trartTwo ITHE DISORDERS
-
greater muscle weakness, and increased susceptibility to in-
tection. Keeping physically active is important for maintain-
ing strength and coordination, and is one of the best defenses
ugiirrrt such accidental injuries. It is also important to dis-
iss with your physician or pharmacist the possible side ef-
fects of any medications you are taking'
] Aging is not an illness, but it does increase one's chances
of developing certain health problems. Constipation, de-
pression, diarrhea, dizziness, heart palpitations, heartburn
ind indigestion, and weight gain are some of the more
corRmon complaints that accompany aging'Detailed infor-
mation on the causes of and treatments for many problems
that commonly affect older people may be found in the
relevant sections of this book. See AGE sPorS; ALZHEIMER's
IISEASE; APPETITE, POOR; ARTERIOSCLEROSIS/ATHEROSCLERO-
SISI ARTHRITIS; BEDSORES; CANCER; CARDIOVASCTiLAR DISEASE;
CiRCULATORY PROBLEMS; CONSTIPATION; DEPRESSION; DIABETES;
iYE PROBLEMS; GLAUCOMA; HAIR LOSS; HEARING LOSS; HEART AT.
-ACK; HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE; HIGH CHOLESTEROL; INDIGESTION;
\SOMNIA; MEMORY PROBLEMS; MUSCLE CRAMPS; OBESITY; OSTEO-
:OBOS lS; PROSTATITI S/ENLARG ED PROSTATE; SEN ILITY; WEAKENED
lvlMUNE SYSTEM; and/or WRINKLES, all in Part TWo'
] tf you follow the suggestions in this sectjon and do not
:ee1 apositive change in your energy level, see coLlTlS; DIVER-
-icuLIIS; and/ ot MALABSORPTION SYNDROME in Part TWo'
AGNOSIA
Jee WTdCT RARE DISORDERS,
AIDS (ACOUI RED IMMUNODEFICI ENCY SYNDROME)
\IDS is an immune system disorder in which the body's
ability to defend itself is greatly diminished. When human
:rLmunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes AIDS)
rn\.ades key white blood (immune) ceils called T lympho-
in the body's
{,tes and multiplies, it causes a breakdown
rrrrmune system, eventually leading to overwhelming in-
:ection and, ultimately, to death. AIDS used to be a series of
';arlous illnesses such as cancer, infections, and skin prob-
-ems made possible by the initial HIV infection'
Since the
:nid-1990s, medicines have become available to reduce
-,he stress load of the virus, thereby reducing its affect on
-.he body. Since its discovery in the early 1980s, AIDS has
:ransformed from a death sentence to a chronic condition
-Jrat requires regular medical management. |ust about any-
-ning you want to know about AIDs and HIV is found
rn the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website (www
.aidsinfo.nih.gov), and it is updated regularly' Worldwide,
approximately 33 million people have HIV infection and
,lIbS, and 7,500 become infected each day. On average, life
expectancy is shortened by twenty years, but people with
,ess access to modern drug regimens have below average
iie spans, and those in weaithier nations, with greater ac-
:ess to medical care, live longer'
165
The origin of HIV is unknolt'n, but it is cl"ri= .= -'
a virus found in simians (monkeizs)' \\itiate'''e: := --
HIV is a type of virus known as a retrovitus ih-a - - :ll=: --
primarily through sexual contact or blood-to--irit'ij :--:-
tact, such as occurs with the sharing of needles bv ir'ra'''=-
nous drug users. It can also be spread by blood transl-ri: i':'
(now rare) or the use of blood products such as cloitrns i:':-
tors, if the blood used for these purposes is infected' i{e-
mophiliacs, who require a specific coagulation factor lrtll:'
blood concentrates, historically have been especiallv r-r-il-
nerable to HIV. In the United States, as well as ir mall-r'
other parts of the world, blood is routinely screened for the
pr"r"r-r." of HIV antibodies, the warning sign of HIV infec-
iion. It is possible HlV-infected blood may occasionalh'
pass through the careful screening processes. HIV antibod-
i"r *uy not appear in the blood for as many as three to six
months after a person is infected, so their presence in blood
taken from a person who contracted ihe virus recently may
notbe detectable. Blood products are now subjected to heat
to destroy the virus, although some AIDS advocates raise
concerns that this process may not be 100 percent effective'
The chance of a blood donation having undetectable HIV is
less than one in one million. You cannot get HIV from do-
nating b1ood, as was once rumored.
