Fatigue
By Margo Woods, DSc, Emily Potts, MSc, and Joan Connors, DMin, RD
Fatigue is a lack of energy, exhaustion, and prolonged tiredness.
It can be one of the most debilitating symptoms experienced by
people with HIV. Try these ways to manage the symptoms and improve
your energy levels:
- Eat every 1–2 hour to get your calories in! Force it
if you have to—some people find that it helps to set an
alarm clock.
- Use home delivery services available to you.
- When possible, eat with friends.
- Limit caffeine, as this can sometimes increase fatigue once
the caffeine wears off.
- Nutritious is best, but go for anything if you’re having
a hard time: the biggest priority is calories to keep your weight
from dropping. Canned soups, frozen dinners, and pizza work
well.
- Focus on your favorite foods, and if you cook, make a double
portion so that you can freeze some for an easy meal later.
- Keep food beside you all day, so that you can munch. Trail
mix, snack bars, dried fruit, and nuts work well.
- If drinking comes more easily than eating, try a milkshake
(blend low fat yogurt or milk with any of the following: canned
fruit, juice, cocoa mix, peanut butter, or instant breakfast).
Try adding dry powdered milk or protein powders to your drink.
- Keep hard boiled eggs in the refrigerator and snack on them
throughout the day.
- Get adequate sleep, relaxation, and exercise.
- If you’re experiencing a prolonged loss of appetite,
check with your doctor about the possibility of trying an appetite
stimulant.
- Check with your doctor if you are experiencing prolonged
fatigue.
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