Aids/HIV information, Symptoms, treatment

 
   Shark cartilage contains compounds that may reduce the growth of new blood vessels. KS lesions are abnormal growths of blood vessels, so shark cartilage may slow down or stop the development of KS. However, in one study involving thirteen HIV-positive people, the researchers concluded that shark cartilage was not an effective treatment for KS. Shark cartilage has a foul taste and is therefore generally taken as an enema (fluid injected into your rectum [ass]). Kombucha “mushroom” (also known as Manchurian “m ushroom”) is not a mushroom at all. It’s composed of bacteria and yeast cultures, and is shaped like a large pancake. It’s placed in a large glass bowl with a solution of water, tea, and sugar. The culture grows there for a week or so. During this time, the solution ferments to produce a “tonic” or tea. Users report improvements in their sense of well-being and overall health, as well as increases in energy. There are some concerns for people with HIV - the tea may grow other yeasts or bacteria that could cause infections in your body. There is no scientific evidence of any benefit to be derived from this treatment. No information is available about how Kombucha interacts with other drugs used by HIV-positive people. The FDA has issued a warning about Kombucha, the deaths of two HIV-negative women who were known to have used it regularly are being investigated. 

   The sweat lodge is an Aboriginal ceremony of renewal and purification. It is a powerful tool for freeing your body, mind, and spirit from negativity. A group of people is seated in a circle in a small, round, dark structure with a central pit. A ritual is carried out in which stones are heated and placed in the lodge. A small fire can also be made. Four herbs (tobacco, cedar, sage, sweetgrass and) are combined to make what is called a “smudge.” When burnt, they produce smoke that is believed to carry prayers to the Creator. Spirits are summoned with songs to hear the prayers of those attending. As you pray for help and health, you let go of fear, anger, and hurt. Sweat lodges have been organized specifically for people with HIV.
   Affirmations and visualization (guided imagery) and AIDS Treatment
   No one doubts that a positive attitude is a vital part of healing. An affirmation is a statement of something you want to happen. Some examples of positive affirmations are: “I am strong and healthy,” “I love myself,” “I am capable of making positive medical decisions,” and “All hands that touch me are healing hands.” Visualization (guided imagery) is one way of developing positive thinking that has become popular with some HIV-positive people and people who have cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. A long-standing practice in many cultures, visualization is now well known in North America, partly because of the work of people like O. Carl Simonton, author of Getting Well Again, and Bernie Siegal, author of Love, Medicine and Miracles.In visualization, you make pictures or images in your head of how you would like yourself to be, or ways in which you would like to improve your health. Anyone can do it, all you need to do is use your imagination and believe in your own inner strength. Visualization can help you relax and give you a sense of participating in your own healing. It’s also thought to make your immune system work better.

Many people use cassette tapes (like those made by Dr. Emmett Miller, Shakti Gawain, Louise Hay, and others) to guide their visualizations.

   The first anyone ever used medicines were herbs. Many medicinal herbs, both Eastern and Western, are being used by people who have HIV. They are natural substances that come from things like flowers, weeds, and parts of trees. A single herb may be used to treat several different conditions. Herbs that are grown organically (without artificial fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides) are usually considered best. Herbal medicines are used by herbalists, doctors of Chinese medicine, naturopaths, homeopaths, aromatherapists, and ayurvedic doctors. They can be purchased in several forms. Dried herbs can be mixed in water or juice, put in capsules, or used as infusions or decoctions. Infusions are prepared steeped like tea but are longer, so they become considerably stronger. Decoctions are made by gently simmering the dried herb in water for ten to 20 minutes. Tinctures infusions are made with alcohol. Some herbal products, such as aloe vera and tea tree oil, can be applied directly to your skin.If you’re thinking about taking herbal treatments, it’s always best to consult a health care professional to find out which herb is best for you, and what dosage would be effective and safe. You may also want to refer to an herbal dictionary or book to help you make decisions about dosages (amounts) and safety. Remember that herbal treatments are not paid for by the government, so you have to pay for them yourself. You can get herbs from herbal, health food, or supplement stores, and sometimes from pharmacies and buyers’ clubs.

