Aids and the Alternative

In my humble opinion, the best thing is to use the Alternative Medicine approach as a treatment for Aids.

Primarily, AIDS is defined by what appears to be severe immune deficiency and is distinguished from other diseases by the fact that it has no constant, specific symptoms. Because of this and other discrepancies, there is much confusion and argument as to what AIDS really is and even whether to classify it as a disease.

Generally, any degree of immune suppression where HIV is present is classified as AIDS, but the same degree of suppression in the absence of HIV is not defined as such.

Connected to this is the major argument, whether in fact HIV even causes AIDS. Some believe that it actually causes the immune suppression that leads to AIDS, while others argue that various environmental risk factors like drugs, substances, infections, and sexually transmitted diseases are the real cause of the immune suppression, and that HIV is just the byproduct of this suppressed immune system.

Conclusively, although there may be a strong correlation between HIV and AIDS, and most people with AIDS also test positively for HIV, it is not a total correlation, nor proof of causation.

The AIDS community still stand by its belief hat HIV causes AIDS, but they are starting to concede that HIV alone may not lead to AIDS without one or more co-factors. What is clear at present, is that the immune systems of people with AIDS, are damaged, and the most vital thing is to explore which treatments can restore the immune system, resulting in the restoration of health.

Whereas the usual view of AIDS treatment focuses on the elimination of HIV, the alternative view places the main emphasis on restoring overall health by eliminating the co-factors.

Malnutrition is a common problem with people who are HIV positive, and is almost universal in those suffering from AIDS. Diet and nutrition are thus essential in treating AIDS. As well, persons with AIDS, HIV positive people, and even general large segments of the US population, have also been shown to be deficient in specific vitamins and minerals critical to immune system function.

So, whole, unprocessed, foods with essential nutrients and no additives should be eaten, especially by those suffering from AIDS. Fresh organic, vegetables, fruits, fish and meat are suggested, while eliminating refined carbohydrates and replacing them with complex ones. Also, specific nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are commonly supplemented in HIV positive and AIDS patients that are lacking.

The use of herbal medicine for treating AIDS is widespread today with additional research going on to assess further applications and effectiveness. For the most parts, herbs are utilized for their antiviral, antibacterial, tonifying, and stress reducing qualities.

Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective and vital tool for treating AIDS and HIV infection, specifically when combined with other alternative therapies such as herbal medicine.

Hyperthermia like our body's natural fever mechanism, can be used against infection and disease, by raising the body's temperature and thereby increasing the production of antibodies and interferon, which stimulates immune function.

This heating of the body and promoting sweat helps to detoxify heavy metals, pesticides, and chemicals, and toxins stored in the fat cells. HIV has been shown to be heat sensitive, and will become increasingly inactive as body temperature is progressively raised above normal for extended periods.

Use of oxygen therapy as a primary treatment for HIV infection, AIDS and its associated infections is a safe and most effective method. Using hyperbaric oxygen, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide to combat HIV, is much the same as the immune system using oxygen free radicals to destroy viral or bacterial infections.

There is an absolutely vital relationship between emotional states and our immune systems. Emotions such as guilt, anger, fear, and hopelessness are common among those with AIDS and add to the immune system's burden.

Therefore, any stress reduction strategy that can help one cope with negative emotions and influences that affect the nervous system is recommended. Mind / Body therapies such as relaxation, meditation, visualization, psychotherapy or counseling, treatment or group work will all help improve immune function.