Lifestyle impacts your health.

What is AIDS/HIV?

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a condition in which the immune system is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and becomes severely weakened and loses its ability to fight infections.

How Do You Get AIDS/HIV?

There are three primary ways to become infected:

1. Unprotected sexual activity.
2. Blood to blood contact usually through the sharing of needles by drug addicted persons or by the use of blood products.
3. The virus can also be passed on to a fetus by its mother.

A person can be infected with HIV (HIV-positive) for a significant period of time before exhibiting symptoms of AIDS. Lifestyle and dietary changes are more helpful to persons not experiencing AIDS symptoms.*

According to recent findings, HIV strains are becoming resistant to drugs used within the current treatment regimes. About 15 percent of newly diagnosed patients carry resistant strains. This drug resistance could spell real trouble since these strains reduce the effectiveness of treatment which could reduce both the length and quality of lives for persons stricken with this devastating disease.

What can I do if I have HIV?

If you've already been diagnosed with HIV, you can reduce your chances of creating a resistant strain of HIV by:

• Taking your medications exactly as prescribed. This is crucial. It is believed that skipping doses of your medication can result in a drug resistant mutation of the virus.
• Switching drug therapies every couple of years may be wise to help reduce your chances of having your virus mutate.

If you've recently been diagnosed with HIV, ask your doctor to check to see if your virus is drug resistant so that the best therapy can be prescribed for you.

Change Your Life:

• Eliminate high risk behavior such as needle sharing and unprotected sex. Use protection during sex even if you and your partner have already been diagnoses with HIV. You are both in danger of being reinfected with a resistant strain of HIV should you have unprotected sex.
• Exercise at least 3 times a week. Check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet that concentrates on whole, unprocessed foods. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. In general, the more fruits and vegetables are processed, the less nutritive value they have. Eat whole grains or foods made from whole grains. Beans (legumes) are a healthy, low fat source of protein and vitamins. Seeds and nuts contain essential fatty acids. Supplement with a high quality protein source.
• Drink 8 - 10 eight ounces of pure water. Reduce or eliminate alcohol, caffeine and refined
  sugar. Carbonated drinks should be severely restricted.
• Reduce your stress. There are numerous studies documenting the deleterious effects of stress on health. Make time for friends and family. Find ways of relaxing throughout the day. Consider meditation, deep breathing exercises, visualization techniques or prayer.

Can I boost my immune system naturally?

AIDS/HIV is a complex condition, therefore, consult with your physician before starting any supplementation program. The goal is to boost, feed and support your immune system.

• The AMA has endorsed the need for a daily multivitamin. Consult with your doctor before taking an iron supplement.
• Take 200 - 400 IU of vitamin E daily. Selenium enhances the action of vitamin E. Also supplement vitamin C, 500 - 1000 mg each day, as vitamin C converts vitamin E into its helpful form after oxidation.
• B vitamin deficiency has been shown in HIV-positive persons.
• antiviral drugs can deplete vitamin B12.
• coenzyme Q10, zinc and selenium may help fight infection*
• Support your immune system with polysaccharides* may be helpful*

Related sites:

Journal of the American Medical Association AIDS/HIV information site.

Center for Disease Control AIDS/HIV information.

Boost your immune system naturally and safely!

*

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.