Nutrition and HIV/AIDS: A Training Manual - Linkages Project

Dietary problemDiarrhea Eat small, frequent meals.Nutritional intervention Eat bananas, mashed fruit, soft, boiled white rice, and porridge, which helpslow transit time and stimulate the bowel. Avoid intake of high fat or fried foods and foods with insoluble fiber; removethe skin from fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of fluids (8-10 cups a day) at room temperature, especiallythose that contain some calories, such as diluted fruit juices. Avoid coffee and alcohol. Eat food at room temperature; very hot or very cold foods stimulate thebowels and diarrhea worsens. Limit or eliminate milk and milk products to see whether symptoms improve;for some people lactose intolerance may occur. but only for a short periodduring episodes of diarrhea.If diarrhea is severe: Give oral rehydration solution to prevent dehydration. Withhold food for 24 hours or restrict food to clear fluids (e.g., soups, softfoods, white rice, porridge, and mashed fruit and potatoes).Constipation Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Increase intake of fiber by eating vegetables and fruits. Do not use laxatives or enemas.Bloating Avoid foods associated with cramping and bloating (cabbage, beans, onions,green peppers, eggplant). Eat slowly and try not to talk while chewing.Altered taste Use a variety of flavor enhancers such as salt, spices, and herbs to increasetaste acuity and mask unpleasant taste sensations. Try different textures of food. Chew food well and move around mouth to stimulate taste receptors.170