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Ever since the AIDS epidemic began, researchers have been looking for a "silver bullet" - a single miracle drug to combat the virus, or a vaccine to seek out and destroy the virus in the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Research is promising, however, and existing therapies almost guarantee that people with AIDS will live much longer and have more productive lives than was once the case.
The best answer is prevention, through the avoidance of high-risk behavior and enhancement of the immune system. For persons already infected with HIV, the most logical approach to staying well is to eliminate all known causes of immune suppression and to implement the use of therapies that inhibit viral activity and stimulate immune function. This may be with the use of drug therapy with nutritional therapy and lifestyle changes.
The most destructive immunosuppressive factors in life are excessive alcohol and drug use, especially recreational drug use; poor diet; and sexual excess, especially in non-monogamous relationships.
For persons infected with HIV, the most logical approach to staying well is to eliminate all known causes of immune suppression and to implement the use of therapies that inhibit viral activity and stimulate immune function. Research has shown that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone, may enhance the functioning of the immune system.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: DHEA Therapy
Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been shown to help prevent and/or reverse wasting syndrome. This treatment must be given under a health care provider's supervision.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is sometimes used, together with medications and other treatments, to help overcome opportunistic infections associated with AIDS.
N-acetylcystine and L-carnitine have both shown some promise in the ability to prevent and counteract the extreme weight loss common in people with AIDS.
Maitake mushroom polysaccharide has shown anti-HIV activity in test tubes and under laboratory conditions. Maitake extract can help T cells in cell cultures from being destroyed by HIV by as much as 97 percent in vitro (in a test tube), according to researchers. The FDA approved Phase II clinical trails of maitake in 1998.
New studies show that a modified form of bacteria normally present in the vagina may one day be used to protect women from AIDS. Researchers used a strain of Lactobacillus jensenii, generally abundant in mucus secreted by the mucous membrane lining a healthy vagina. The bacteria were modified to produce a protein Called CD4, which binds to the HIV virus that causes AIDS. In laboratory tests, the enhanced bacteria reduced the rate of HIV infections in susceptible cells by at least half.
According to a new study, a multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement could help prolong the lifespan of people infected with HIV. Immunance, a supplement marketed Vitabiotics in the U.K., was used in a 48-week study among 481 HIV-infected people in Bangkok, Thailand. The results showed that the death rate among HIV-infected adults with CD4 counts below 200 were significantly lower than those who were administered a placebo.
Researchers may be on track to fight the AIDS virus by blocking a long-elusive target, an HIV-enzyme called integrase. In a study, an experimental drug that inhibits the enzyme helped to keep the infection in check in monkeys. An integrase inhibitor dramatically protected monkeys when the drug was given early in infection. The drug also provided some benefit to the very sick.
People with AIDS are almost always underweight, and often have malabsorption problems that contribute to malnutrition, which is common in people with AIDS. A lack of quality protein and adequate calories is a common reason for immune deficiency.
The only truly safe sex is between life partners who are HIV-free. Other than that, abstinence is the only way to avoid any chance of infection with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Changing partners particularly puts one at risk, and any exchange of bodily fluids is theoretically risky. A recent report claims that in extremely rare cases HIV can even be contacted through kissing if you have gum disease.
There are thousands of AIDS survivors (epidemiologists call them "long term non-progressors") who are free from all symptoms and lead absolutely normal lives years after being identified as HIV-positive. As reported at the World AIDS Conference in Japan in 1994, there are at least 10,000 such people worldwide, and they are being studied intensively. A key to the AIDS cure may reside in these people, some of whom have had HIV for over ten years and who have nevertheless remained healthy. Many thousands will continue to be HIV-positive but not manifest full-blown AIDS. And unknown to the general public and many in the medical establishment, there are also people who are now "antibody-negative" - once diagnosed as HIV-positive, they apparently no longer have the virus present in their bodies. The medical community is amazed by this, and health care providers continue to monitor the blood of such people frequently, as if in disbelief. For more information about this, read They Conquered AIDS! True Life Adventures by Scott Gregory and Bianca Leanoard (True Life Publications, 1989).
