General Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome / AIDS Information
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is an incurable condition that weakens the body’s ability to fight disease. AIDS is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a virus that attacks CD4+ cells, a type of white blood cells. When a person is infected by HIV, the body makes antibodies to try to fight the infection. When these antibodies show up on a blood test, then an HIV infection is present. Over time, the HIV infection slowly wears down the body’s immune system, resulting in AIDS.

An estimated 40 million people worldwide are living with AIDS or HIV. The disease was once thought to affect mainly homosexual men, but today’s statistics show that it affects adults (both gay and straight) and children of all ages. Fewer people are being infected with HIV today than in the early 1980s due to increased education and awareness of the disease.

Possible Causes of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome / AIDS
AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Not everyone who is HIV+ has AIDS. An HIV+ person receives an AIDS diagnosis after developing one of the AIDS indicator illnesses as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Certain blood tests determine the number of CD4 cells to cubic millimeter of blood (T cell count), which is another indicator of AIDS.

It may take years before HIV wears down the immune system enough for a person to be diagnosed with AIDS. As the immune system loses strength it has difficulty fighting off certain infections, called opportunistic infections. Opportunistic infections are diseases that do not affect people with normal immune systems, but they take the opportunity to flourish in people with damaged immune systems. These infections can be life-threatening for a person with AIDS, making medical intervention necessary to prevent and/or treat serious illnesses and complications.

Possible Symptoms of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome / AIDS
There are no common symptoms for people with AIDS, but some AIDS sufferers report a white-coated tongue covered with bumps (thrush or candidiasis) as their first indication of illness. Other possible symptoms include prolonged, unexplained fatigue; swollen glands; fever that lasts more than 10 days; excessive night sweats; sore throat; cough; shortness of breath; changes in bowel habits; skin rashes; unexplained weightloss; general discomfort and headache.

When immune system damage is severe, opportunistic infections can take hold, resulting in "full-blown AIDS." This process typically takes from 7 to 10 years after being infected with HIV. The presence of these diseases is the main indicator that HIV has progressed to AIDS status.

Possible Lifestyle Changes for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome / AIDS
The only way to prevent AIDS is to avoid becoming infected with HIV. HIV is spread most often by having unprotected sex with an infected partner. The virus enters the body through the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum or mouth during sex. HIV is also spread through contact with infected blood. This can occur while sharing needles during intravenous drug use, receiving infected blood during a blood transfusion and through direct blood-to-blood contact. Mothers can also spread the virus to their babies during pregnancy or childbirth or through breast milk. Being aware of how the disease is spread and practicing "safe" sexual habits is the best way to avoid infection.

Anyone with HIV or AIDS can increase survival and quality of life by seeking early treatment. A program that encourages immune system enhancement is the most beneficial. Those with HIV or AIDS must always use a condom. Be sure to meet daily nutritional requirements and take a high-potency multivitamin. Drink plenty of steam distilled water every day. Eliminate diet colas, food additives and colorings, junk foods, peanuts, processed foods, saturated fats, salt, sugar, white flour and all caffeine from the diet. Do not smoke and stay away from those who do. Avoid alcoholic beverages and get as much fresh air as possible.

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 Cat’s Claw boost the immune system.