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Posts Tagged ‘Nutrition’

HIV-Aids – Latest Information

Monday, June 28th, 2010

The purpose of this write-up is to give up-to-date report on HIV/AIDS and of course HIV/AIDS LATEST report since it is very popular and known all over the world as one of the major cause of death all over the world and perhaps the greatest threat to mankind which has kept scientist at work for decades and still no proved scientific cure yet. But unfortunately, according to UK Health Protection Agency, it is estimated that up to a quarter of all people with HIV are unaware that they are infected.


If you have ever had sex with someone whose HIV status was not known from blood test, you might have contracted HIV without realizing it – people that look very healthy may have HIV without knowing it.

Though HIV and AIDS are used interchangeably, it will be nice to state the difference between the two. HIV- means, Human Immunodeficiency Virus while AIDS means, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS is as a result of continual attack on the body’s immune system by HIV.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a retrovirus and they enter the body through direct contact with blood or other body fluids and when it enters the body, it weakens the body immune system (it attacks or kills the T Lymphocytes and CD4 cells which provides body protection against different kinds of incoming infections) making it weak to fight against disease causing agents.

When the immune system becomes highly weak to fight back any infection in the body, that means that the patient can suffer great illness due to minor infection and thus may result to death (from AIDS related illnesses) – at this stage (according HIV/AIDS LATEST report), when the body immune system is very weak, the patient is said to be suffering from AIDS. So, AIDS is said to be an opportunistic infection (An opportunistic infection is an infection that would not normally affect an otherwise healthy person. Oftentimes, it’s these infections that are the cause of illness or death in HIV-positive individuals – not the virus itself). But according to HIV/AIDS Latest report from Centers for Disease Control and prevention, a CD4 cell count below 200 means that the person is having AIDS. When HIV enters the body, it infects T cells and takes over the activities of these white blood cells so that the virus can replicate. Eventually, HIV infection compromises the entire immune system and causes AIDS.

More about a Vital Part of HIV Nutrition

Monday, June 7th, 2010

An integral part of any HIV treatment program should be aimed at drawing attention and stressing on nourishment. Highlight of that specific aimed should be emphasized on Vitamins for HIV. This is fundamental to help people with HIV to improve and perk up their general health and help them cope with the side effects of their treatment and rehabilitation.


HIV patients often lack specific vitamins including Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, E, and folate. Vitamins A, B, and E are effective in strengthening the immune system of a person, which is very much vital for HIV patients because a strong immune system can resist the development of further complication and infection.

Foods rich in Vitamin B1 include meat, liver, nuts and grains; while beans, vegetable and banana are rich in Vitamin B6. Eating soy products will provide supply of Vitamin B12. It is a common knowledge that citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables are loaded with Vitamin C. This is one of the most essential vitamins for HIV patients because of the well-known antioxidant accomplishment of Ascorbic Acid. It is effective in clearing out cell and tissue-damaging particles.

Other vitamins for HIV:

HIV And vitamin B12. Research has shown that HIV-positive individuals are most likely Vitamin B12 deficient. As such, their bodies become more prone to infections. Vitamin B12 deficiency could lead to fatigue, neuropathy, depression, rashes, and anemia.On the other hand, taking an increased dosage of Vitamin B12 helps in the inhibition of lymphocytes and monocytes.

Vitamin A as a cure for HIV. Vitamin A and its food form, Beta-carotene help in boosting the formation of helpful body chemicals that fights off the ill effects of HIV. Therefore, people that are HIV-positive should make it a point to take increased dosage of Beta-carotene or Vitamin A.

However, there are studies showing that certain HIV-positive patients produce some negative effects when subjected to high dosage of Vitamin A. Therefore, it is important that patients consult with their doctors first so that the actual benefits of Vitamin A are assessed right on.