Your immune system is composed of many different elements. Not all of these are damaged in HIV-positive people. Some “immune boosting” herbs may stimulate parts of your immune system that are already overactive, while suppressing (weakening) parts that are not. For example, some herbs may boost your immune antibody response, which would tend to suppress your cell-mediated response. It’s been shown that your cell-mediated response is naturally suppressed when you have HIV, while your antibody response is overactive. Therefore, antibody-producing herbs may not be beneficial for you. Ask your naturopath or herbalist, or do your own reading, to find out how various herbs stimulate your immune system and whether they would be helpful for you. There are many kinds of herbs used by people with HIV. Some of the more common ones are described here. Aloe vera has long been used to heal burns and cuts. Acemannan (brand name Carrisyn) is a concentrated powder form of the juice of the aloe vera plant. Test tube studies have shown that aloe vera works against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and also as an anti-inflammatory. (The word “anti-inflammatory” refers to anything that reduces swelling and other signs of infection.) Most Mouth (taken by mouth) aloe vera products contain only small amounts of juice from the plant, so it’s doubtful that these would slow down viruses or kill bacteria. However, aloe vera is known to aid in the healing of stomach problems, ulcers, constipation and colon and other problems (bowel). Apple cider vinegar is used as an antifungal mouthwash against thrush. Swish and gargle with a small amount of vinegar, then spit it out. If you have sores in your mouth, the acidity of the vinegar may cause discomfort or pain. You may want to dilute it with water. Apple cider vinegar can also be used to aid digestion (if you have an upset stomach) and may help prevent germs from growing in your urinary tract (the tube through you pee) and bladder, and causing infections. Bee propolis is a resin from tree buds that is collected by bees. It contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and other nutrients. It’s been shown to fight bacterial infections and works in the test tube against four types of herpes viruses. You can chew it as a remedy for thrush, or apply it directly to cuts and sores as an antiseptic. Bitter melon is the fruit of a plant called Momordica charantia. A tea is usually made from the fruit, leaves, and stems of this plant, and is taken as an enema (fluid injected into your rectum [ass]). A few test tube studies have shown that components of bitter melon can slow down HIV. Bitter melon can also bring on an abortion. There have been no clinical trials of bitter melon.Blue-green algae is harvested from the surface of lakes and oceans. It contains amino acids, minerals, and many other nutrients. Some people use it as a general immune booster or to give them more energy. A study by the American National Cancer Institute showed that it works against HIV in the test tube. It’s available in powder and capsule form.Curcumin is a substance found in the spice turmeric, which is used in Indian curries. Curcumin has been used to aid digestion and fight intestinal parasites (gut). Test tube studies have shown that it can stop HIV from reproducing. But early results in tests on humans have shown no effect on T4 cell counts. Curcumin is available in many health food stores. Turmeric can be used in cooking, but it is thought to be impossible to eat curcumin in quantities high enough to affect HIV just by using this spice.

Echinacea is also called purple coneflower. It’s found all over North America and has long been used by Aboriginal peoples. Test tube studies have shown that echinacea can increase levels of the cytokine TNF-alpha. High levels of this cytokine can cause fevers and wasting and can stimulate HIV reproduction. Echinacea is used to heal wounds, it may activate your antibody immune response against viruses and bacteria. Some herbalists suggest that HIV-positive people not use this herb, or use it for only a couple of days. Echinacea is available in a tincture (dissolved in alcohol) and in dried plant form (which is made into a tea or taken in capsules). Essiac tea contains burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm bark, and turkey rhubarb root. This tea was developed by the Ojibway nation. There are no reports of either test-tube studies or clinical trials of Essiac tea. It has been used as an immune booster. Some people say that it has cured certain types of cancer, but there is no proof. People with HIV have reported improvements in well-being, but more information is necessary about the specific effects on HIV-positive people.
Garlic has been found to have an effect against some bacteria and fungi. After you have recovered from an infection, garlic may be useful in keeping it from coming back. You can eat it raw or take it in capsules odourless. Raw garlic can sometimes cause diarrhea or nausea. Grapefruit seed extract is sold under the brand names Citricidal and Nutribiotic. It’s a liquid that fights bacteria and fungi. It can be used as a mouthwash for thrush and topically (on the affected area) for many types of skin and mouth infections. Some people use it to disinfect vegetables and fruits (as an alternative to using bleach). It’s also available in tablet form. Herbal combinations are mixtures of different herbs, usually used for a special purpose. It’s important to note that many of these products claim to be “immune boosting,” but may just boost your immune antibody response, which might not be good for you.Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is an herb that’s been used as a treatment for coughs and respiratory (breathing) problems associated with colds and flu. It’s being studied in people with HIV to see if it has any effect on infections. Reports suggest that it may be useful in the treatment of MAC, herpes, and KS, although this has not been proven. It is prepared as a tea for drinking. To compress (to treat shingles, cold sores, or wounds) can be made by soaking a cloth in the tea. Licorice root is a common ingredient of Chinese herbal remedies. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It’s also been used to improve liver function and treat liver disease. One of its active ingredients is glycyrrhizin, which has been found to work strongly in the test tube against HIV and the herpes simplex virus. Glycyrrhizin, under the brand name Glyceron, is approved for treating hepatitis B in Japan.Milk thistle contains silymarin, which may help protect your liver from the toxic (poisonous) effects of certain drugs. It may also protect your liver from the effects of alcohol, and help you recover from hepatitis.

