Podcast: Nutrition neglect could be dangerous

On episode 18 of Sisters Without Shame, registered dietitian Eunice Mpehlo explores the benefits of a healthy diet in the treatment of HIV/Aids.

A friend in crisis hopes to better his chances in treatment seeking nutritional guidance. This is information that is often overlooked in his visits to his local clinic.

Eastern Cape dietitian, Eunice Mpehlo. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Mpehlo has extensive experience in both private and public health practice and runs her own practice in Gqberha. Mpehlo says thatgood nutrition is all about finding and maintaining a healthy eating style. This is especially important in HIV/AIDS treatment as nutrition supports overall health and boosts the immune system.

“Optimal nutrition is optimal health,” says Mpehlo. “For most people living with HIV, good nutrition really is the same as it would be for anyone else, but some conditions related to treating HIV/AIDS such as wasting syndrome, diarrhea, or lipid abnormalities mean that proper nutrition really is important to people with HIV/AIDS.”

Nutrition neglect could be dangerous

HIV and HIV medicines can sometimes cause nutrition-related problems explains Mpehlo.

“Malnutrition and HIV can be quite a vicious cycle, a poor nutritional status can result in weight loss, lean muscle mass loss, as well as macro or micronutrient deficiencies.

“This in turn really results in having an impaired immune system which decreases the body’s ability to fight HIV and other infections. Once you have a poor ability for the body to stay healthy it increases one’s vulnerability to other infections, increased frequency and duration of these opportunistic infections.”

Nutrition maintenance

The World Health Organization recommends an average minimum daily energy requirement of an adult in the developing world at around 2000 calories. “That works out to be about 8400 kilo joules which is only actually sufficient for good health.”

“The WHO also recommends that energy in asymptomatic HIV infected adults and children should be increased by 10% to above the normal 2000 calories.”
Registered dietitian, Eunice Mpehlo

Eating well is key to maintaining strength, energy, and a healthy immune system says Mpehlo.

A good diet should consist of the following:

Starch based foods: Including fruits and vegetables, nuts

Calcium: Dairy products or dairy alternatives

Legumes: Beans and pulses

Proteins: Fish, eggs, red meat, and chicken

Good fats: Unsaturated oils, and spreads

Mpehlo adds that you should also limit high fat foods and sugars. “It really is focusing on immune support through a healthy and balanced diet.

Your basket matters

Healthy food doesn’t need to be expensive food it doesn’t need to break the bank. In fact, if growing your own could save you some coins. “Growing your own is even more affordable than going to the shops and you know paying transport costs you know and then you could even use it as a source of income once you’ve established a vegetable garden.”