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Protein and Good Nutrition Many people living with HIV and AIDS make major changes in their lifestyles, including paying far closer attention to their diets, getting regular exercise and avoiding stress. More often than not, these changes help to support an immune system that has been compromised, is less able to combat disease, and is more prone to infection. Better nutrition may help to strengthen the immune system. By consuming more fresh fruits and properly prepared vegetables (steamed, lightly sauteed or raw), by eating more whole grains, (including whole grain breads) and by adding beans and peas to one's daily diet, a person with HIV feels better about him/herself, as well as feeling better physically. You must be very careful when eating raw fruits. Make sure that they are washed very carefully or peeled. If you have doubts about the tap water, you should use filtered water to wash your fruit and to mix fruit drinks. Making the switch to a diet containing less fat (meat, fish, poultry, butter, margarine and most oils), fewer or no fried foods, fewer processed foods and more fiber has been demonstrated to improves your health. Also, eating enough of the right balance of foods may help prevent weight loss and fatigue, improve your comfort and sense of well-being and contribute to your overall quality of life. We all know that protein is an important part of our diet. Nearly every function in the body needs protein. The protein found in animal foods­­meat, fish, poultry, dairy and eggs­­is called "complete" protein. Grains, cereals and vegetables are called "incomplete" proteins. But this doesn't mean that animal proteins are the only 'good' source of proteins. By eating meals with two incomplete proteins that complement each other, such as grains and legumes (brown rice and beans), you can get all the protein you need. People living with HIV/AIDS need to be selective and careful about the proteins in their diet. When we consume more protein than our bodies need to maintain good health, the excess protein is converted into fat that may build-up in our bloodstream. Not only do we store excess protein as body weight, but its overabundance in the bloodstream may create its own serious health problems. However, people with HIV/AIDS cannot eat only protein or take amino acid supplements to maintain their health. Many people with HIV/AIDS are worried about weight loss. Foods high in saturated fat, such as meats (including chicken and fish), fried foods, dairy foods, eggs, most oils and whole milk must be kept in balance. The overall goal is to build lean muscle mass; lean muscle mass is the key element of concern when weight loss occurs. There are excellent alternatives to animal proteins, alternatives such as barley, brown and wild rice and quinoa. Quinoa grain is high in protein, calcium and vitamins. Quinoa grains may be cooked the same as rice. Raw, stir-fired and steamed vegetables and a wide variety of bean and pea products can be can be readily prepared into exciting dishes by even the most reluctant chef. These alternate sources can be matched and combined properly so that so-called "incomplete" proteins can provide complete, nutritious sources of protein. People making substantive changes in diet need to do research into proper nutrition by consulting knowledgeable health­care professionals and by investigating vegetarian and good-health cook books. The change to a more healthy diet can be delicious as well as better for your overall health. (Medical Alert, September/October 1996 issue and The Nutrition Difference, sponsored by the Ross Products Division of Abbot Laboratories)