It is possible for dentists and medical workers who come
into close contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons
to become infecied under certain conditions' This is why
paramedics, emergency medical technicians, dentists and
dental hygienists, hospital and clinic employees, emer-
gency room personnel, and law enforcement officers wear
iubber gloves to prevent contact with blood products or
saliva. The practice of wearing gloves and eyewear also
protects patients.
Many people who are infected with HIV are not even
aware that they have ii' The U.S' Centers for Disease Con-
trol and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that one in five of
the more than one million HlV-infected people in the
United States are not aware that they are infected' While
some people experience a mild flu1ike illness within two to
four weeks of exposure to the virus, it may take at least two
to five years before any symptoms of HIV infection appear'
The virus does not lie dormant during this time, however'
Instead, it immediately attacks the immune system'
The virus quickly begins producing a billion copies of
itseif each day, which in turn forces the human immune
system to produce the same number of antibodies as ar
attempted defense against the intruders. Year after vear'
the body struggles to beat the virus until finally, its or-er-
worked immune system simply wears out and AIDS re-
sults. The novelty of the virus is that it lives in the imm;'r''"
cel1s called T cells, which are your body's onlr- deie:"-
against the disease. \Ahen the T cel1s are compromise
j :-
'
nearly impossible for the body io fight off the tn-'
In many cases, the first symptoms of Fil\- ar-j --Il: -':=
nonspecific and variable' One of the rnos: .:::j::: -: j
tongue coated with white bump-'. 1L-'
-,IITS: s&.::l- si: W.rW-\::::: i.. 1. Sr\)ROME)
rlri$trnr:ius- !-4-.L=:Esis ;s.iicaies a comprcmised inrmune
i[
itHs,!!r- . :e:aslreS are another comrnon problem.
ittlrs -ts:r:e i:'!rto[rs indude:
e farcrs*: '-=er:lained fatigue.
. jq,&" 5":,:,{is rlrurph nodes).
r '-:r*:-"::lei fever lasting more than ten days.
r irr=slu e *seating (especially at night).
r \ttnrth neions, including thrush and painful, swollen
:'iitrL.-
r \-!E tfu6at.
. Cough,
r Shortress ofbreath.
r or cytomegalovirus.
Changes in bowel habits, including constipation.
r r
Frequent diarrhea.
r Srrnptoms of a specific opportunistic infection.
. Tumor (Kaposi's sarcoma).
. Skin rashes or lesions of various types.
. Unintentional weight loss.
r Ceneral discomfort or uneasiness (malaise).
o Headache.
Additional symptoms that may be associated with HIV
and/or AIDS include speech impairment, memory loss,
joint swelling, joint pain, bone pain or tenderness, a lump
or iumps in the groin, blurred vision, genital sores, muscle
akophy, decreasing intellectual function, joint stiffness, r.rn-
usual or strange behavior, anxiety, stress, tension, pruritus
(generalized itching), sensitivify to light, decreased vision
or blindness, blind spots in the field of vision, and chest
pain.
No one should assume he or she is infected with HIV
fust because he or she has one or more of the above symp-
toms, however. These symptoms can be related to many
illnesses, so being tested for HIV is the only way to be sure.
This can be done by a doctor or with a home HIV testing
kit. Simple to perform, this test requires a very small blooJ
sample, obtained by pricking a fingertip. The sample is
mailed to a laboratory, which analyzes it and offers a diag-
nosis bv telephone in a matter of days. Each test is identi-
fred bv a code number (no personal information is attached
ttl anl- sampie), so the test and the results are completely
conr-lential.
