HIV Symptoms

 

Symptoms

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that was isolated in 1983. A retrovirus is a virus that copies its genetic material onto the genetic material of human cells; once cells are infected, they remain infected. Although the nature of HIV is not entirely understood, it is known that HIV prevents the immune system from functioning properly, making it vulnerable to disease. A healthy immune system fights illness; HIV infects the key cells that coordinate the immune system's fight. Through the process of HIV infection some cells are destroyed, while other cells lose their ability to function normally.

It is also important to understand that, aside from wasting syndrome and HIV encephalopathy (when immune cells in the brain are damaged by HIV causing the brain, or some nerves, not to work as well as normal), there are no symptoms of HIV. Illnesses that are considered symptomatic of HIV infection are actually attributes of opportunistic infections or tumors which result from an immune system impaired by HIV.

Opportunistic infections are infections by pathogens that are always around us, infections that a healthy immune system has no trouble fighting. A weakened immune system allows these infections to reactivate, instead of keeping them under control. Opportunistic tumors are caused by out-of-control cells which are also normally kept in check by the immune system.

It is important to understand that HIV is not Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), nor does every person with HIV develop AIDS. AIDS is the result of the depletion of specific immune cells caused by HIV. Like HIV, AIDS is not a disease with predictable or trajectory symptoms. It is a syndrome, which is a collection of signs and symptoms which vary from person to person.

Most people do not know they have been infected with HIV, although some may experience a short illness (such as a sore throat, fever or rash) soon after infection. When these illnesses coincide with the time that the blood tests positive for HIV antibodies, it is referred to as a seroconversion illness.

After the initial infection of HIV, it may take many months, or even years, before the effects become apparent. Some people with HIV may feel well, even if an impaired immune system can be detected through blood tests. Studies have shown that damage to the body tends to become more severe as time goes on and tumors or opportunistic infections may develop. However, each person with HIV will have their own individual responses, which may or may not result in a symptomatic disease.

As HIV evolved, there came the widely held assumption that it was a “one-way” process. The assumption has been that everyone with HIV would enter an initial phase of being asymptomatic and well; the second phase would bring about a mild illness; the third phase would be a severe illness ending in death.

Although many people follow this sequence of events, there are other patterns which have emerged. Some may get infections that would indicate AIDS, and then become healthy for a long time. This may happen if the immune system was damaged by HIV and another temporary cofactor, such as stress, then disappeared. Also, some people have gone many years without having experienced any disease considered to be symptomatic of HIV infection. Some of the illnesses that are considered to be symptomatic of HIV infection are pneumonia, thrush, candidiasis, tuberculosis, herpes and Kaposi's sarcoma (a tumor of the blood vessel wall which usually appears as painless pink or purple spots on the skin, or internally).

HIV Symptoms Causes

HIV is present in four types of body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk. HIV can only be transmitted to another person if those fluids get into his or her body. Although it is possible to isolate the virus from other body fluids of an infected person (such as saliva, urine and feces), the level of the virus is too low to be infectious.

There are three main ways of transmitting HIV. The first is through unprotected anal or vaginal sex. The second method is through blood to blood contact, such as what happens with the sharing of needles among intravenous drug users and, prior to blood-screening policies being established by blood banks, through blood transfusions and infected blood products. The third way to transmit HIV is from mother to baby, any time during pregnancy, birth or breast-feeding. Babies born from HIV-infected mothers have a ten to fifteen percent chance of contracting HIV, but the risk is increased if the mother is already exhibiting illness that is symptomatic of HIV.

HIV Symptoms Nutrition

When infection with HIV has been confirmed, there are three avenues to take in dealing with this illness. Therapies can inhibit the reproduction of the virus, strengthen the immune system and help the person to cope with the secondary infections that arise as a result of HIV.

Attention to diet is of vital importance in the treatment of HIV, since up to eighty percent of people with HIV die not of the disease itself, but of the secondary infections that develop. Nutritional therapy can definitely prolong life and make living with HIV much more bearable.

