Question
Do I have to change my lifestyle now that I am HIV positive?
26 March 2022. Related: All topics, Newly diagnosed, Starting treatment.
I am 24. I have been on TLD regimen for one week exactly. I haven’t had any weird side effects, just my normal anxiety and insomnia. I’ve been eating way more, which was a conscious decision. I still smoke about 15 cigarettes a day and half a joint per day. I had like 7 units of alcohol during this and drink about two litres of water per day.
Can anyone on this ART share their long term experience and daily habits and any possible side effects, which their lifestyle might have contributed to?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
It is great that TLD is working well for you and that you are not experiencing any weird side effects.
Taking care of your health is important regardless of your HIV status. Also, being HIV positive should not stop you doing what you enjoy in life. There needs to be a balance between what can negatively impact your life and what you get enjoyment from.
Why has it been a conscious decision to start eating more? Being HIV positive does not require a greater intake of food than someone who is HIV negative. Like with all food, it is best that it is a balanced diet but there is no requirement to have more unless you want to.
Your alcohol consumption is within a healthy limit and you are drinking a good amount of water. Like with everything, it would be recommended to cut down or quit on smoking. This is more a matter of how smoking effects your health overall rather than anything HIV specific.
Living a healthy life with HIV is just like doing the same without HIV. Eat well, exercise, don’t over indulge and enjoy it. This is a link to the i-base healthy lifestyle guide.
Josh.
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