| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General HIV / Human Immunodeficiency Virus Information Human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV, is an infection caused by a virus that attacks the immune system and makes it difficult for the body to fight infection. When HIV enters the body, it attacks a certain type of white blood cells, called CD4+ cells, that help the body fight infection. As these cells are infected they become less able to fight infection and disease, which allows the virus to grow and multiply. When the immune system is weakened, the body is vulnerable to pneumonia, cancer and AIDS. HIV is the same virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency virus, also known as AIDS. Testing HIV positive does not mean a person has AIDS. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection; whereas HIV is the infection itself. Many people live for years with HIV; however, most of these people will develop AIDS as a result of the HIV infection. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of HIV / Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood contact and sexual contact. The disease is spread when blood, vaginal fluids or semen from an infected person enters another persons body through sexual contact and blood-to-blood contact. HIV infected pregnant women can pass the virus to their babies during pregnancy, delivery or through breast milk. HIV is also spread through needle sharing when using intravenous drugs. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Symptoms of HIV / Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV progresses in stages that are determined by the amount of the virus present in the blood. The initial symptoms of HIV infection are very similar to those of mononucleosis and influenza. These symptoms include nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, weight loss and muscle aches. The first symptoms of HIV infection usually appear 3 to 6 weeks after exposure to the virus. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for HIV / Human Immunodeficiency Virus The best way to prevent HIV is by avoiding behaviors that can lead to sharing infected blood or body fluids. Always practice safe sex by using condoms and not having sex with anyone infected with HIV. Do not have sex with strangers. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which can impair judgment. People who chose to use illegal drugs should avoid sharing needles, cotton balls, eye droppers or syringes with others. Anyone with HIV should tell every prospective sexual partner about his or her medical status. Get immunizations to help prevent pneumonia and other opportunistic infections. Learn safe food handling procedures. Do not smoke or use illegal drugs. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Beneficial Dietary Supplements Acetyl-L-carnitine protects cell membranes and protects the heart. Alpha-lipoic Acid can help slow the progression of HIV. Bovine Colostrum enhances immune function and controls AIDS-related diarrhea. Coenzyme Q10 increases circulation and energy. Colloidal Silver fights inflammation and promotes healing of skin lesions. Dimethylglycine (DMG) aids breathing and enhances oxygen transport. L-Arginine enhances the immune system and slows tumor growth. L-Lysine helps prevent mouth sores and herpes outbreaks. Garlic stimulates the immune system and is a natural antibiotic. Multivitamin and Mineral Complex provides all necessary nutrients. Quercetin plus Bromelain helps prevent allergic reactions and increases immunity. S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is good for depression and chronic fatigue. Echinacea, Astragalus and Cats Claw boost the immune system. REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Buy Beneficial Dietary Supplements and Products Below. |