A three-drug cocktail used by many HIV-infected people proved clearly superior to other combinations at treating new patients in the biggest head-to-head comparison of AIDS medications to date. With 20-plus HIV drugs on the market and hundreds of possible combinations, these findings could simplify health care providers' decisions. The study found that the best combination for people getting their first HIV medication was efavirenz, lamivudine, and zidovudine (better known as AZT). The second two drugs are taken in a combination pill under the brand name Combivir, while efavirenz is sold as Sustiva.
Standard medical approaches to treatment of HIV focus on using drugs to try to block replication of the virus and thus slow down the progression of the disease, plus taking aggressive measures as needed to fight opportunistic infections and cancers. Medical science has probably had more success finding ways to defeat opportunistic infections than in combating the virus directly, but research continues on both fronts and progress is being made. One currently accepted element of anti-HIV drug treatment is that combination therapy - the use of two or more drugs that act in different ways - is often more effective than the use of any single medication or type of medication.
Most of the agents now widely used to target HIV fall into one of two categories:
NUCLEOSIDE ANALOGUES. These drugs work by taking place of one of the building blocks of the virus as it attempts to replicate, in effect blocking the virus's attempts to reproduce. Most of these drugs are commonly known by initials or combinations of letters and numbers derived from their original chemical names. Examples include:
Zidovudine (Retrovir): AZT
Zalcitabine (HIVID): ddC
Didanosine (Videx): ddI
Stavudine (Zerit): d4T
Lamivudine (Epivir); 3TC
AZT was the first drug to be approved for use against HIV and has been the primary drug used to treat HIV infection ever since. It also has shown considerable effectiveness in preventing the transmission of the virus from an infected woman to a fetus during pregnancy and birth. The other nucleoside analogues were originally conceived as alternatives to AZT, but have since been found to work well with AZT in many cases. These drugs appear to prolong survival and delay the progression from the asymptomatic stage of HIV infection to full-blown AIDS, at least in some individuals. They can be used singly or in combination with each other (usually AZT plus one or more other drugs). Drawbacks include potential toxicity (especially in the case of AZT) and unpleasant side effects. In addition, the virus eventually develops resistance to these drugs, usually after a year or more of therapy.
Indinavir (Crixivan)
Ritonavir (Norvir)
Saquinivir (Invirase)
Agenerase (Amprenavir)
There are different theories and some conflicting evidence about when to initiate treatment with nucleoside analogues and/or protease inhibitors, as well as about which agents are most effective (and for whom). Individual practitioners differ in their views on these issues. In addition, because of the tremendous amount of research being done on AIDS and its potential treatments, new possibilities for drugs and approaches to different aspects of the disease are emerging all the time. It is vital to work with a health care professional whose experience and judgment you trust.
Some directions of antiviral drug research now being pursued include the following:
It is hoped that as scientists develop newer and more effective means of attacking the virus at various points in its life cycle, it will become possible to combine them in such a way that long-term suppression of the virus can achieved - in effect, turning AIDS into a chronic, but manageable illness rather than a terminal one. The principal unanswered question is whether, if near-perfect viral suppression does become reality, the immune system will be capable of restoring itself. The data are not yet clear on this point, though evidence from protease inhibitor studies has been encouraging. At the very least, it is fair to say that the new generation of antiviral drugs and their combinations is bringing a new era of new hope in the fight against AIDS.
In some test subjects given "AIDS cocktails" containing mixtures of two, three, or more anti-AIDS drugs, the amount of HIV present in the body was dramatically reduced. Researchers theorize that if given early enough, potent combination treatments may someday even be able to eliminate the virus and allow the immune system to recover.
The FDA has joined with CDC and the American Dental Association in urging dentists to autoclave - sterilize by steam under pressure - dental hand pieces and other dental items between patients to remove possible contaminants. In addition, the FDA requires that all such equipment be designed to withstand autoclaving, and labeling must include instruction for the sterilization process. While most dentists are believed to comply with the recommendations for autoclaving, it is a good idea to ask what preventive measures a dentist follows before making an appointment. Approximately 128 Americans have been infected with HIV through a dentist or other health care provider.
It is not possible to contract HIV by donating blood. Blood donors do not come in contact with the blood of the other persons, and only sterile materials, including single-use disposable needles, are used to collect blood donations. Persons at risk of having HIV or AIDS should not donated blood, however. Many health care providers recommend autologous donation - having some of your own blood collected and stored - in advance of planned surgery that will (or may) necessitate a transfusion.
