HIV still impacts the lives of many people within our community. Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing HIV as it directly impacts the immune system and overall health. Adequate nutrition helps maintain a healthy weight, supports the body’s ability to fight infections, and enhances the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Proper nutrition also aids in managing common side effects of HIV medication, such as nausea and diarrhea, and reduces the risk of developing other health complications, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals living with HIV.
Let’s take a look at the rates of HIV affecting the Black community and how nutrition plays a role with living a healthier life despite diagnosis.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: HIV’s Disproportionate Toll on Black Communities
The Black community in this country faces challenges that cut deep into the fabric of their existence. For the average Black person, going to the doctor is just one aspect of life; another is navigating a complex web of obstacles and other struggles that define our communities, such as relative poverty, substance abuse, being a single parent, having limited access to health insurance, and feeling the weight of systemic racism on your shoulders. It’s about feeling like the odds are stacked against you, even before stepping inside a clinic.
Then there are the sobering facts, the figures that make a sharp point about our predicament. Based on available data, Black Americans, who make up no more than 14% of the US population, account for an astounding 40% of both newly diagnosed and ongoing HIV cases.
Furthermore, our Black women carry an even greater and unfathomable burden when it comes to HIV. Our women comprise less than 15% of the country’s female population. Surprisingly, In the US, Black women account for 54% of new HIV diagnoses among all women; they also have higher rates of morbidity as well as mortality, yet they tend to be the subject of the least research. According to a recent CDC report, black transgender women are heartbreakingly responsible for a whopping 62% of HIV infections among transgender women residing in major American cities.
Furthermore, heterosexual activities account for a staggering 91% of new HIV infections among our women. Worse still, just 23% of the astonishing 1.2 million people who qualify for PrEP have received this life-saving medication; a tragic 8% of those recipients are members of African American communities.
Those numbers hit hard; they represent dreams deferred, lives altered, and futures uncertain. But it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the stories behind them—the stories of resilience and courage in the face of adversity. It’s about people fighting tooth and nail for their health and lives, despite the odds stacked against them.
The Nexus of Nutrition and HIV: Nurturing Resilience
In tandem with medical interventions, nutrition emerges as a vital pillar in HIV management. The illness generally weakens your immune system. Eating healthily can prevent infections since your body needs nutrition to defend itself against pathogens. It can also increase your energy and keep you strong. It is widely acknowledged among experts that people living with HIV who follow a well-balanced diet that includes nutrient-rich foods in appropriate amounts are better able to manage the side effects of HIV medications, maintain a healthy weight, and notice an overall improvement in well-being.
- Eat a lot of fruits and veggies
- Consume lean protein. It helps your body develop muscle and maintain a robust immune system. Good options include lean meat, seafood, chicken, eggs, legumes, and nuts
- Eat whole grains that are rich in carbs. Carbohydrates provide your body with energy
- Limit your intake of sugar and salt. HIV increases your risk of developing cardiovascular conditions, whether because of the infection or the medications you are taking, and consuming too much salt can worsen the situation
- Incorporate healthy fats (but in moderation): Fat supplies energy but is also heavy in calories. Nuts, oils made from vegetables, and avocado are all good heart-healthy alternatives
Consult your doctor about any food or weight-related issues like:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Mouth issues, such as difficulty swallowing or irritation from blisters in the mouth
- Consume the proper number of calories
- Drink lots of water
Let us harness the collective power of our shared humanity to bridge racial and economic differences and envision a world in which HIV is no longer a barrier to health; rather, allow it to serve as evidence of the human race’s ongoing spirit of resiliency and solidarity.
It is time we stand in unity, working for a future where everyone, regardless of color or situation, has access to the care they require for optimal health. Because ultimately, it’s not just about HIV—it’s about humanity. And together, we can make a difference.