Tt- date, the FDA has approved only one home test kit,
tx Lr:rss HIV-1 Test System from Home Access Health
C.-r:r--r.ctn {-we ManuJacfurer and Distributor Informa-
rsE :r-. :-e Appendlx). Beware of fraudulent or unproven
:':rr :ilr- :st kits. Doctors say if a kit claims to provide
'=s,=::' :=: resu]Ls tfuough a visual indicator such as a
;*'.,--rc :;: ,-':t a llece of paper a-fter saliva has been ap,
:,rt': jE -- -::.-=€ nar- be urueliable. U you believe you
166
THE DISORDERS lPartTwo
have used a questionable test kit, contact your doctor for
another test or use the approved test kit.
Further, testing HlV-positive does not mean that one
has AIDS. Rather, it means that one has been exposed to
HIV, as demonstrated by the presence in the blood of anti-
bodies to the virus. However, a confirmed positive HIV
test result is often the earliest indication that the person
may eventually develop AIDS. The medical criteria for a
diagnosis of full-blown AIDS are quite specific, requiring
the presence of one or more opportunistic infections or
cancers known to be associated with HIV infection. Ac-
cording to the CDC, these include:
. Pfieurnoncystis carinii pneumonia.
o Candidal esophagitis, esophagitis from herpes simplex,
Cryptosporidiosis of the intestine for more than four
weeks.
o Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system.
. Kaposi's sarcoma.
. Herpes simplex ulcers, extensive in location, lasting for
more than one month.
o Toxoplasmosis of the brain.
The risk of developing AIDS is proportional to the de-
gree of immune suppression and the amount and duration
of exposure to HIV. i
HIV is highly adaptable and capable of changing its {
form. According to scientists at Oxford University in Eng- I
Iand, this may be the key to its survival. They say that i
through subtle mutations, or changes in its genetic struc- (
ture, HIV evades and ultimately defuses the body,s mecha-
nisms for the elimination of infected cells. As a result, it .:
continues to survive despite the immune system,s aggres- c
sive attacks. If you suspect you have HIV, get tested imme. a
diately and begin treatment at once if necessary, because F
the earlier treatment is started the longer the 1ife expec- d
tancy with fewer complications. n
In2007 there were 3,792 children under thirteen years of d
age living with AIDS in the United States. The vast major- n
:
\-l
Ir
ti
tr
Risk Factors for AIDS tl
Since the beginning of the epidemic in the 19g0s, several a
health conditions and lifestyle factors have been identified
that increase an individual's risk of contracting HIV and
developing AIDS. The more factors present, ihe greater
the risk. They include the following:
.
.
Male to male sexual contact
High-risk heterosexual contact
. lnjection drug use.
PartTwo ITHE DISORDERS
Women and AIDS
Seventy-five percent of people with AIDS in the United
States are male. Women account for one out of every four
new cases, and of these newly infected women, about
two out of three are African American. AIDS is now the
leading cause of death for African American women age
twenty-five to thirty{our, and they are more than twenty-
one times as likely to die from HIV/AIDS as non-Hispanic
white women. Most women contract HIV through sex with
a man who is infected. Today, AIDS in the fifth leading
cause of death for women age thirty{ive to forty{our. The
following are steps you can take to protect yourself:
. Use latex condoms anytime you have sex, whether
vaginal, oral, or anal.
. lf you use drugs and cannot or will not stop injecting
drugs, use new, sterile syringes to prepare and inject
drugs.
. lf you are getting a tattoo or having your body
pierced, ask what procedures they use to combat the
spread of HlV. lf they do not use new, sterilized, or
disinfected equipment, go somewhere else.
ity of these children acquired the virus from their mothers
during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breast-feeding. A preg-
nant woman can take medicine to lower the chance of giv-
ing her baby HIV, but research shows that only 33 percent
of pregnant women with HIV take the drugs.
