Benefits of Exercise for People Living With HIV
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) responsible for causing AIDS continues to be a serious public health issue. Since treatment options are still under research and development process, medical field has two major advices for men and women:
When prevention fails, patients are left with the option of backing the treatment process with lifestyle changes such as introducing good nutrition and adding exercise regime to daily routine. These changes will help improving one’s health and slow the progression of your HIV infection. Adding nutritious food to daily diet will help patients eat well and obtain nutrition. Exercising daily will maintain body’s energy levels and minimize overall risk of acute infection.
In case, you face difficulty eating due to side effects such as loss of appetite, mouth sores, diarrhea, or nausea, simply speak to your doctor.
A treatment for HIV should be supplemented by regular dietary and exercise guidelines. Here are some of the best benefits of exercise for people living with HIV:
Prioritize Yourself!
HIV may make an individual feel like they have to shift between numerous strategies to stay healthy. According to medical experts, exercise can make it easier to deal with HIV. Make it a priority to exercise regularly. Doctors advice a workout of about 150 minutes each week. This can be a smart and strategic mix of aerobic, strength-building and flexibility exercises. These help in maintaining a strong and healthy body.
Exercise Boosts Appetite
Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) struggle maintaining healthy body weight. Although they require a few extra pounds to help them stay healthy and keep infections at bay. Exercise will help stimulate appetite and make you feel hungry. This will make you consume more calories important to maintain good health.
Exercise Builds Muscle Mass
Aging can make one lose muscle mass. Individuals with HIV face challenge in retaining muscle mass. Muscle mass is important to maintain healthy and strong body. This is important to help you perform the day to day task effectively.
Bone Density
Bone mass tends to reduce with age. With HIV, this process accelerates and puts patients at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. This condition increases the risk of fractures of bones, wrist, hip, spine, and other bones of body. Medications of HIV can aggravate the risk of osteoporosis. Regular exercise will halt this process and build up bone density to help maintain strength of bone.
Boosts Heart Health
People with HIV are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Exercising regularly will prove to be a great way to ward off serious heart diseases. This is possible by adding a regular daily aerobic exercise routine. You may consider brisk walking, biking or swimming to keep your heart healthy. These exercises raise heart rate. Adding resistance training will target major muscle group to maintain healthy heart.
Reduces Risk of Chronic Conditions
Individuals with HIV are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Adding exercise to daily routine will be helpful in warding off heart related diseases. It is important to incorporate regular aerobic exercises to daily routine. The best exercises for HIV patients include walking, biking and swimming. These exercises raise heart rate. Adding resistance training targeting every major muscle group is the best way to minimize risks of chronic health conditions.
Improves Sleep Cycle
Exercise is a sleep enhancer. Cardiovascular exercises will help you sleep better at night. This is very important for patients with HIV. Good quality sleep will help you fight off infections and ward off any sickness. Sleeping well is important for maintaining a healthy body weight and minimizes risk for developing serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease and diabetes. It will boost your mood and reduce stress levels.
Reduces Fatigue
Individuals with HIV may feel more tired and exhausted than those without this condition. The condition may interfere with their willpower and desire to exercise. However, medical experts believe that it is important to try. Even a small try is enough to make a difference. Exercise helps individuals with HIV to build up endurance. Sticking with a routine will definitely make a difference that you can notice eventually!
Boosts Immune System
According to research, it is revealed that exercise may support and boost immune system. Daily workout under the guidance of medical expert will body’s immunity in check.
Benefits of Physical Activity
There are a number of benefits HIV patients can have by introducing regular physical activity into their routine. These include:
Physical activity will minimize risk of serious conditions that can affect HIV patients such as a cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
How Much Activity Should You Do?
As per Physical Activity Guidelines (2018) based on evidence, it is revealed that adults require a minimum of 150 to 300 minutes each week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. This may be in the form of fast dancing, biking, or even brisk walking. Adults with HIV require muscle-strengthening activities such as pushups, lifting weights etc. for at least 2 days a week.
Make sure you speak to your health care provider before starting off with an exercise regime. They will check your condition and suggest you appropriate type and hours of workout.
Exercise Right
People with HIV can indulge in physical activity and exercise as individuals without HIV. A physical activity will work muscles and demands more energy than resting. Some of the best activities recommended by doctors include the following:
Patients can take up an aerobics class and even start playing their favorite sport. Maintaining a fitness routine will help enjoy a better and healthier life. Another option is to participate in a group activity such as dance or exercise. Being physically active regularly is the best way to maintain good health while getting treated for HIV.
You can take following medicines to get relief from HIV disease: Ritomune, Heptavir, Zepdon, Viropill, Virataz R