Offer the ailing immune system optimal nutritional support with fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts and seeds and whole grains, eaten raw whenever possible to provide immune-building enzymes. Leafy green vegetables, fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, guava, and berries such as raspberries and red currants provide vitamin C, which is vital for fighting off the secondary infections which plague those with HIV. Nuts and seeds provide zinc, an essential nutrient for the immune system. Make every effort to buy organic whole grains and vegetables grown in soil rich in minerals such as selenium. Selenium is known to strengthen immunity to infection, and it has been found deficient in people with HIV. Nutritional yeast, sesame seeds and wheat germ are especially good sources of selenium. The selenium from plant foods is more efficiently absorbed than selenium found in animal foods. Shiitake mushrooms have antitumor and antiviral properties. The mushroom extract interferes with the HIV attack of newly formed T-4 cells.

Garlic has antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic and antioxidant properties. Lymphocyte clumping, which encourages the spread of the HIV virus from cell to cell within the body, is prevented by a compound in garlic. Garlic combats fungal infections and has been used effectively for treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. Natural garlic extracts can enter brain tissue, unlike many synthetic drugs. Garlic is best taken fresh or as an essential oil. For a person who weighs 150 pounds, eat four cloves of raw garlic daily. Garlic salad oil can be prepared by crushing garlic into cold-pressed olive oil and letting it sit in a warm place for three days. Strain and store the oil in a cool place.

The chlorophyll in wheatgrass juice increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. Many germs that invade the human body prefer to grow in tissues where there is a poor supply of oxygen. Mix one pint of carrot juice, celery juice, the juice of one tomato, two ounces each of wheatgrass juice and kelp, and sprigs of parsley. Spirulina is also rich in chlorophyll as well as vitamin B12. Take three teaspoons daily, or mix into juice.

The battle against weight loss cannot be effectively fought by simply eating large amounts of high-calorie foods like ice cream, pastries, steaks or butter. This is a mistake which is frequently made, with disastrous consequences. Often these foods cannot be properly absorbed and only make serious problems like diarrhea worse. Calories to combat wasting are best derived from complex carbohydrate foods such as wholegrain bread, cereals and pasta, starchy vegetables, beans and peas.

People with HIV typically suffer from malabsorption of nutrients due to chronic diarrhea. Diarrhea is a serious problem which greatly compromises quality of life. The first and most important step in treating diarrhea and improving nutrient absorption is to reduce the intake of fats. Fat is almost always malabsorbed in the small intestine of those with HIV, so that it passes to the bowel where it acts as a powerful laxative. Eliminate from the diet unhealthy fats like margarine, beef fat, lard, refined and hydrogenated oils, shortening and heat-damaged fats from fried foods. Instead use only butter and unrefined, cold-pressed oils from seeds like sesame, sunflower and flax. All provide important vitamins, and the unrefined seed oils provide essential fatty acids which are needed by the body to make anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Do not fry foods; sauté them in broth or wine.

People with HIV often do not get enough protein because animal protein foods such as meats and cheese are high in fat and only make the diarrhea worse. Instead of getting protein from meat, make use of the many excellent vegetable sources of protein. Brown rice with lentils, hummus with pita, or peanut butter on wholewheat bread, are excellent protein sources. Legumes, soy beans, Chinese lettuce, Brussels sprouts, spinach, potatoes and broccoli all provide high-quality protein.

If eating is difficult, there are many protein powder supplements on the market that range from high- to low-fat content. Although high-fat is often recommended because of the calories, protein supplements that are rich in carbohydrates are much easier and quicker to digest. Protein is essential for the repair mechanism in the body. Protein powders should be supplemented with every meal. Between meals, have protein powders in shakes. (For recipes, see Section 5, Optimal Nutrition for Optimal Health.)

Fat intake should be limited to healthy forms, such as butter and oils from nuts and seeds like sesame, sunflower and flax seed. These unrefined, cold-pressed seed oils contain the essential fatty acids linolenic acid and linoleic acid, required for the nervous system and the skin, as well as other body functions. Flax seed oil can be added to salads, pastas and yogurt or taken in capsule form.

It may be necessary to eliminate fresh dairy products since a lactose intolerance often increases diarrhea problems in people with HIV. Cultured dairy products like natural, unsweetened yogurt and kefir are suitable for people with lactose intolerance. Fiber from skins and seeds of vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and legumes tend to have a laxative effect. Low-fiber foods which are usually tolerated are oatmeal, fruit and vegetable juices, eggs, cottage cheese, rice, noodles and mashed potatoes. Drink plenty of liquids, such as fresh spring water, diluted fresh-pressed fruit and vegetable juices, and clear vegetable broths to replace minerals.

