Aids Information, Symptoms and Natural Treatments

AIDS (HIV) is a very complicated and deadly disease with no known cure. While some drugs appear to slow progression of the disease and certain nutritional factors can be helpful, there is nothing that can be done to turn back the clock once AIDS has been contracted. Once AIDS has been contracted, a person is referred to as HIV-Positive.

HIV causes a large range of medical problems. Many of the symptoms associated with HIV are very similar to those caused by other conditions and diseases. Initial symptoms of HIV are flu-like in nature including fever, rash, joint pain, malaise, and swelling of the lymph nodes. While these symptoms may come and go, those with HIV are always asymptomatic. HIV affects all parts of the body with infections, tumors, and other immune-deficiency complications.

Nutritional supplements that may help with AIDS symptoms

While there is no known cure for the AIDS virus certain nutritional supplements may help to slow down the progression of the disease and provide relief for some of its symptoms. Supplements that may be useful for AIDS patients include the following:

  • Arginine (in combination with HMB and glutamine) for preservation of lean body mass

  • DHEA (for fatigue and depression)

  • Glutamine (in combination with HMB and arginine) for preservation of lean body mass

  • Hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB) (in combination with glutamine and arginine) for preservation of lean body mass

  • Multiple vitamin-mineral (may slow onset)

  • N-acetyl cysteine (may inhibit the replication of HIV)

  • Zinc (may reduce the number of infections in people with AIDS)

Herbs that may help with AIDS symptoms

  • Boxwood

  • Licorice (has shown the ability to inhibit reproduction of HIV in some test tube studies)

  • Sangre de Drago (for HIV-associated diarrhea)