Worldwide efforts to eradicate HIV through research, drugs, vaccines, health programs, and nutrition are precedented. New drug and nutrient therapies offer more hope than ever before to those living with HIV and AIDS. Current drug therapies are making progress in bringing the disease under control. For example, the number of HIV-related deaths in the United states decreased from 16,516 in 1997 to 13,210 in 1998. For the first time since 1987, AIDS dropped out of the top 15 causes of death in America. With this increased hope come some new concerns, however. Researchers are tabulating an increase in the number of highly resistant strains of the AIDS virus that render the powerful drug "cocktail" combinations ineffective. In an alarming 10 to 50 percent of these cases, high levels of the virus return. It is estimated that 4.5 percent of the 40,000 new HIV infections each year are resistant to current drugs. Another concern is that, lulled into a false sense of security by the drugs' abilities to subdue the virus, some people either forget to take their medications regularly or quit altogether, only to have the illness flare up again. And in the meantime, when they are feeling better, they may unthinkingly infect their sex partners as well. Scientists also disagree over the definition of resistance. One group classifies resistance as a three-fold increase in HIV's ability to withstand a certain drug, while another considers a strain resistant at ten times its former ability to withstand AIDS medications. If a drug combination is not effective, even though a person has been taking his or her medications faithfully, more testing is needed to determine how the combinations need to be reformulated.
Findings from the John Hopkins University School of Medicine indicate that HIV can evade even the most powerful antiviral drugs and remain hidden until the immune system is compromised, such as with an infection. Health care providers believe it may be possible to eliminate the hidden virus by tricking the body into fighting it.
Chronic, recurring vaginal yeast infections should be checked by a health care provider. This can be a sign of HIV infection.
See the Sexually Transmitted Disease link below:
SOURCES OF FURTHER ASSISTANCE
The following organizations and groups provide information and help for people with HIV and AIDS:
AIDS Hot Line
English: 800-342-AIDS (7 days a week, 24 hours a day)
Spanish: 800-344-7432 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day)
TTY: 800-243-7889 (Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Eastern time)
Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control, the AIDS Hot Line offers information and educational services on HIV-and AIDS-related topics. Also provides medical and support-group referrals. AIDS Hot Line Numbers
AIDS Action Committee
131 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-437-6200
AIDS Action Committee Website
American Foundation for AIDS Research (AMFAR)
733 Third Avenue, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10017
212-682-7440
AMFAR Website
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC)
The Tisch Building
119 West 24 Street
New York, NY 10011
Hotline: 800-243-7692 or 212-807-6655
TTY: 212-645-7470
GMHC Website
National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA)
1413 K Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
202-898-0414
NAPWA Website
Project Inform
1965 Market Street, Suite 220
San Francisco, CA 94103
800-822-7422
Project Inform Website
Many of the nutrients listed at the link below can be found in combination formulas. A high-potency multi-vitamin and mineral supplement should be included as well. Be sure to check the amounts of different nutrients in the complex against those of the table below. Use sublingual, liquid, and powdered supplements for best absorption.
Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended are for adults. For a child between the ages of 12 and 17, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under the age of 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount. For a complete list of nutritional supplements, click on this link:
HIV / AIDS NUTRITION & SUPPLEMENTS
Information and help with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and AIDS, an incurable condition that weakens the body's ability to fight disease. For an updated list, see this link from HerbalRemedies: AIDS Supplements, Information & Products
AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound), Vegetarian, 500 mg each Vcap, 60 Vcaps
AHCC is a rich source of polysaccharides such as beta glucan 1,3 and activated hemicellulose produced by enzymatic modification of organic medicinal mushrooms, including shiitake.Immuno Shield, Immune System Support, 100 Gelcaps
This potent multi-herb complex addresses two key areas, immune support and bacterial/viral control.Silver Biotics Liquid, Silver Supplement, 8 fl. oz.
Silver Biotics was tested by researchers and was found to kill every strain of bacteria that it was tested against and that these bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics, cause many human ailments.L-Carnitine Liquid Double Strength, 16 fl. oz.
