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Being Positive With HIV Leads To A Positive Life Expectancy

Being HIV positive is not about focusing on the negative aspect of the HIV virus, it is about focusing on POSITIVE living with the virus. It is about taking responsibility for one's health, and it is also about having a mental attitude which is pro- life. A person who has found out that they are HIV positive can very easily fall into desperation and depression, because they believe that there is no way out.

However there are people who are living long healthy lives with HIV, proving that HIV does not have to be the immediate death sentence which it was once dreaded to be. The life expectancy of people after contracting HIV used to be 7 years. Now people are expected to live around 24 years on average after contracting the virus if they follow healthy lifestyle practices, and this is without any antiretroviral drugs.

"In the early days of the HIV pandemic, patients could expect only a few years between diagnosis and a final fatal AIDS-associated illness. Now, people with HIV in the developed world are living long enough that other causes of death -- such as cardiovascular disease -- are starting to assume an ever-greater importance". Published in medpagetoday.com

So as we can see a healthy, long life with HIV is possible. There are many websites and places of information with regards to HIV/AIDS, thanks to many organisations which work tirelessly to bring about awareness of this disease and to de-stigmatize it. Here are a few ways which you can remain healthier for longer.

Healthy Eating

Fruits and Vegetables: Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables are very important for those living with HIV. Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals needed by your body to strengthen your immune system and fight off infections.

Meats and dairy: Adding protein to your diet will help you gain muscle and stay strong. Vegetable sources such as legumes are also very high sources of protein so eat as much of them as you can.

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates which are found in foods such as rice, potatoes and cornmeal. Carbohydrates gives you energy, although it is better to eat complex carbohydrates than simple ones.

Oils and fats: Moderate amounts of oils and fats are needed in your diet. Good fats and oils can be found in avocados, olive oil, fatty fish, nuts, seeds and canola oils.

Water: You need to drink plenty of water to flush out toxins from the body, as well as to carry nutrients to the cells. 2 litres of water is recommended per day, you can also add herbal teas and juices to make up the 2 litres.

Exercise is another important factor in staying fit and healthy. You need to partake in moderate daily exercises such as; walking, jogging, yoga, swimming and dancing.

Lastly it is important that you remain strong mentally to fight this virus. Join a support group for people living with HIV/AIDS, you need to be with people who can encourage you and share this journey with you. Even though you have contracted HIV (are HIV positive), it is important that you know the key element in fighting it is live and be POSITIVE!