The optimal treatment of AIDS is called HAART (Highfy
Active Antiretroviral Therapy). HAART is made up of a
combination of several different kinds of medicines. It is an
aggressive therapy used to suppress the replication of the
HIV virus and the progression of HIV disease. The reason
that there are so many drug options is that the virus has
mutated over the years and has become stronger and more
difficult to treat. Patients with HIV/AIDS may get any of a
number of drug combinations depending upon the physi-
cian's assessment. The virus gets attacked in a variety of
ways using HAART. Viral loads are a measure of how ac-
tive an impact the virus has in the body. Basically, HAART
kies to outsmart a very smart virus. The drugs that maybe
used in HAART are:
. HIV disease. M*y of the nutrients listed below can be
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
. Non-nucleoside reverse tuanscriptase inhibitors (NINRns)
. Protease inhibitors (PIs)
. Fusion inhibitors
. Integrase hhibitors
. Entry inhibitors
. Combination drugs
167
AIDS (ACOUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROI,'-
After being diagnosed, patients usually start off rvith
one NNRTI and two NRTIs, or with PIs and two NRTIs,
but it is best to leave it to a physician to choose the best
drugs for your individual case. If you experience side
effects from one of the drugs, such as stomach pain, diar-
rhea, or both, tell your doctor as soon as possible so that
a new one can be substituted. Once you are on HAART, it
is important to stay on the medications. Since HAARI was
introduced, the death rate from non-HlV-related causes
exceeded those caused directly by AIDS. Non-AlDS-related
deaths in those thirteen years of age and older increased
by 33 percent, while AlDS-related deaths decreased by
60 percent. Now the major cause of death in the United
States is heart disease, non-AlDS-related cancer, and sub-
stance abuse.
Before HAART, many HIV/AIDS patients had difficulty
absorbing nutrients from food and supplements and often
appeared malnourished. This is not a concern with HAART.
Instead HAART often leads to obesity, an increased risk of
heart disease, and diabetes. Patients taking the HAART
medications are also at risk of developing metabolic syn-
drome, which is comrnon in patients with diabetes and
heart disease. Metabolic slmdrome is defined by having
three of the following conditions: high blood sugar, high
insulin, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and
abdominal obesity. In a three-hundred-patient study con-
ducted in the greater Boston area,73 percent of men and29
percent of women with AIDS were obese. These obese HIV
patients had lower essential micronutrient intakes than
those patients of normal weight. Thus, despite eating more
calories, the nutrient content of those calories was poor.
\Mhat is interesting is that calorie needs are greater for HfV-
positive patients compared to those without the virus.
Patients with the virus need about 100 more calories per
day. However, the Boston study underscores the fact that
the calories consumed should come from highnuality,
nutrient-dense foods.
Many patients taking HAART develop HfV hpodvsko-
phy, which is characterizedby abdominal fat, regional ar-
eas around the body of fat pads, and profound metabolic
abnormalities like low good cholesterol (FIDL), high trig-
lycerides, and malfunctioning insulin (or insulin resistance).
These factors predispose HW patients to heart disease.
Because of the issues discussed above, people with
HIV/AIDS are good candidates for supplementation. Mul-
tivitamins have been shora'n to delay the progression of
found in combination formulas. A high-potency multivita-
min and mineral supplement should be included as well.
Be sure to check the amounts of different nutrients in the
complex you choose against those in the table below. Make
sure that the supplement contains at least the DRI for vita-
min A with beta-carotene, a B-complex with folate, and vi-
tamins C and E. In studies, these were most likely to reduce
the progression of the disease. The treatment of HIV/AIDS
has come a long way in recent years. In this new edition we
a :: r-::- THE DISORDERS lPartTwo
=:l :MMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME)

i,use frrre-tuned the list of supplements to create a comple- Natural carotenoid As directed on labei. Powerf ul antioxidant, free
complex (Betatene) radical scavenger, Potential
rrEntarr regimen for people who are responding well to cancer fighter, and immune
tlire rrers treatment protocols. enhancer. Also protects against
head disease.
Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended
m this -ction are for adults. For a child between the ages Pycnogenol As directed on label. A unique bloflavonoid. A Potent
antioxidant and immune
of trr-elve and seventeery reduce the dose to three-quarters enhancer.
and/or
the recommended amount. Adolescents especially have grape seed extract As directed on label. One of the most potent
treel shown to have poor nutrient intakes, especially of vi- antioxidants known. Protects
0r the cells.
tamins A, E, and C, and the minerals zinc and iron. For a 0PC Goldblend from As directed on label. A combination of grape seed
child between six and twelve, use one-half the recom- Primary Source and pine bark extracts.
mended dose, and for a child under the age of six, use one-
Ouercetin As directed on label. Aids in preventing allergic
quarter of the recommended amount' reactions and increases
All ingested substances pose a threat to the way HIV/ plus immunity.
As directed on label. Take lncreases absorption of
AIDS drugs are tolerated. If you are having trouble with
bromelain
on an empty stomach. quercetin and aids in reducing
vour medications, stop any herbal or supplement use until 0r inflammation.
Contains quercetin plus
the issue is resolved. It is more important to take the medi- Activated Ouercetin As directed on label.
from Source Naturals bromelain and vitamin C.
cations than the herbs or supplements.
S-adenosylmethio- As directed on label Good for depression and
nine (SAMe) chronic fatigue.
Caution:Do not use if you
have bipolar mood disorder or
NUTRIENTS take prescription
SUPPLEMENT SUGGESTED DOSAGE COMMENTS antidepressants. Do not give
to a child under twelve.
:;Eqi.i!}i*$i;;i*l*i'i,S
Superoxide As directed on label. Free radical scavenger needed
As directed on label. An energy carrier, metabolic
dismutase (S0D) for cell protection.
facilitator, and cell membrane
protector. Also protects the
Taurine Plus from As directed on label An important antioxidant and
heart. immune regulator necessary
American Biologics
for white blood cell activation
Body Language As directed on label Protects the body from free
and neurological function. Use
Super Antioxidant radical damage, environmental
liquid sublingual form.
from 0xyFresh stresses, and pollutants.
Vitamin C 1,000-3,000 mg daily. Strengthens the immune
Bone Support As directed on label Contains minerals needed for
system. Use buffered Powdered
from Synergy Plus better absorption of calcium.
ascorbic acid or Ester0 with
lncreases circulation and
minerals.
Coenzyme 01s 100-200 ms daily
energy, and protects the heart.
Vitamin D 400 lU daily Necessary for proper immune
A powerful antioxidant and
function.
signif icant immune stimulant.

Vitamin E 600 lU daily. A powerf ul antioxidant.

Garlic (Kyolic 2 capsules 3 times daily,
from Wakunaga) with meals. 0r place 1
dropperful of Kyolic liquid
in a 6- to B-ounce glass
of distilled water.
Gtuhthione As directed on label,
on an empty stomach.
(-, rOophilus As directed on label.
A powerful immunostimulant
that also aids in digestion,
endurance, and strength. lt is
ii$i;$rii;ir*riif,t
a natural antibiotic and is good Acid-Ease {rom As directed on label. Take Contains pure plant enzymes
for candida infections. Enzymatic Therapy with meals. Take between that function in the breakdown
meals also if excess acid
and assimilation of foods.
lnhibits the formation of free is a problem.
radicals. Aids in red blood cell
integrity and protects immune Aerobic 07 from I drops in water For tissue oxygenation. Kills
cells. Aerobic Life 3 times daily. harmful bacteria and viruses.
lndustries
To supply essential friendlY
bacteria for the intestinal tract Ultimate Oilfrom As directed on label. Supplies essential fatty acids,
and liver function. Fights candida Nature's Secret a most important element of
infection, often associated the diet.
with HIV

..rC-a=!,j As directed on label. Supplies nutrients and

fld_ da chlorophyll needed for rePair.
