You may have been diagnosed with AIDS or found to be HIV positive, but does that mean you stop living a normal life? Absolutely not, because with the right lifestyle habits and proper care and treatment, you can live like any other person. An HIV diagnosis is going to send your world crashing down. But, it does not mean you stop living and give up hope.

An HIV diagnosis implies a new routine that will involve frequent doctor visits and medications. Here are some healthy lifestyle tips for HIV/AIDS that will allow you to lead a normal life:

1. Don’t delay treatment
You cannot waste time delaying antiretroviral treatment. The treatment must start soon after diagnosis so that your immune system stays strong. This treatment may not be able to cure the condition, but it helps to keep this virus in check.

Just like any other medication, these medicines also have side-effects. In such cases, you may need to opt for alternative medicines. These medications must be taken every day at the time prescribed. You cannot skip doses or take the drugs at different times as it will interfere with your immunity.

2. Nutritious diet
You have to follow a nutritious diet to stay strong. The diet must not contain excess sugar, salt, or processed fats. A balanced diet is going to help your body absorb the medicine better and fight off infections. You should ideally consult your healthcare professional if you are underweight, overweight, have specific diet problems. It is also necessary to inform doctors about medicinal side-effects leading to a loss in appetite, etc.

3. Exercise regularly
To stay healthy with HIV/AIDS, you need to exercise regularly. It is one of the most essential lifestyle tips for HIV/AIDS because unless you are active, your bones and muscles will weaken. When you work out regularly, your heart stays healthy, and your body burns fat as it is supposed to. It is important because people infected with the virus often lose muscle strength and mass. Regular exercise releases happy hormones in the body that alleviate stress levels and depression symptoms.

4. Avoid alcohol and drugs
You must not drink excess alcohol or use drugs when you are battling HIV. When you drink too much or take recreational drugs, the immune system suffers a setback. In spite of the medicines, body immunity gets compromised. You may even experience unwanted side-effects. For instance, you could feel lightheaded and faint when drugs interfere with the medicines you are already taking.

Living with HIV/AIDS is never easy, and it helps to talk to a counselor for support. Looking after your emotional wellbeing is one of the most important lifestyle tips for HIV/AIDS. It is as important as looking after your physical wellbeing.

When you are diagnosed with this deadly virus, it is going to unnerve you, and you are going to need a lot of time to adjust to this new reality. You need all the love and support you can get from friends and family members. Also, it may be a good idea to look for peer mentoring in the area you live in.