5 Ways To Ease AIDS Symptoms Naturally

Text size:  |  Post a comment  |  Print  |   | 
Add to my favorites

1. Watch What You Eat

Using food as medicine is a common practice in many complementary and alternative medicine medical systems. A diet lacking in proper nutrition is particularly dangerous for a person living with AIDS as it can weaken the immune system, which increases a person's susceptibility to diseases as well as an increased risk of infections and a quicker deterioration of their condition. Fruits, vegetables and lots of water are a standard for any AIDS patient. Protein in particular, is an important part of any AIDS diet regime because of its ability to boost a patient's immune system, aid in weight gain and alleviate pain.

2. Take Supplements

In AIDS patients, dietary supplements are used to help boost the immune system which is crucial to the survival and well being of anyone suffering from the illness. They also help replace nutrients and vitamins that may be lost due to common illnesses and symptoms associated with the disease such as wasting, diarrhea and vomiting as well as appetite loss. Some common dietary supplements recommended for AIDS patients include, coenzyme Q-10, and Vitamins E and C. A daily multi-vitamin is also recommended.

3. Stick It to AIDS

Acupuncture works by restoring and maintaining health by stimulating certain points on the body with thin, stainless steel needles placed in the skin. In AIDS patients, acupuncture is used to relive the symptoms of the disease, boost the immune system and reduce the side effects of the drug cocktails commonly prescribed to treat the illness. Acupuncture is also one natural treatment that helps reduce stress in AIDS patients.

4. Massage the Stress Away

Doctors recommend that AIDS patients reduce stress, and body and massage work can help accomplish that. For an AIDS patient, too much stress can mean a lowering of their cd4 count, an increase in infections and a more rapid progression of the disease. Body and massage work can also relieve a variety of physical symptoms associated with AIDS, particularly chronic pain. However, if open sores or other skin lesions are present on the body, then massage work is not recommended.

5. Heal Through Mind Over Body

Mind-body therapy practitioners believe the mind has the ability to heal the physical self. Meditation and visualization are common mind-body therapy techniques used to aid in the healing of illnesses that are ailing the body. Visualization works by envisioning the body free of whatever disease the patient is suffering from. AIDS patients, for example, would visualize their bodies fighting off the disease and rebuilding their immune system.

About this Author

T.S. Johnson is an avid runner and fitness enthusiast who is working on her personal training certification. She runs a popular health and fitness blog, Sweet Potato Pie, that acts as a practical guide to health and fitness for African American women. Tamika strives for wellness as she incorporates the values of nutrition and exercise into her daily life.

Last updated on: 11/18/09

Member Comments

Be the first to post a comment.

Tools

Track your daily calories. See how many calories you burn and consume.

BMI is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight.

Map your local running, cycling, walking and hiking routes and track your calorie burn.

Find us on the web, receive emails and use our mobile app to keep you motivated.

This tool will help you to decide whether to treat at home or see a doctor.