Worlds AIDS Day: HIV and Alternative Medicine

[Guest guest]

Good Morning!

 

Worlds AIDS Day: HIV and Alternative Medicine

 

The fact that there has to be a " day " for this disorder, saddens me,

yet it is appropriate for everyone to be more aware and that is why,

as a society, we do this.

 

HIV is a virus. Viruses infect the cells of living organisms and

replicate (make new copies of themselves) within those cells. A virus

can also damage human cells, which is one of the things that can make

an infected creature become ill.

 

People can become infected with HIV from other people who already

have it, and when they are infected they can then go on to infect

other people. Basically, this is how HIV is spread.

 

HIV stands for the 'Human Immunodeficiency Virus'. Someone who is

diagnosed as infected with HIV is said to be 'HIV+' or 'HIV positive'.

 

 

HIV Statistics

 

*More than 25 million people have died of AIDS since 1981.

 

*Africa has 12 million AIDS orphans.

 

*At the end of 2006, women accounted for 48% of all adults living

with HIV worldwide, and for 59% in sub-Saharan Africa.

 

*Young people (15-24 years old) account for half of all new HIV

infections worldwide - around 6,000 become infected with HIV every

day.

 

*In developing and transitional countries, 6.8 million people are in

immediate need of life-saving AIDS drugs; of these, only 1.65 million

are receiving the drugs.

 

 

Ways in which you can be infected with HIV

 

-Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person

 

-Sexual intercourse without a condom is risky, because the virus,

which is present in an infected person's sexual fluids, can pass

directly into the body of their partner. This is true for unprotected

vaginal and anal sex.

 

-Oral sex carries a lower risk, but again HIV transmission can occur

here if a condom is not used - for example, if one partner has

bleeding gums or an open cut, however small, in their mouth.

 

-Contact with an infected person's blood

 

-If sufficient blood from an infected person enters the body of an

uninfected person then it can pass on the virus.

 

-From mother to child. HIV can be transmitted from an infected woman

to her baby during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. There are

special drugs that can greatly reduce the chances of this happening,

but they are unavailable in much of the developing world.

 

-Use of infected blood products. Many people in the past have been

infected with HIV by the use of blood transfusions and blood products

which were contaminated with the virus - in hospitals, for example.

In much of the world this is no longer a risk, as blood donations are

routinely tested.

 

-Injecting drugs. People who use illegal injected drugs are also

vulnerable to HIV infection. In many parts of the world, often

because it is illegal to possess them, injecting equipment or works

are shared. A tiny amount of blood can transmit HIV, and can be

injected directly into the bloodstream with the drugs.

 

 

 

It is not possible to become infected with HIV through

 

-sharing crockery and cutlery

 

-insect / animal bites

 

-touching, hugging or shaking hands

 

-eating food prepared by someone with HIV

 

-toilet seats

 

 

Global statistics can be found at: http://www.avert.org/worldstats.htm

 

 

 

Know Your Numbers

 

Two numbers should be looked at, when discussing HIV infection:

 

If you are being treated for HIV or AIDS, your doctor uses a number

of blood tests to check how you're doing. One of the most important

tests measures VIRAL LOAD, the amount of HIV in your blood. Another

very important test counts your CD4 CELLS, sometimes called T-CELLS.

CD4 cells are a key part of your body's disease-fighting defenses,

called the immune system.

 

CD4 cells help to organize your body's defenses against disease.

Doctors can take a sample of your blood and count the number of CD4

cells. Healthy adults and teenagers usually have a CD4 count of at

least 800 cells per CUBIC MILLIMETER of blood (a cubic millimeter is

a very small amount, roughly one small drop).

 

HIV attacks CD4 cells, and as time goes by people with HIV often see

their CD4 counts drop. The lower your CD4 count, the greater your

chances of getting a number of very serious diseases. When your CD4

count is below 200, the risk of illness becomes severe.

 

 

Viral load tests, which tell the doctor how much HIV is in your

blood, are a very important clue to how quickly HIV is doing harm.