-f
lmpoftant in immune response.
Herbs

JfjacE-E As directed on label A strong cancer preventer. f aloe vera contains carrislm, which apPears to inhibit
the growth and spread of HIV. Take 2 cups twice daily. Use
ulutu@nn As directed on label. Nutrients are designed to
(TJrfuTmnu|-a suppoft general health and apt;rte/ food-grade product. If diarrhea occurs, reduce the
iitr T,"rB :ffi- ,,,,,,,,,,,,,'-= wellness, in addition to dosage.
ilmlmhrrq supporting immune f unction.
,mirp =r*,-nu-
firfllDfl]|rlf Use a high-potency, hypo- f Astragalus boosts the immune system.
iurE!.'irmqEgiiu- aliergenic powdered form.
Caution: Do not use this herb if you have a fever.

168
PartTwo ITHE DISORDERS
nlack radish, dandelion root, and siiymarin (milk thistle
[l
extract) protect and aid in repairing the liver, and also
cleanse t-he bloodstream. The liver is the organ of detoxifi-
cation and must function optimally' Use these extracts as
directed on the Product labeis.
[l Cat's claw enhances immune function, and has been
Jhown to be helpful for people withAIDS and AlDS-related
cancers. Cat's Claw Defense Complex from Source Natu-
rals is a combination of cat's claw and other herbs, plus
antioxidants such as beta-carotene, N-acetylcysteine' vita-
min C, and zinc.
Caution: Do not use cat's claw during Pregnancy'
fl fhe seeds and peels of the Chinese cucumber inhibit
cancer. The root is currently being used in AiDS research'
Ciearlungs from Ridgecrest Herbals is a Chinese
fl
herbal formula that is good for all lung disorders'
[l Cintgo biloba extract is good for the brain cells and
circuiation.
Caution: Do not take ginkgo biloba if you have a bleed-
ing disorder, or are scheduled for surgery or a dental pro-
cedure.
E For mouth sores, place alcohol-free goldenseal extract
c u piece of sterile gauze andapply the gauze between
the
lips and gums or to mouth sores before going to bed' Leave
iion overnlght. Sores and inflammation should heal in a
few days with this treatment.
-Licorice
fl and wild yam root are good for endocrine
gland function.
Catiion: Licorice root should not be used during preg-
nancy or nursing. It should not be used by persons with
diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure/ or
a
history of stroke.
[l Magnolia vine berries increase oxygen absorption and
boost the immune system. They coordinate the activities of
the internal organs and help control the balance of the
body's physiological Processes.
im-
[l Pau d'arco is a natural antibiotic and potentiates
and is
mune function. It is also a powerful antioxidant
good for destroying candida in the colon'
El St.John's wort contains two substances, hypericin and
pr"raonyp"ricin, that inhibit retroviral irrfections and
iouid be useful in the treatment of AIDS'
Caution: St. John's wort may cause increased sensitivity
to sunlight. It may also produce anxiety, gastrointestinal
symptoirs, and headaches. It can interact with some drugs
inciuaing antidepressants, birth control piIls, and antico-
agulants.
Siberian ginseng helps bronchial disorders and boosts
[l
energy.
Caution: Do not use this herb if you have hypoglycemia'
high blood pressure, or a heart disorder'
[l Echinacea is an immune stimulant, and shouid be
avoided. In fact, it stimulates replication of T cel1s, which in
turn enhances replication of the vir:-'
Tieraona Low Dog, Director of the Fel-ic"" ': :
zona Center for Integrative Medicine
--::
Caution: Do not take echinacea for longer 'r''-r
months. It should not be used by peopte rvho are i-c:--- - :
-
ragweed.
