of HIV transmission in serodiscordant individuals by up to 80%. Better understanding of how it spreads and how to avoid further HIV transmission is also crucial. Wearing contraception to protect yourself and your partner against other sexually transmissible diseases (STDs) and other forms of infection is key.
Prioritise Mental and emotional wellbeing
Your ability to properly manage HIV and celebrate life depends on your well-being. A person living with HIV must have perseverance, clarity, and tenacity to face challenges on a daily basis. HIV-related stress can exacerbate depression symptoms, and people with HIV frequently experience melancholy. Moreover, both tension and despair can aggravate the physical pain associated with HIV. You'll feel better physically and mentally if you can manage your pain, stress, and anxiety, which will make coping with HIV simpler. One can improve their mental well-being by taking proactive action or occasionally interacting with other HIV-positive people.
Oral hygiene for overall health
Since oral infections are more prevalent in people with HIV, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. Dental conditions can have a negative impact on an HIV-positive person's health and well-being. In order to maintain excellent oral hygiene, one must frequently schedule dental checkups, floss, and use mouthwash as part of routine oral care practices.
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