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I was recently diagnosed with HIV and I'm feeling overwhelmed. Are there specific foods I should eat or avoid to help keep my immune system strong?

First of all, thank you for reaching out. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed after a new diagnosis. That’s a really important question, and it’s completely valid to be thinking about your nutrition right now. Many people living with HIV wonder how their diet might affect their health, especially in the early stages after diagnosis.

While we don’t provide individual dietary recommendations through this helpline, we strongly encourage you to connect with a registered dietitian. They can help you explore your nutrition needs based on your health, treatment, and personal preferences.

In Manitoba, you can reach out to:

The Manitoba HIV Program – They can connect you to specialized care and other supportive services (like a dietician). If you’re already linked to care, you can ask your healthcare provider about seeing a dietitian.

Dial-a-Dietitian Manitoba – A free and confidential service where you can speak directly with a dietitian. Toll free at 1-877-830-2892 or 204-788-8248 in Winnipeg.

Taking care of your health includes asking questions like this, and you’re doing the right thing by reaching out. You don’t have to figure this out alone, there are people and programs here to support you.