Recommendations
l=l If voutest positive for HIV, arrange for repeat tei:-: -
as soon as you can to rule out the possibility of a ial=e-
positive result. If ihe initial result is confirmed, immedi-
itety begin taking-measures to boost your immune sYsterr''
Thii is the single most important factor in disease Pre\-en-
tion, and it is the best defense for the person with HfV' Your
first step should be to obtain the necessary medications to
reduce your viral load. In addition, correct diet, approprl-
ate supplements, exercise, stress reduction, a proper envi-
.on-J.ri, and a healthy mental outlook all play significant
roles in keeping the immune system u'orking adequately'
El Pay special attention to meeting your nutritional needs
and requirements, and keep in mind that a higher than
normal intake of nutrients will probably be necessary'
Eat
[l Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables'grown
a diet consistigof T1percent raw foods, organically
if possible (avold foods that have been treated with pesti-
cides and other sprays), plus lentils, beans, seeds' nuts' and
whole grains, inctuding brown rice and millet' and also
,lorr-u.id-forming fruit such as bananas, all berries, peaches'
apples, and, melons. Raw foods are particularly important
becuute cooking depletes foods of their vital enzymes'
fl fat plenty of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli'
Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower' Also consume
yellor,^,, and deep-orange vegetables such as carrots,
pump-
kin, squash, and Yams.
[l Consume plenty of fresh live juices' ]uicing is extremely
beneficial for supplying nutrients' (See 'lutctxc in Part
Three.) "Green drinks" made from leafy greens such as
kale, spinach, and beet greens, and carrot and beet root
juice, sihouldbe consumed on a daily basis, with garlic and
onion adcied. Kyo-Green from Wakunaga is an excellent
"green drink" product that contains chlorophyll' protein'
vi"tamins, minerals, and enzymes Take this drink three
times a day.
E Orinf< steam-distilled water only (not tap water), and
t,"ts of it-eight to ten 8-ounce glasses daily-to flush out
toxins from the body. Ali ceils and organ systems need t a-
ter. Drink plenty of water even if you are not thirstr-' The
organs, and especialiy the brain, become dehydrated Ioi-rt
before thirst develoPs.
El nat onions and garlic, or take garlic in suppiere:.:
form (see underNutrients, above).
--:=
E eaa shiitake, reishi, and maitake mush:o":-t :--
diet, or take them in supplement form (sgr ;":';' \-.:::=::'
-
above).
169
: :: -o!sM
J Eiiminate from your diet colas, foods n,ith additives
and colorings, junk foods, peanuts, processed refined
foods, saturated fats, salt, sugar and sugar products, white
t-lour, all animal protein, and anything containing caffeine.
] take supplementai fiber daily. Alternate betw'een psyl-
lium husks and freshly ground flaxseeds. Take psirl-
lium with a glass of water and drink it quickly before it
thickens.
No/e: Always take supplemental fiber separatelr- from
other supplements and medications.
[l Exercise caution in your choice of foods so as to avoid
exposure to foodborne illness. Food poisoning can be vert'
dangerous for people rvith HIV or AIDS infection.
FOODBORN E,^/VATE R BOR N E I LLN ESS in Part Tw,O. )
f no not smoke, and stay away from secondhand
smoke.
[l Avoid alcohol, noxious chemicals, and anvthing else
that can damage the liver.
El Obtaln as much fresh air and rest as possible, and mod-
erate amounts of sunshine.
[l Determine what food sensitivities or allergies mal be
present. The best way to do this is to har-e vLrurself tested
by a health care professional. It is importani to eliminate
allergenic foods from the diet because ther-rrreak havoc in
the bodl', causing damage to the immune sr-stem. (See nl-
LERGIES in Part Tr,r,o.)
[l Ahvay,s use a condom (latex, not sheepskin) and sper-
micide (spermicide kllls HIV) for anr- serual contact. If you
use a lubricant with a later condom, use only a rt,ater-based
lubricant such as K-Y je11v. Do not use petroleum jelly
(Vaseline), vegetable shortening (Crisco), hand lotion, or
baby oil, as these substances can break down latex in a
matter of minutes. Be aware, holvever, that even the proper
use of a condom is not a guarantee against the transmis-
sion of HfV.
