| ASK THE EXPERTS
In this section, we share expert information
given by professional practitioners and researchers
in response to questions asked by community members.
Remember that if you have a question about any
HIV/AIDS-related issue that you need answered,
and wish to remain nameless, Sondela will publish
the reply without revealing your identity. Simply
write to us at SONDELA, c/o HIVAN (Centre for
HIV/AIDS Networking), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban
4041, or send an e-mail to community@hivan.org.za
In this edition, advice given by Neil M. Orr
(MA Psych) shows us how “coping and hoping”,
by looking after our bodies' special needs, will
help us to live longer if we are HIV infected.
QUESTION: If I know that I am HIV-positive,
what can I do to take care of my body?
ANSWER: There are many things you can do to give
your body more strength, and to balance your feelings
and thoughts so that stress does not weaken it.
In this edition, we will focus on your body's
most important needs.
Firstly, because a warm body can fight HIV infection
better than a cold one, make sure that you do
not get too cold or too tired for long periods-
so get enough sleep, and rest when you are tired;
keep warm clothing with you, exercise regularly
by walking and stretching every day, and eat starches
(mielie-meal, bread, potatoes, ndumbi) in the
morning. Secondly, protect your stomach from germs
that live in uncooked food-wash your food and
cook it properly (especially meat), drink only
clean water and plenty of it (two litres a day
if possible), eat a lot of different kinds of
fresh vegetables and fruit, and try not to eat
left-over foods that may have gathered germs.
Avoid drinking tea, coffee, sugar and alcohol,
as too much of any of these can cause harm to
your immune system. Spicy and fried foods are
also damaging to the stomach. To clear your stomach
of worms or germs, eat a handful of dried pumpkin
seeds and a raw carrot every day. If you have
diarrhoea (runny stomach) eat the middle (core)
of a pineapple and/or raw garlic. Raw garlic is
very good and safe to eat daily for the prevention
of many illnesses. In general, try to eat more
than you usually do - you need to keep your weight
up so that your body is strong enough to fight
infection.
Eat at least three times a day or more if you
can. If you have a runny stomach for more than
three days, go to a doctor as soon as possible.
If you have a sore mouth, chew raw garlic every
few hours; also, rinse your mouth with warm salted
water or a mixture of baking soda and water, and
eat only soft foods like porridge and soup. In
the next edition, we will share more information
about affordable treatment, the importance of
keeping your mind calm and your heart peaceful,
and the need to practice safe sex. With acknowledgements
to Positive Health, published by Empowerment Concepts
and Metropolitan Life Tel: (021) 940 5772
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