NOW® L-Carnitine Liquid provides all of the extensive benefits of Carnitine in a highly absorbable liquid form. L-Carnitine Liquid is a non-essential amino acid that helps to maintain overall good health by facilitating the transfer of fatty acid groups into NOW® L-Carnitine 2X Liquid provides double (1g) the potency of some competing brands per serving size.Alpha Lipoic Acid w/ Rosemary, Pharmaceutical Grade, 50 mg, 60 Caps
Alpha Lipoic Acid is central to recycling other antioxidants like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and GSH glutathione. By "sparing" their destruction, Alpha Lipoate extends their antioxidant power. Being both water and fat soluble, lipoic acid is the "universal" antioxidant that can easily function in both cellular membranes and fluid media within and outside the cell.Shiitake Mushroom Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Shiitake Mushroom is a mainstay in the Japanese diet - very high in nutrition. It contains 18 amino acids ( 7-8 of which are essential) and over 30 enzymes.Maitake Mushroom Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
The unique chemicals in raw, cooked, and dried Maitake mushrooms may help boost immunity, fend off infections and fight cancer.Samento (Uncaria Tomentosa), Extra Strength (100 Times More Effective than regular Cat's Claw!), 0.5% POA, 600 mg, 30 Caps
Samento is beneficial in the treatment of a wide range of immune system related conditions; these include but are not limited to cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, allergies, ulcers, systemic candidiasis, all forms of herpes, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, intestinal disorders and HIV infection.Immune System Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
The Immune System Formula can be used for AIDS, Auto-immune Diseases, and Cancer.Colloidal Silver & Zinc Lozenges, SilvaSolution, 30 Lozenges
Now you can get powerful liquid silver in the most convenient form ever with new SilvaSolution Silver and Zinc Lozenges.DMG Supplement (N,N-Dimethyl-Glycine), 125 mg, 100 Caps
NOW Foods' DMG Supplement is a methylated amino acid found in all cells. DMG is an antioxidant and methyl donor that has a number of beneficial effects. It has shown to have potential in increasing immune response to the flu and salmonella.Tri-Amino / L-Arginine, L-Ornithine, L-Lysine, 775 mg, 120 Caps
Tri-Amino, an amino acid supplement, is a comprehensive product that combines three essential amino acids, L-Arginine, L-Ornithine, and L-Lysine into one easy-to-take formula.Garlic Oil Tincture, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz.
Garlic oil is often used to soothe the ear and as an antibiotic but most often used as a food and herb and also to lower serum cholesterol and blood pressure and to improve circulation as well as possibly inhibiting the growth of ulcer causing bacteria.Multi-Vitamin & Multi-Mineral without Iron, Complete Vitamin Supplement, 100 Caps
The vitamins and minerals in iron free Multi-Vitamin & Multi-Mineral play many important roles in the body: antioxidants to protect fats, cells and DNA, coenzyme precursors for energy production and metabolism, and cofactors for hormones and enzymes which regulate body processes.Quercetin w/ Bromelain, Hypoallergenic Bioflavonoid, 800 mg, 120 Vcaps
Our non-citrus Quercetin is non allergenic, with Bromelain to enhance the absorption of Quercetin.Cats Claw Standardized Extract, 335 mg, 60 Caps
Studies conducted since the 1970s at research clinics in Peru, Austria, Germany, England, Hungary and Italy validate the traditional usage of Cat's Claw and indicate that this herb may be beneficial in ameliorating a host of modern day afflictions which have no answers from the orthodox medical arena. It is known to help nutritionally support the body's defenses, circulatory and gastrointestinal systems through its antioxidant and build properties.Echinacea Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Echinacea Root is also known as Purple Coneflower and considered very valuable by the North American Indians.Astragalus Root, 470 mg, 180 Vcaps
Astragalus root is considered to have a normalizing effect on the body's functions. Astragalus is an important herb in Chinese medicine and is commonly included in Chinese cuisine.Cure For HIV And AIDS, By Hulda Clark, Ph.D., N.D
This book posits that the human intestinal fluke, a parasite, is the source of the HIV virus. Dr. Clark provides exact instructions for their cure, documented with 70 case histories.
HerbalRemedies: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Information
Herbal Remedies: AIDS Supplements, Information & Products
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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