AIDS / HIV
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is an immune system disorder in which the body’s ability to defend itself is greatly diminished.
HIV attacks the body’s immune system, damaging and destroying cells until the body can no longer effectively fight off infection. AIDS occurs in the later stages of HIV infection.
When HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) invades, white blood cells (T lymphocytes) multiply in an attempt to defend the immune system. HIV quickly attacks the immune system, producing a billion copies of itself each day.
The immune system in turn produces the same number of antibodies in an attempt to defend itself against the intruders. Year after year, the body struggles to beat HIV until finally, its overworked immune system simply wears out and AIDS results.
The length of time between an initial HIV infection and positive diagnosis of AIDS has been estimated between two and ten years or more. This is because many people who are infected with HIV are not even aware that they have contracted it.
While some people experience a mild flu-like illness within two to four weeks of exposure to HIV, it generally takes at least two to five years before any symptoms of HIV infection appear. Some symptoms of a compromised immune symptom include:
- Candidiasis
- Prolonged fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever lasting more that ten days
- Excessive sweating (especially at night)
- Mouth lesions
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Changes in bowel habits
- Weight loss
- Speech impairment
- Memory loss
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Blind spots in the field of vision
Getting tested for HIV is easy. Visit your doctor to get tested; a small blood sample is needed and will be obtained by pricking a fingertip. The sample is mailed to laboratory, which analyzes it and makes a diagnosis within days.
Each test is identified by a code number so the test and the results are completely confidential. The FDA has only approved one home test kid, the Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System from Home Access Health Corporation.
Natural Cures for AIDS / HIV:
While there is no cure for HIV or AIDS, there are a number of home remedies that can extend and improve the quality of life for those who have contracted it. It is important to consult with your doctor before starting any treatment, as HIV and AIDS are life-threatening illnesses.
MULTIVITAMIN:
Research indicates that many people with AIDS have deficiencies of several nutrients. One study found that HIV-infected people who took a multivitamin/mineral supplement every day experienced a slower onset of AIDS than those who did not.
ALPHA LIPOIC ACID (ALA):
Preliminary evidence suggests that alpha lipoid acid (ALA) may be helpful in managing HIV. ALA is a powerful antioxidant that raises levels of glutathione in the body, an amino acid that is crucial to maintaining health immune-system function. ALA may also curb the replication of HIV by slowing the replication process.
VITAMIN C:
According to a 1998 study, Vitamin C has the antioxidant potential to minimize cell damage and reduce the overall amount of HIV in the body. Injections of Vitamin C in extremely high doses seem to hinder the growth of the HIV virus.