These tests go by several different names, like PCR (polymerase chain

reaction) or bDNA (branched DNA), but they all work roughly the same

way. They count HIV's genetic material -- the building blocks of the

virus. People with a high viral load are much more likely to get sick

or die of AIDS than people with a low viral load.

 

Studies have shown that when treatment reduces your viral load, it

also reduces your chance of getting an AIDS-related infection or

dying. Recently, a group of expert scientists reviewed 18 studies of

anti-HIV drugs, which involved over 5,000 patients. Over and over

again they found the same thing: The more viral load was reduced, the

healthier the patients stayed.

 

 

Alternative Medicine and HIV

 

Over the last decade, researchers have identified a number of drugs

that slow progression of the virus as well as therapies to treat the

many opportunistic infections that attack people with HIV disease.

 

Although as yet, there is no cure, the key to effective treatment is

early detection and intervention. This is done by strengthening the

immune system, reduce stress, maintain good nutritional practices and

exercise as a way to relieve stress and boost your immune system.

 

Whether you have been diagnosed with HIV or not there should be an

emphasis on improving lifestyle issues. Taking control of or your

life and taking an active role in any disorder is an important

adjunct to treatment. Consideration of alternative therapies in

conjunction with conventional medicine may offer additional

opportunities for those living with HIV/AIDS to be proactive in their

treatments.

 

 

Mind Medicine

 

Stress is natural and affects your emotions. It can help you to deal

with some situations. However, excessive stress can cause physical

symptoms, it can damage your immune system and make you ill. Find

ways of managing the stress in your life. Find ways to relax and

recharge your batteries. Listen to your body; if you are tired, rest

and you'll be better for it.

 

HIV can bring anxieties. One way of tackling these are through

getting information, by learning about your condition, gaining

confidence in it, in yourself and making informed choices for your

future.

 

Boost Your Immune System with Meditation

 

Fold your hands gently in your lap and close your eyes. Take a few

deep breaths. Then just sit. If you have never meditated before, you

will probably feel as if your mind is full of thoughts. Don't try to

stop the thoughts, just watch them. Imagine that you are on the bank

of a river and that your thoughts are the river going by. Don't try

to stop the river, just watch it. Within a week, you will see the

river begin to slow down. You may become impatient, or even bored.

That's okay. If you find yourself complaining, just watch the

thoughts pass by. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes. You may find that you

fall asleep because you are so relaxed. That's good because, in many

ways, you have begun to let go. Continue at this pace and each day

allow just alittle more time for yourself to meditate. Doing this

allows you to relax and forget about time.

 

 

Consider these alternative therapies:

Acupuncture, ayurveda, bodywork & massage, diet therapies, herbal

medicine, homeopathy, mind-body therapies, Siddha medicine,

traditional Chinese medicine, Unani medicine and yoga.

 

 

Herbs, Supplements and Vitamins Beneficial for HIV Infection

 

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that have at least one

unpaired electron, which makes them highly reactive. Free radicals

promote beneficial oxidation that produces energy and kills bacterial

invaders. However, in excess, they produce harmful oxidation

or " oxidative stress " that can damage cell membranes and cell

contents. These free radicals cause inflammation.

 

In human beings, free radicals are the natural by-products of many

processes within and among cells. Free radicals are created by

exposure to various environmental factors, cigarette and tobacco

smoke, air pollution, alcohol, drugs, radiation from televisions and

computers, chemicals and a busy, stressful life.

 

Antioxidants are a classification of several organic substances,

which include vitamins C and E, vitamin A (converted from beta-

carotene), selenium, alpha lipoic acid, and carotenoids. Together as

antioxidants, these substances are thought to be effective in helping

to prevent certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and cataracts. At

the cellular level, antioxidants serve to deactivate certain free

radicals in turn helping to decrease inflammation. The best source

for antioxidants are in fruits and vegetables.

