EXERCISE AND HIV

Exercise is beneficial for everyone regardless of their HIV status, but for those who are HIV positive, it should be considered a priority and an essential component, along with proper nutrition, in remaining healthy.

While treatment programs known as Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) have done an amazing job at suppressing HIV viral replication and the progression of the HIV disease, there is no disputing that these life-saving medications are tough on the body and produce unpleasant side effects.

Second only to following a doctor-prescribed drug regimen, a fitness and nutrition program is paramount to maintaining a strong immune system and good health long-term.

Studies have shown that a comprehensive fitness program will help people living with HIV to:

• Fight fatigue
• Increase energy levels
• Lower body fat
• Improve insulin sensitivity (to lower blood sugar levels)
• Stabilize or increase CD4+ cell count.  (CD4+ cells are a subset of white blood cells that identify, attack and destroy infection and cancerous cells.)
• Build muscle mass
• Increase strength and endurance
• Lower triglycerides and LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and improve HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• Improve bone density