Nine Foods to Avoid When You Have HIV

A bug from a dinner out might just cause a brief case of vomiting or loose stools for some. But these minor illnesses can become more serious if you're living with HIV, since your immune system is more vulnerable. Unsafe food can contain harmful bacteria and viruses, and cause more than 200 different diseases. Avoiding certain foods and making sure what you eat is prepared and stored properly can help prevent these illnesses and help you stay strong.

Foods like beef tartare are more likely to carry bacteria or viruses that can make you sick, like salmonella or E. coli. It's safer to eat fully cooked meat. Use a food thermometer to make sure it has reached the ideal internal temperature to kill germs that could make you sick. If you miss eating raw or undercooked meat, try tender slow-cooked meats or cooking them with the sous vide method to enjoy meat that is soft and juicy but still fully cooked.

Eggs that aren't fully cooked may contain salmonella. You can make eating eggs safer by refrigerating them, cooking them until the yolk and whites are solid, and using a food thermometer for dishes like quiche to ensure they are fully cooked. For dishes that call for raw or undercooked eggs, like hollandaise, consider using eggs that have been pasteurized, or lightly heated for a set period of time to kill salmonella and other germs.

Seafood is an excellent source of high-quality and lean protein, but sushi with raw fish and shellfish can be the source of food poisoning caused by salmonella and noroviruses. Seafood should be fully cooked — use a food thermometer to ensure it's cooked through. Canned fish and seafood also are safe alternatives. You can also eat sushi with fully cooked seafood, such as grilled salmon.

While roast beef, pastrami, and hot dogs can help you make some easy meals, processed meats like these may cause listeriosis. Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria that causes listeriosis, can grow even in the fridge. So if you do want to eat these foods, heat them to a temperature of 165° F. Deli meats tend to be high in salt and aren't the healthiest option for a sandwich, so you could consider swapping them for canned tuna or boiled eggs. 

Food made from unpasteurized dairy, like raw milk cheeses, can carry E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes. To make eating dairy products safer, be sure they're made from pasteurized milk. Swap cheeses like brie and camembert for hard cheeses such as Asiago or Parmesan, or soft cheeses made from pasteurized milk, such as mozzarella.

While fresh fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy diet, raw juices may contain E. coli, salmonella, and noroviruses picked up while they're made. Most juice sold in U.S. markets has been pasteurized; raw juice must bear a warning label. Another alternative is making your own juice. Wash your hands before prep, thoroughly wash and dry produce, cut away bruised parts, and use clean equipment.

Raw sprouts like alfalfa or mung bean sprouts can provide an extra crunch on top of salads, but the way they are grown creates ideal conditions for E. coli, salmonella and listeria to grow along with them. When preparing foods yourself, cook them thoroughly to make them safer to eat. You can also choose alternatives to sprouts if you want the same crunch in your food, such as shredded cabbage.

Leftovers can be a breeding ground for bacteria such as Bacillus cereus and listeria, which can grow even in the fridge. But leftovers can be safe to eat if you put them in the fridge at 40° F or cooler within two hours of preparation in covered containers. Finish your leftovers within three to four days. When reheating food, be sure it's steaming hot throughout, reaching 165° F. Consider freezing portions to extend their shelf life.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect how some drugs work, including certain drugs used to treat anxiety, high cholesterol, and allergies, along with some older HIV medicines. While many drugs are not impacted by eating grapefruit, it's good to check for possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.