AIDS Nutrition

Weak immune systems, or those under stress fighting disease, can be improved with antioxidant and other support nutrients including the following supplements and herbs:

• A daily multivitamin containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and selenium. The HIV drug Agenerase already contains large amounts of Vitamin E, so speak to your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 – 2 capsules or 1 – 3 tbs. oil, 1 – 3 times daily, to help decrease inflammation and help with immunity. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources but not substitutes for supplementation. Omega-3 supplements can increase the blood thinning effect of certain medications such as Coumadin and aspirin; speak with your doctor.
• Protein, mixed in your favorite beverage, when needed as a protein supplement for support of immunity and weight gain when needed for muscle weakness and wasting. Talk with your health care provider.
• N-acetyl cysteine, 200 – 800 mg daily, for antioxidant effects.
• Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus among other strains), 5 – 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, when needed for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. Some probiotic supplements need refrigeration for best results – check labels carefully.
• Coenzyme Q10, 100 – 200 mg at bedtime, for antioxidant and immune activity.
• Resveratrol, Quercetin, and alpha lipoic acid
• Vitamin C, 500 – 1,000 mg 1 – 3 times daily, as an antioxidant and for immune support. Some doctors will use higher doses in HIV and AIDS therapies INCLUDING NUTRITIONAL IVS. Check with your health care provider.
• L-glutamine, 500 – 1,000 mg 3 times daily, for support of gastrointestinal health and immunity.
• Melatonin, 2 – 5 mg 1 hour before bedtime, for sleep and immune protection. Ask your health care provider about potential drug interactions with the use of melatonin.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), for hormonal balance. DHEA is a hormone that is often low in people with HIV. One study found that DHEA supplements improved minor depression with no serious side effects. Because DHEA is a hormone, you should not take it without your doctor’s supervision. You and your doctor can determine proper dosages after testing blood or saliva levels of DHEA in your body.
• Astaxanthin, Pine Bark, Grape seed, E, D, Rhadiola, Milk Thistle, Olive Leaf & more.

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body’s systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 – 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 – 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 – 4 cups per day.

• Green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 – 500 mg daily, for antioxidant and immune effects. Use caffeine free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.In one study, a component of green tea called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) inhibited HIV infectivity.
• Fermented wheat germ extract, 1 packet dissolved in favorite beverage once daily, for immune effects. Ask your health care provider for more information about this supplement.
• Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) standardized extract, 200 mg 2 – 3 times daily, for antiviral and immune support. Higher dosages may be needed in HIV and AIDs therapy. A health care provider can help with dosages.
• Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) standardized extract (D-fraction), 600 mg twice daily, for immune and antiviral effects. You may also take a tincture of this mushroom extract, 30 – 60 drops 2 – 3 times a day.
• Other anti-viral mushrooms like Reishi and Shiitake.
• Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) standardized extract, 20 mg 3 times a day, for immune and antiviral activity.
• Garlic, Ginger, Ginseng, Tumeric, Curcumin, Maca Root, Pomegranate, wasabi & more.
• Hot peppers like cayenne
• Search the site for more information by typing “immune” or “antioxidant” in the search box on the home page. See “Superfood” category in the store for excellent products.

[CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AIDS, SYMPTOMS, THERAPIES AND MORE]

[CLICK HERE FOR SUPERFOOD PRODUCT OPTIONS THAT WE BELIEVE SHOULD BE PART OF YOUR DAILY HEALTH REGIMEN]

[CLICK HERE FOR TARGETED IMMUNE BOOSTING PRODUCTS]