Immune Boost
From: Alice - June 2004, Volume 7, Issue 6
NOTE: VARCS does NOT endorse the use of any particular treatments including vitamin and supplement therapies. You should ALWAYS talk with your doctor and pharmacist before starting any therapies.
From Fact Sheet 30(reprinted from www.catie.com)
Complementary Therapies for people living with HIV/AIDS by Sabina Beesley, MS, RD Dietitian for Chicken Soup Brigade
General recommendation of what you should be taking to help boost your immune system:
• 2 multi-vitamins and mineral taken each day with food• Use supplement which contains at least 100% of RDA
• Be sure your supplement does not exceed 100% RDA of iron or zinc (high doses of these minerals may increase risk for infection)
• 400 IU Vitamin E each day
• 1000 mg Vitamin C each day ( take 500 mg twice daily)
• B complex each day
The following is a list of alternative therapies which may be of use to you:
This list is a short summary of alternative therapies that are frequently used by people living with HIV/AIDS. This list is not meant to be a complete summary of available therapies to you. Please consult a dietitian, herbalist or naturapath to discuss alternative therapies that may be beneficial to you. Herbs and supplements are mainly useful for minor ailments, preventative therapy and as complimentary therapy, not for sole treatment of a serious illness.
Important: Before you start to use any of these treatments, be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist to be sure that there are no dangerous interactions between your medications and alternative supplements.
Symptom: Colds and flu, Minor infections, Vaginal yeast infections
Echinacea
• Boosts immune system.• Warning: Do not use for more than 2 weeks as it may increase Tumor Necrosis Factor which may increase HIV replication.
Symptoms: High bood pressure, High cholesterol
Garlic
• Helps liver process blood fat and reduce blood pressure.• Chew 1 fresh clove per day or use enteric coated tablets. Warning: 10 or more cloves a day may be toxic and harmful. May cause burning in mouth and stomach, heartburn, diarrhea.
• Do not use if taking anticoagulant drugs (blood thinning medications). Avoid high doses during pregnancy.
• Possible allergic reactions with high doses.
Symptoms: Increase energy, Enhance sexual desire, Immune system support
Asian Ginseng
• Increases oxygen to muscles and brain.• Warning: Insomnia
• Do not use if you have high blood pressure.
• Do not use if you have breast tenderness and menstrual problems.
• Do not use during pregnancy or breast feeding.
• Do not take for more than 2-3 weeks.
• Do not take Ginseng and Vitamin C at the same time.
Symptom: Early dementia, Poor memory
Ginkgo Bilboa
• Standardized extracts containing 6% terpene lactones and 24% Ginkgo flavone glycosides are recommended.• Warning: Mild stomach upset, Mild headaches
• Check with MD if you are taking MAO inhibitors, a type of antidepressant, as you may not be able to take ginko at the same time.
Symptoms: AIDS, Dementia, Cartilage destruction, Inflammatory conditions, Autoimmune disease, Arthritis
Flaxseed Oil
• Richest source of omega 3 fatty acids (much higher than fish oil preparations) • Warning: Keep refrigeratedSymptom: PMS
Evening Primrose Oil
• Phyto-estrogen• Warning: Take with food. Do not take with estrogen related cancers or with seizure disorder.
Black Cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa)
• Phyto-estrogen• Warning: Stomach upset
• Do not use if taking blood pressure medications.