 

 

Acetyl-l-carnitine: is a molecule that occurs naturally in the brain,

liver, and kidney. Natural levels of Acetyl-l-carnitine diminish as

we age. Acetyl-l-carnitine is related to the amino acid L-Carnitine,

which is a carrier of fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes,

where energy is produced within each cell.

 

N-Acetyl Cysteine (N-AC) is protective to Liver tissue and aids in

breaking down excessive mucus.

 

 

Alpha Lipoic Acid: is a unique antioxidant that is both water and fat

soluble, which allows it to enter all parts of the cell to neutralize

free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid contributes to and is important for

the production of energy inside the cell by utilizing sugar to

produce energy contributing to mental and physical stamina, reducing

muscle fatigue and neutralizes free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid

recycles and enhances the effects of both Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Alpha Lipoic Acid targets liver protection and is helpful for

patients on hepatotoxic medications such as antiretrovirals,

antifungals and typically any long-term medication protocols. No

known contraindications exist. Possible side effects include skin

rash and the potential of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.

People who may be deficient in vitamin B1 (such as alcoholics) should

take vitamin B1 along with alpha lipoic acid supplements.

 

 

Astragalus: is a Chinese herb that has been used for centuries for

its immuno-modulating qualities. There is mixed scientific evidence

on its efficacy with HIV, but well documented studies on its ability

to stimulate the immune system. This herb is used often used in

conjunction with other immune boosters such as reishi, maitake and

shitake mushrooms.

 

 

Beta-carotene: (Carotenoids), of which beta-carotenes are the most

popular, are found in many fruits and vegetables, animals, plants and

microorganisms. The body converts beta carotene into Vitamin A.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, growth, cell

division, reproduction and immunity. Among the 600 or more

carotenoids in foods, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein are well-

known leaders in the fight to reduce the damage from free radicals

and are helpful with eye health.

 

 

Boxwood: has been shown in research to foster immune stimulation and

promotion of t-cell activation. This can be found in capsule and

tincture.

 

 

CoQ10: (Coenzyme Q10) is a vitamin-like compound also

called " ubiquinone " . It is an essential component of cells and is

utilized by the mitochondria in the normal process of energy

production. It helps convert food into energy at a cellular level.

Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant, much like vitamins C and E,

helping to neutralize the cell-damaging molecules known as free

radicals. CoQ10 is one in a series of ubiquinones, naturally

occurring compounds produced in nearly every cell of the body, and

was discovered as recently as 1957.

 

The primary function of CoQ10 is as a catalyst for metabolism. Acting

in conjunction with enzymes, the compound speeds up the vital

metabolic process, providing the energy that the cells need to digest

food, heal wounds, maintain healthy muscles, and perform other bodily

functions as a major antioxidant in cardiac tissue and has protective

effects on brain tissue. Studies indicate high dosage can be used

safely and effectively. Certain cholesterol lowering drugs have also

been shown to deplete coenzyme Q-10. Patients on cholesterol lowering

drugs should consider adding at least 200mg of CoQ-10 daily.

 

 

Echinacea: (see drug-herb interactions) has been documented to

stimulate the chemicals that promote t-cell activation and antibody

production. It is very effective in lessening the course of the

common cold and respiratory infections when used short term. There

are some conflicting studies on its use long term as well as a

caution that it may briefly increase viral load. Avoid long term (7-

10 days only) use as well as use prior to viral load blood counts.

During the acute onset of a cold, 2 to 4 cups of strong echinacea tea

or 3 capsules 3 times daily can help limit the course of the illness.

 

 

Fiber: helps in regulating lipid levels, removes toxins and provides

bulk for healthy bowel habits. The colon requires bulk for it to

achieve healthy movement. Optimal intake of fiber is about 25-30

grams per day. The ideal combination of soluble fiber (psyllium husk)

and insoluble fiber (flax oil, fiber) helps to absorb water and

toxins and adds roughage to bulk up stool and sweep away built up

debris in the intestinal tract.