Those infected with HIV often cannot eat enough because food makes them nauseous. It helps to eat dry toast and crackers in the morning. Eat small, frequent meals to prevent an empty stomach. Make sure to ventilate the cooking area and eat slowly. Choosing odorless, bland, chilled foods like cottage cheese with fruit makes eating easier. Avoid greasy foods. Regain an appetite by eating carbohydrate foods like wholegrain cereals, pasta or rice. Carbohydrates increase the production of norepinephrine (NE), which regulates moods and the appetite. Certain foods can cause a conditioned nauseous response. In this case, avoid those foods and find a nutritional alternative.

If there is pain upon eating, due to a mouth infection such as thrush or throat problems, a nutritional therapy can consist of a variety of nutritious drinks, shakes, soups and purées. Avoid spices and salt, acidic foods such as citrus fruits or pineapple, and hot and cold foods. Choose easy-to-swallow foods like eggs, bananas, baked fish or soft cheeses. Grate nuts and stir into quark or plain yogurt or sprinkle onto vegetable dishes. Poor saliva production can make food taste like sawdust. Drinking plenty of fluids and choosing moist foods can help. If the sense of taste is dulled, try foods with a variety of textures, temperatures and seasonings.

For people with HIV it is especially important to keep food clear of bacteria. Wash hands before handling food. Rinse meat and poultry with cold water before using. Cook poultry until no longer pink. Use separate utensils and cutting boards for meats and vegetable foods. Wash wooden cutting boards regularly with diluted bleach and water solution. Never leave foods at room temperature for long periods. Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible. Avoid raw foods like sushi. Prepare foods in amounts that can be eaten before spoiling.

HIV Symptoms Nutritional Supplements

Many people with HIV suffer from the effects of malabsorption. Supplements are geared towards providing extra nutrients and supporting the immune system function.

To boost the immune system and fight all forms of infection, garlic capsules are very effective. Similarly, the citrus seed extract is a natural, effective means of eliminating infection, whether the cause is bacterial, fungal, parasitic or viral in nature. Acidophilus supplements will help re-establish healthy bowel flora that has been altered from infection and antibiotics. It also protects against candida infections.

Aloe vera juice can also be helpful to the person with HIV. It is soothing to the mucous membranes and contains antifungal, antibacterial properties.

Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful cell oxygenator. N-acetyl-cysteine is a detoxifier important for reducing the toxic load.

A large number of vitamins and minerals may be deficient in people with HIV because of an inability to eat, or poor and improper absorption of nutrients.

Vitamin B complex with meals and vitamin C in doses noted below provide a good foundation. The B vitamins strengthen resistance. The vitamins B6 and B12 are most important. Find a brand of vitamin B12 which may be taken sublingually (under the tongue), as this is easiest to absorb. Vitamin C helps fend off infection. If diarrhea occurs from taking vitamin C, reduce the dose. The bioflavonoid quercetin works with the absorption of vitamin C and protects against viral infections, including the herpes virus.

Vitamins A and E are important for a strong immune system and are often lacking in the body, due to poor absorption. Minerals that are particularly important are zinc and selenium, as both provide immune system support.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Garlic, 4,000 mcg three times daily

Lactobacillus acidophilus, 1 tsp. three times daily

Aloe vera gel, 1/2 cup with some water sipped throughout the day

Citrus seed extract, 4,000 mcg three times daily

Coenzyme Q10, 320 mg daily

N-acetyl-cysteine, 250 mg twice daily

Vitamin B complex, one to three times daily

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 3,000 mg up to bowel tolerance

Vitamin A, 50,000 IU

Zinc, 50 mg, with 3 mg copper

Selenium, 200 mcg

Helpful

B12 sublingual form, 1,000 mcg

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols,

800–1,200 IU

Quercetin, 1,000 mg twice daily

HIV Symptoms Herbal Remedies

Herbs can be used in conjunction with nutritional therapy to stimulate the immune system and help fight infections resulting from HIV.