] Seek out the care of a qualified health care provider if
'--ossible, one lr''ho has a great deal of experience in treating
:eopie rvith HIV Research shorvs that the length of sur-
'.' r'al of a person with AIDS is closelv linked to how much
:--s or her phvsician knor,r''s about treating the condition.
I Educate yourself. HIV and AIDS are complicated con-
--- .,.i1s. arLd treatment options are constantly changing and
: , --- -ir-.--llng. ln order to stay well, it is vital to be as informed
-: : - ::,ble.
: ..=--^-:^-^
=-tul 5
- .- :: . ,'.'. -hat a rnoclifiecl form of bacteria normallv
- .-: :.:,:.,: mar- one dav be used to protect
- -- : i=.e:.rchers nsed a strain of Lactobqcil-
r. . ._::.Trliitil:.fTf*ff;
. teer-i
IHE DISORDERS i Part-lwo
binds to the HIV r.irus that car-rses AIDS. In laboratory tests,
the enhanced bacteria reduced the rate of HIV infection in
susceptible cells by at ieast half.
f Ever since the AIDS epidc.mic began, researchers har.e
been looking for a "magic bullet"-a single miracle drug to
combat the virus, or a vaccine to seek out and destrov the
virus in the bloodstream antl lvmphatic svstem. Research
into this field is promising, hou,ever, and existing therapies
almost guarantee that people with AIDS will live much lon-
ger and have more productive lives than rr,as once the case.
[l For persons infected rvith HIV the most logical ap-
proach to staying n,eli is to eliminate all known causes of
(See immune suppression and to implen-rent the use of therapries
that inhibit viral activity and stimulate imrnune function.
fl Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been
shor,vn to help prevent and /or reverse wasting svndrome.
This treatment must be given under a doctor's supervisior-r.
Humal growth hormone also has been sholt,n to redr-tce
abdominal bodv fat and corrcct abnormal fats in the blood.
(sed cROWTH HoRMoNE THERAPY in Part Three.)
] Hvperbaric oxy,gen therapv is sometimes used, to-
gether n,ith medications and other treatments, to help
overcome opportunistic infections associated u'ith AIDS.
(See HvreRaeRrc oxycEN THERApy ir.r Part Three.)
fl N-acetylc),steine and L cart-ritine both sholt' some
promise in the ability to prevent and counteract the ex-
treme weight loss common in people with AIDS.
[l
There are some AIDS strrvivors (epidemiologists cail
them long-term nonprogressors) who are free from all symp-
toms and lead absoluteil, r-ro.rr', lives years after being
identified as HfV-positive. This ls a rare subset of all those
infected worldlvide, and they are being studiecl intensir.elr-,
A key to the AIDS cure ma-v reside in these peopie, some oi
whom have had HW for over ten vears trnd rvho ner-erthe-
less remain healthr,'. Many thousancls i,r,ill continue to be
HlV-positive but not manifest full-blou'n AIDS. And, r.in-
knon.n to the general public antl many in the medicai
establishment, there are also people who are now'antibodr--
negative though once diagnosed as HlV-positive. They ap-
parer-rtlv no longer have the virtrs present in their bodies.
The same thing happened during the plague; not everyone
who lvas exposed developed symptoms.
[l Ser n/so srxuRLLy TRANSMITTED DtsEASE in Part T'"r,o.
fl for information about organizations that can pror,irle
information and assistance for people u,ith HW and AIDS
.src Health and Medical Organizations in the Appendir.
ALCOHOLISM
With an estimated 64 percent of American aclults ovcr eigl.r-
consuming alcol-rol, it is hardlv a surprise that one or-rt
of ten people suffers adverse consequences of alcol'roi corr-
sumption.
170
 $ n:illion copies soldl
lotallv
Re yisea
&
Updated

A Prmctical A*r**Z Rof*rence {*

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