 

Foods high in fiber are fruits such as apples peaches, raspberries

and tangerines. Vegetables such as acorn squash, raw broccoli,

brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, spinach, black-eyed

peas, cooked zucchini, kidney beans and lima beans. Also cooked whole-

grain cereal, cold (All-Bran, Total, Bran Flakes), whole-grain

cereal, hot (oatmeal, Wheatena) and whole-wheat or 7-grain bread.

 

Powdered psyllium is a quality source of supplemental fiber. Be sure

to drink plenty of water, otherwise the fiber will form an

obstructing mass, adding to your condition. Start with one rounded

tablespoon of the powder stirred well into a glass of water or

diluted juice.

 

 

Fish Oil: is known for being rich in unsaturated fatty acids and

provides rich OMEGA-3 fatty acids, (Pure EPA 360mg/DHA 240mg). Fish

Oils are made from natural marine lipid concentrate and may help

reduce or inhibit risk factors involved in cardiovascular disease, as

well as inflammatory and immune disorders. Long term use of fish oil

shelp prevent aging skin, menopausal symptoms, promote better

circulation, lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, reduce heart

related risk, and the pain of arthritis. Omega-3 and polyunsaturated

fatty acids found in fish and deep sea fish oil help to protect

against heart and blood vessel disease. Natural, essential fatty

acids are essential to normal human cell and tissue growth and

maintenance. If not found regularly in the diet, the diet must be

supplemented. These fatty acids are especially abundant in brain

cells, nerve relay stations (synapses), visual receptors (retinas),

adrenal glands, and sex glands. The most biologically active tissues

in the body. Take. 1000mg of fish oil in the morning and 1,000 mg in

the evening.

 

 

Flaxseed oil: is derived from the seeds of the flax plant. Flaxseed

oil and flaxseed contain substances that promote good health and is

used as a nutritional supplement. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids,

especially alpha-linolenic acid, which appears to be beneficial for

heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, cholesterol and

a variety of other health conditions. Flaxseed also contains a group

of chemicals called lignans that may play a role in the prevention of

cancer. Take 1,000 mg of flaxseed oil in the morning and 1,000 mg in

the evening.

 

 

Ginger: is helpful in tea or herb form for controlling nausea and

vomiting. An anti-inflammatory, ginger has been used in Ayurvedic and

Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory. Taking 6–50 grams of fresh

or powdered ginger per day indicated that ginger might be helpful.

Suggested Dosage: 0.5 to 1 mg of powdered ginger daily

 

 

Glutamine: is one of the most abundant amino acids in our bodies,

found in the gastrointestinal tract. This amino acid is compromised

when the immune function is low. Studies have shown that Glutamine is

one of the best amino acid supplements in maintaining a healthy

gastrointestinal lining and helps to repair gastrointestinal damage.

It can also be helpful in managing diarrhea. 1 to 2 grams of powdered

glutamine may be mixed in smoothies or water.

 

 

Licorice: (Glycerrhiza) (see drug-herb interactions) also has been

used as a complementary immune modulator, although it should be

avoided in people with hypertension. In my experience the immune

modulators work much better when combined together rather than used

as singular treatments. Licorice can be consumed as a tea daily and

the mushrooms may be included in food preparation or taken in liquid

tincture form for a more consistent higher dose.

 

 

Pau D'arco and Una de Gato: (Cat's Claw) are also clinically used to

stimulate immune function and may be consumed in tea form daily or

liquid tincture either during acute illness or as a preventative

measure.

 

 

Probiotics: (Acidophilus, Bifidus, lactobacillus spirogenes) help to

maintain balance of good and dangerous bacteria and compete for the

food the dangerous bacteria need to grow and cause us problems.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus may be found in yogurt with

active culture or in supplements and can be consumed freely without

known side effects. It should be refrigerated to maximize shelf life.

Patients on antibiotic therapy, diagnosed with thrush, diarrhea or

constipation should consider taking probiotics 2 capsules 3 times

daily with meals. For thrush a capsule can also be opened in some

water and used daily as a mouth rinse.

 

 

Vitamins A, C and the B vitamins increase the immune function.