Goldenseal also boosts immunity and fights fungal infections. It is useful for diarrhea. It should be taken for short, intermittent periods only and it is recommended to consult a herbalist for an appropriate dosage.

Chaparral has been traditionally used to treat and prevent immune disorders such as cancer and skin infections, clear uric acid from the blood, and fight parasites. This herb has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Take 1 capsule three times daily or 10–30 drops extract three times daily.

HIV Symptoms Homeopathy

Due to the serious nature of HIV, an experienced homeopath should be sought for constitutional treatment.

HIV Symptoms Tissue Salts

Certain problems associated with HIV, such as fever and weight loss, can be relieved with the tissue salt remedies provided in those sections.

HIV Symptoms External/Physical Therapies

An interest in personal health is vital for fighting any disease, particularly one as serious as HIV. The main focus should be on increasing overall vitality and boosting the immune system. This includes adopting healthy eating habits, regular exercise, allowing enough time for rest and sleep, reducing stress and eliminating unhealthy habits such as smoking.

Because people with HIV have an increased incidence of gum problems, it is important to take particularly good care of your teeth and gums. Follow a daily dental hygiene routine of tooth brushing and flossing, as well as seeing your dentist regularly—at least once a year.

Reflexology

To strengthen the immune system, activate the thymus gland and the spleen by working the points, as illustrated, for at least one minute. Gently massage the area around it.

HIV Symptoms Other Suggestions

Always use condoms when having sex. Ensure that they are made of good quality latex.

In countries where there is access to good alternatives to mother's milk, breast-feeding should be avoided.

Never share needles with anyone else.

Bio-oxidative therapies are now being used to treat HIV infection and AIDS. (For more information, see Section 11, Other Natural Healing Methods and Appendix 1.)

HIV Symptoms Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)

Co-Q-Max (Flora)

Udo's Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend (Flora)

Udo's Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend Capsules (Flora)

Micel Vitamin A (Klaire Laboratories)

Multi Element Buffered C (Klaire Laboratories)

Selenomethionine (Klaire Laboratories)

Acidophilus & Bifidus (Natural Factors)

Beta Carotene (Natural Factors)

Beta Green (Natural Factors)

Coenzyme Q10 (Natural Factors)

E 800 IU Clear Base 100% Natural

(Natural Factors)

Ester C (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil 1000 mg (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)

Folic Acid (Natural Factors)

Grape Seed Extract (Natural Factors)

Mega Acidophilus Powder (Natural Factors)

Pycnogenol (Natural Factors)

Stress B Formula (Natural Factors)

Vitamin A (Natural Factors)

Wild Salmon Oil (Natural Factors)

Zinc Chelate (Natural Factors)

Designer Protein (Next Nutrition)

Natural Ratio Vitamin E (Quest Vitamins)

Alkyrol Shark Liver Oil (Scandinavian Naturals)

Other Nutritional Supplements

Bee Propolis (Natural Factors)

Aloe Vera Gel (Nature's Herbs)

Aloe Vera Inner Leaf (Nature's Herbs)

Aloe Vera Gel (The Real Aloe Co.)

Herbal Remedies

Evergreen Wheatgrass Juice
(Evergreen Juices Inc.)

Traditional Yin-yang Herbals: Athletic Tone Capsules (Flora)

Traditional Yin-yang Herbals: Athletic Tone Liquid (Flora)

Traditional Yin-yang Herbals: Jade Immune Screen Capsules (Flora)

Traditional Yin-yang Herbals: Jade Immune Screen Liquid (Flora)

Green Magma (Green Foods)

30-Day Paraway Cleansing Program

(Knowledge Products)

Enriching Green Factors
(Natural Factors)

Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer Extract
(Natural Factors)

St. John's Wort Extract
(Natural Factors)

Astragulus Root (Nature's Herbs)

Green-Power (Nature's Herbs)

Reishi Mushroom (Nature's Herbs)

Shiitake Power (Nature's Herbs)

Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract (Wakunaga)

Homeopathy

Bach Flower Remedies
(Bach-Karooch Ltd)

External Therapies

Lemon Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Niaouli Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Sandalwood Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Tea Tree Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Thyme Oil, Red (Karooch Essential Oils)