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The following statements are not intending to replace your physician's treatments. Any serious illness should always consult with your doctors.
AIDS/HIV
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a sexually and intravenously transmitted disease caused by the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV). The virus invades T-lymphocyte and other immune cells and multiplies within them, eventually disabling the patient's immune response. Death usually occurs from an infection or AIDS-related cancer. AIDS is known to be spread though bodily fluids such as blood and semen. People who are infected with HIV may not develop full-blown AIDS for many years, and the speed of onset seems to be affected by nutritional and psychological factors. Symptoms may include fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, oral thrush and pneumonia. At this time there is no cure for AIDS.
Symptoms
- Mild flu-like symptoms 2-4 weeks following HIV infection. Then, 2-5 years later, anything from diarrhea to fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight, inflamed gums, mouth sores, skin problems, enlarged liver and spleen.
- Or, onset of candidiasis (white bumps on tongue) signaling a depressed immune system, pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, Kaposi's sarcoma (a rare skin cancer), Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes, tubercolosis, etc.
How alternative medicine may potentially help?
HerbsConventional drug therapies are strongly recommended in all patients, especially those with CD4 lymphocyte counts under 500. Certain herbs and nutrients may help delay and control AIDS and AIDS-related illnesses, by helping to protect cells, inhibit HIV replication, destroy free radicals and enhance immune system function. Persons with AIDS often have a weakened ability to neutralize free radicals, and appear to benefit from a nutrient-rich diet. Almost one-third of patients, including those taking standard doses of supplements, exhibit low blood levels of antioxidant vitamins and may benefit from optimal doses.
- Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant, and inhibits the replication of HIV. Preliminary research indicates that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, may have antiviral activity that is effective against HIV. Turmeric should not to be used if you have a biliary dysfunction or a blood clotting disorder.
- Bromelain shows better test tube results than synthetic protease inhibitors.
- Licorice may inhibit the progression to AIDS. Salt of glycyrrhizic acid found in licorice root may have some ability to inhibit the replication of HIV. Be aware that licorice can have undesirable side effects. It is not to be used for extended periods of time, or if there exists any of the following conditions: high blood pressure, kidney, liver or heart disease, low blood potassium (hypokalemia) or pregnancy.
- Shiitake Mushroom has been shown to boost immunity and fight fatigue.
- Aloe Vera juice stimulates immune response and may inhibit the progression of HIV.
- St. John's Wort* Preliminary research in experimental animals indicates that St. John's wort (hypericin) has antiviral effects, and it may prove valuable against AIDS.
- Astragalus can potentially help boost the immune system.
- Maitake Mushroom has been shown to boost immune system
- Beta Glucan - another herb used to boost immune system
Supplements
- Lipoic acid inhibits replication of HIV.
- Carnitine is deficient in AIDS patients.
Vitamins
- Vitamin E shows the strongest, most consistent positive effects of any antioxidant vitamin, but half of all patients consume less than the US RDA.
- Vitamin C slows the progression to AIDS, and supplementation with 1,500 to 3,000 mg raises blood levels of glutathioneła key antiviral antioxidant.
- Ten to 35 of patients have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Minerals
- Selenium slows progression from HIV infection to AIDS.
- Zinc is critical to immune function, reduces opportunistic infections, and is often deficient in AIDS patients.
Resources
- Call the AIDS hotline, 800/342-AIDS, for info on HIV and AIDS as well as referrals to medical and support groups. In Spanish, 800/344-7432. Or check out the joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS at www.unaids.org.