Minerals such as Selenium help to stimulate immune function and fight

infection, while Zinc enhances the immune system and assists in wound

healing.

 

 

 

Herb-Drug Interactions

 

Herb-drug interactions are very common. Some herbal medicines may

cancel the effect of a prescription drug, others may reduce it, or

even exaggerate it. If you are on HIV medication or medications for

associated symptoms or disorders, consider the information below:

 

 

Dong Quai: taken for menopausal symptom control. Do not mix Dong Quai

with warfarin (anticoagulants), St John's Wort and some antibiotics

such as sulfonamides, quinolones.

 

Echinacea: mostly taken as an immune boost to prevent cold and flu.

Do not mix Echinacea with some heart medications, antifungal

medications, HIV medications and anti-anxiety medications.

 

Ephedra: A powerful decongestant. Contains ephedrine, which can open

up bronchial passages. It's controversial because it's a powerful

stimulant that can raise blood pressure, cause insomnia and high

blood pressure. Do not mix with heart medications or if you are being

treated for high blood pressure, glaucoma or thyroid problems.

 

Feverfew: taken to reduce the severity of migraines. Do not take with

other migraine medications, as, it may raise heart rate and blood

pressure. Feverfew has the potential to react with warfarin anti-

coagulants, increasing the thinning of blood.

 

Ginkgo: increases blood flow and circulation throughout the body, can

also help improve memory. May interact with anti-coagulant

medications such as Aspirin, Coumadin, heparin and warfarin, causing

the blood to thin too much, and provoking a serious bleeding

disorder. A recent report in the New England Journal of Medicine

describes a case of a man who'd been taking Aspirin to prevent a

heart attack and had spontaneous bleeding into the eye from the iris

within a week of taking a daily dose of ginkgo. Should not be taken

with HIV medications.

 

Garlic: is thought to help lower cholesterol and prevent the

formation of blood clots that could lead to heart attacks. Garlic

capsules may increase blood thinning if you are already on anti-

coagulants. Do not take with diabetes medication because it may cause

a decrease in blood sugars. Use caution with HIV medications.

 

Ginseng: used to help reduce stress, boost energy and improve

stamina, and may also help lower cholesterol. Can cause nervousness

and excitation, and overuse can lead to headaches, insomnia and heart

palpitations. Can increase blood pressure. Should not be used if you

are taking prescriptions for high blood pressure or Coumadin.

 

Hawthorn: claimed to be effective in helping reduce angina attacks by

lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Should not be taken

digoxin, a heart medication. The mix may lower heart rate too much.

 

Kava: is used to treat anxiety. It's also used to relieve insomnia

and nervousness. Do not take Kava if you have a history of liver

problems. Also do not mix with antidepressants, sedatives, and do not

mix Kava with alcohol.

 

Licorice: used to treat coughs, colds and peptic ulcers. High doses

can lead to increased blood pressure, water retention and potassium

loss. Do not use with diuretics or digoxin because it could lead to

further loss of potassium, essential for heart function.

 

St. John's wort: a natural anti-depressant for mild to moderate

depression. Do not take with other anti-depressants, HIV medications,

oral contraceptives, some heart/blood thinning medications and

Tamoxifen (a cancer drug).

 

Valerian: a mild sedative with hypnotic effects, used to promote

sleep, Should not be taken with alcohol or Valium.

 

 

 

Safe Sex Tips

 

1. Use latex condom for vaginal and anal intercourse. Use water-based

lubricant (K-Y, Astroglide, and Probe); oil-containing products

(Crisco, Vaseline, baby oil, lotion, and whipped cream) can destroy

latex. A drop of lube inside the condom may increase sensitivity.

Don't use saliva as a lubricant.

 

2. Other contraceptive devices do not protect against AIDS. Product

containing nonoxyno1-9 (a spermicide) can kill HIV and may provide

extra protection, but should not be relied on alone. Some studies

show that nonoxyno1-9 can cause genital irritation that may promote

HIV infection, especially with very frequent intercourse. The effects

of ingesting nonoxyno1-9 are unstudied.

