Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, always remains in your body, notes the University of California-San Francisco Medical Center. Over time, this virus damages certain white blood cells -- T cells -- and decreases your body's ability to combat both infections and cancer. AIDS is the end-stage of HIV. Certain dietary supplements may help improve your immune system health and reduce your chances of developing opportunistic infections. Speak with your doctor before using supplements as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of your HIV.
HIV
The HIV virus spreads from one person to another through several possible means. The Medline Medical Encyclopedia states that the HIV virus may spread from an infected individual via sexual contact, blood transfusions and from a mother to her unborn child or through her breast milk. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with HIV infection include fatigue, fever, diarrhea, vaginal yeast infections, headache, mouth sores, muscle aches or stiffness, rashes, sore throat and swollen lymph glands.
Immune System Supplements
Dietary supplementation may be a helpful adjunct therapy in improving your immune function and treating your HIV/AIDS. In their book "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," naturopathic doctors Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno state that the following supplements may be helpful for these health purposes: flaxseed oil, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotene complex, methylcobalamin, lipoic acid, thymus extract, curcumin and licorice. Further scientific research evidence may be necessary to evaluate the true effectiveness of these supplements in treating HIV/AIDS-related symptoms.
Licorice
Licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, may be an effective adjunct therapy and dietary supplement in the treatment of your HIV infection. Drs. Murray and Pizzorno state that preparations containing licorice's active ingredient, glycyrrhizin, are showing promise in the treatment of HIV-related health problems. Licorice is considered an immune system modulator, adrenal gland modulator and nutritive -- a substance that provides your body with nourishment. The root of the plant is incorporated into dietary supplements.
Considerations
Although dietary supplements may be helpful in treating your HIV or keeping your HIV-related symptoms at bay, the use of supplements should not replace other treatment measures suggested by your doctor. A healthcare specialist such as a naturopathic physician or a medical doctor who is trained in clinical nutrition can counsel you on the most appropriate and effective dietary supplements to take for your condition. Not all supplements may be right for you or your health problem.
References
- University of California-San Francisco: What Are HIV and AIDS?
- Medline Medical Encyclopedia: HIV Infection
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.; 1998