Pau d’arc, also known as Taheebo, is made from the inner bark of a South American tree. It’s thought to fight fungi and is sometimes used to treat systemic candidiasis (including thrush and yeast infections).
PVS-30 is an extract from the European boxwood tree. It’s being studied as a possible treatment for HIV. Preliminary studies have shown increases in cell T4 and T8 cell counts, and decreases in viral load.
Tea tree oil (sometimes called you three oil) comes from the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia. It is used as an antiseptic and to fight fungi. It’s been used successfully as an alternative treatment for candidiasis (including thrush and yeast infections), as well as infections of the skin.

   Meditation is an exercise of the mind. It’s an excellent way to relax and can make you feel more rested than even the deepest sleep. It can give you a sense of calm, peace, joy, and efficiency in everyday life. Some people say it has given them a clearer view of reality. Most people meditate sitting up. You concentrate on a specific image, a mantra (a meaningless word that you repeat in your mind), or your breathing. One good time to meditate is early in the morning. A session may be as short as ten minutes, or as long as feels comfortable. If meditation sounds good to you, you should be able to find a program that suits you. Your nearest AIDS group may be able to help you find one.

 
   The practice of yoga helps establish a balance between body and mind. In yoga, you use deep breathing, stretching, holding of positions, and meditation techniques. Some people claim that this body increases oxygen levels and decreases carbon dioxide levels. Yoga can give you better control of your voluntary and involuntary muscle systems, including your digestive system. (A voluntary muscle is one that you move on purpose. Involuntary muscles move on their own.) Instructors working with HIV-positive people report that yoga relieves swollen glands, improves stamina, and helps reduce chronic fatigue (constant tiredness).

 
   Moderate exercise done regularly can help you stay physically and emotionally healthy. Besides making your muscles, skeleton, and circulation stronger, a reasonable amount of exercise is thought to make your immune system work better. It can also help you relax, improve your digestion and your ability to get rid of body wastes, and make it easier for your body to take in and use oxygen. Exercise is extremely useful in relieving stress and reducing anxiety and depression.There are many types of exercise and, as with everything else, you need to decide what works for you. You may want to talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise program. Include plenty of time for slow stretching. If you get tired, take a break. And if you have any problems that will not go away, talk to your doctor. You may want to try taking an aerobics class or doing other aerobic exercise, such as going for brisk walks, swimming, cycling, or dancing. Aerobic exercise moves lots of oxygen through your body and strengthens your heart. It’s usually suggested that people with HIV should focus on weight training, since this builds lean body mass. (Aerobic exercise may burn too many calories without promoting muscle mass.) Doing exercise that gets your heart and lungs going for at least 20 minutes causes your body to produce endorphins - chemicals that relieve pain and make you feel good. Physical exercise can give you a chance to socialize and have fun. It’s important to create an exercise program that you can enjoy. Do not overdo it, though. Too much exercise is bad for your immune system.

 
   The word “chiropractic” means “done by hand.” It is based on the theory that health and disease are life processes related to the function of your nervous system. Your nervous system can be irritated by physical, chemical, or psychological factors, which can cause disease. The chiropractor identifies what is causing the irritation in your nervous system and attempts to remove it. A chiropractor may physically straighten your body by manipulating (moving around) your spine. He or she may also use heat, light, and electric and water therapies, (also called hydrotherapy), and may recommend exercises or diet programs.

 
   Trager is a form of gentle and pleasurable massage that releases tension from body joints. The Trager practitioner uses various rhythmic, rocking, and stretching movements to do this.

   Reflexology comes from ancient Egyptian and Aboriginal healing traditions. It’s based on the idea that there are places on your head, hands, and feet that are connected to each gland and organ in your body. Through both gentle and deep pressure massage of these points, reflexologists stimulate your organs and glands.

  
   Shiatsu (acupressure) is a Japanese system of massage that aims to balance the energies in your body. It is believed that energies that are out of balance can cause disease and tiredness, and make your immune system work less well. The word “shiatsu” means “finger pressure.” The therapist presses specific points on your body. Each point connects to a specific organ in your body through lines called meridians. Pressing a certain point stimulates the organ it’s connected to. Shiatsu uses the same pressure points as acupuncture, but uses the pressure of fingers, palms, and elbows instead of needles. Both shiatsu and acupuncture work to calm the energy (qi) that flows in a continuous cycle through your body.