Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that damages the immune system, thus interfering with your body’s ability to fight infections and diseases. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease that can also be spread by contact with infected blood or from mother to child during pregnancy. 

If you have HIV, it’s especially important to keep your immune system strong. Without medication, it might take years before HIV weakens your body to the point that you have AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). So, taking medications for HIV is a must. But you can also take some steps to help your body stay strong. 

1. Monitor your skin health and pay attention to any changes 

A severe skin infection that doesn’t go away or respond to treatment can indicate something serious. People with compromised immune systems due to HIV often experience persistent skin conditions, either because of increased susceptibility to certain infections or inflammation. 

2. Expand your knowledge of HIV 

Following a treatment plan is as essential as understanding HIV and AIDS. Check the Everyday Health HIV/AIDS Center and government websites such as the AIDSinfo and CDC and consider talking to your healthcare provider about the condition to understand it better. 

3. Try acupuncture to relieve some symptoms 

Lots of people with HIV suffer from the side effects of medications. Acupuncture can help relieve certain types of chronic pain caused by HIV and medications. Although there haven’t been any studies showing that acupuncture stimulates the immune system in HIV sufferers, scientists have found that acupuncture increases CD4 cells in people with cancer. 

4. Follow a healthy diet

A healthy diet is a great way to keep your immune system strong. Adding foods such as beans, fish, and nuts to your diet can help you get enough proteins, carbs, and healthy fats, which is especially important for underweight people. 

Eating plenty of fruits and veggies can provide your body with the necessary minerals and vitamins. Maintaining a healthy weight is necessary to absorb HIV medications. 

5. Be careful when traveling abroad 

People with HIV should be especially careful when traveling abroad. Be careful about the food and water you consume, since foodborne infections are dangerous for people with HIV. When planning a trip, be sure to talk with your doctor at least four to six weeks beforehand to get advice about vaccinations you may need. 

6. Always take medication on time 

Skipping pills or not taking HIV medication will allow the infection to progress. The higher the levels of HIV in your body, the weaker your immune system will be. Plus, when you don’t stick to your treatment, HIV can become resistant to your medication. 

7. Avoid drugs and consume alcohol in moderation

Alcohol and drug consumption can weaken your immune system significantly. Plus, your liver,  which helps eliminate toxins, can be damaged by alcohol and drugs. If you drink alcohol, do it in moderation - this means one drink a day for women and no more than two for men.  

8. Manage your stress levels 

Proper stress management is an important part of your treatment since the chronic stress of living with HIV can take a toll on overall health and well-being. Stress can also reduce your appetite, which is bad for people with HIV. Consider trying yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and regular physical activity. 

9. Keep your teeth and gums healthy 

HIV sufferers are at high risk of getting dental problems. When the immune system is weakened, a person can easily develop oral warts, fever blisters, oral thrush, and canker sores. Plus, many people with HIV also develop dry mouth syndrome, which can raise the risk of dental cavities.