 

3. Blood-to-blood contact is the most direct route of HIV

transmission. Sharing needles (for drug steroids piercing or

tattooing) razors or any implement that draws blood is dangerous

since blood may be left on used implements. Clean needles by rinsing

several times with bleach then with water. Avoid contact with blood

in s/m scenes. Whips or knives that break the skin should not be used

on another person until disinfected with bleach or a cleaning

solution.

 

4. Use an unlubricated condom for oral sex if a man will come in your

mouth. For oral sex on a woman or oral-anal sex (rimming) use a

dental dam (latex square) a condom or latex glove cut to produce a

flat sheet or non-microwaveable food wrap. Rinse powder off dams

before use. Use all barrier only once and only on one person.

 

5. Oral sex on a man without ejaculation or on a non-menstruating

woman is thought to be low risk activity. There is a risk that HIV

could enter through small cuts of opening in the mouth gums of

throat. Avoid brushing your teeth two hours before or after oral sex

to minimize abrasions.

 

6. If you share sex toys like dildos or vibrators put on a fresh

condom for each user (and when going from anus to vagina) or guard

bleach alcohol or soap and water.

 

7. Use latex gloves for " finger penetration " or fisting to guard the

wearer against infection through cuts on the hand or arm and to guard

the partner against injury from fingernails.

 

8. Touching and kissing are safe. It is safe to get semen vaginal

fluid or urine on unbroken skin. No AIDS cases have been traced to

kissing, including deep (French) kissing.

 

9. Precautions against HIV infection can protect you from other

sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia,

herpes, yeast infections, amoebiasis, and hepatitis B.

 

10. Preventing other STDs can in turn minimize your chances of

getting HIV infection, since many STDs cause sores in the genital or

anal area or around the mouth which can provide a path for HIV

transmission.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit

 

 

References

 

1. http://www.avert.org/worldstats.htm

 

2. http://www.thebody.com/atn/364/viral_load.html

 

3. http://www.peacefulmind.com

 

4. http://www.healthcastle.com/herb_drugfood.shtml

[Guest guest]

Thank you for this information. A year ago, for my Health classes in a

Private High School, I wrote a 5 page packet on World AIDS Day along with a

classroom worksheet to reinforce the information.What you wrote reminds me of

what

you posted. It took me days to compile the information as I can see it must

have taken you considerable time to write this. For that I thank you,

again.

 

Before I made copies, I cleared it with the Principal and Asst. Principal,

and one Rabbi, and I went head and made 166 packets. When the Headmaster

Rabbi, arrived back from Israel the following Monday, I was reamed and given a

disiplinary warning for distributing it to one class of 10th grade girls on

Thursday, Nov. 30th 2006. I still had 5 more classes to give it to on Monday,

Dec. 4th. The head Rabbi told me that Dec. 1rst had already passed the Friday

before, and as we did not teach classes on Fridays therefore I was going to

distribute on Mon. Dec. 4th 2006 to 145 more students in my other 5 classes.

 

 

Sadly, I was forced to shred all the information - over 600 pages of vital

statistical information obtained from sources such as NIH, CDC, and Mayo

Clinic, and I was told I must never do this again as it violated Jewish laws

Only Rabbis - not NYS certified Health Educators could mention words that might

sexually stimulate and put sinful thoughts into the minds of the orthodox jews

in the school.

 

Meanwhile the students pleaded for me to teach them because they were open

and honest enough to admit they needed to know this information because they

were already having sex. Hello!!!!!

 

I quit my job after only one semester there. I hope that there are people

in such repressive institutions that are reading our digest or taking it upon

themselves to research the reputable world health sites that educate the

masses who might be at high risk. I made sure that before I quit, I gave my

students web sites that they could reference for any questions about HIV AIDS.

 

thank you for this entry.

 

in loving kindness,

 

Linda

 

 

Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when

our wings have trouble remembering how to fly

 

 

 

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