Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Synopsis of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, characterized by severe damage to the immune system. HIV targets and destroys CD4+ T-cells (helper T-cells), which are crucial for immune defense. Without sufficient CD4 cells, the body becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers that a healthy immune system would normally fight off. AIDS develops when the immune system is so weakened that life-threatening infections or cancers emerge, typically defined by a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³ or the presence of specific opportunistic diseases.
Without treatment, HIV infection progresses to AIDS over several years. However, modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively control the virus, maintaining immune function and preventing progression to AIDS in most cases.
Types:
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Acute HIV infection: The initial stage, occurring 2–4 weeks after exposure, often with flu-like symptoms.
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Chronic HIV infection (clinical latency): The virus remains active but reproduces at low levels; may last a decade or more without symptoms.
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AIDS (advanced HIV): The immune system is severely weakened, leading to opportunistic infections or cancers.
Common Causes:
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HIV infection: Transmission through contact with infected bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk). Main transmission routes include:
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Unprotected sexual contact
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Sharing contaminated needles or syringes
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From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding
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Blood transfusions with contaminated blood (rare in countries with robust screening)
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Untreated HIV: Without proper medical care (antiretroviral therapy), HIV infection progresses to AIDS over time.
More Severe Causes (Complications):
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Opportunistic infections: Such as tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, candidiasis, toxoplasmosis, or cytomegalovirus.
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Opportunistic cancers: Such as Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or invasive cervical cancer.
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Wasting syndrome: Significant involuntary weight loss and muscle wasting.
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Neurological complications: Including HIV-associated dementia, neuropathy, or cognitive impairment.
When to See a Doctor:
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If exposed to HIV (e.g., unprotected sex, shared needles), seek immediate testing.
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Early HIV diagnosis is essential; regular screening is recommended for at-risk populations.
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Symptoms like unexplained weight loss, chronic diarrhea, persistent fever, swollen lymph nodes, or frequent infections warrant medical evaluation.
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Regular monitoring is essential for HIV-positive individuals, even without symptoms.
Natural remedies for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Nutrient-Dense Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports immune health and counters nutrient deficiencies common in HIV/AIDS. Focus on whole foods, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health, which is crucial for HIV-positive individuals. Sources include fish oil, flaxseed, and chia seeds.
Probiotics: Support gut health and immune function, often compromised in HIV/AIDS. Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, or supplements.
Garlic: Garlic has immune-modulating and antimicrobial properties. May support immune function and reduce infection risk.
Stress Management (Meditation, Yoga): Stress weakens immune response. Techniques like yoga or meditation can improve mood and reduce immune suppression.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Include foods high in vitamins C, E, selenium, and beta-carotene to combat oxidative stress. Helps reduce inflammation and protect immune cells.
Regular Exercise: Mild to moderate exercise improves immune response and reduces fatigue. Tailor activity levels to energy and health status.
Adequate Sleep: Prioritizing sleep helps maintain immune function and overall health. Aim for 7–9 hours of restful sleep per night.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
ashwagandha
branched-chain amino acids
cannabis sativa oil
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
colostrum
cordyceps
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
ginger
ginseng
Indian tinospora
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
lactoferrin
lauric acid
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
maitake mushroom
marine lipid
monolaurin
niacin (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
phytocannabinoids
reishi mushroom
selenium
shiitake mushroom
turkey tail mushroom
vitamin B12
vitamin C
vitamin E
whey protein
zinc
tinospora cordifolia
lingzhi
5-androstene-3alpha,17beta-diol
Astragalus
Agaricus mushroom
Arginine
Agarikon
Alpha Glucans
Aliphatic alcohol
Aloe Polysaccharide
Agaricus mushroom
Almond mushroom
Artemisinin
Artesunate
AHCC
Alkaloid (unspecified)
Andrographolide
Agaricus mushroom (unspecified)
Agaricus blazei
Alkoxyglycerols
Amino Acid (unspecified)
Acetyl-Glutathione
Alkylglycerol (unspecified)
Acemannan
Alpha Glucans
Agaricus blazei
alkaloid
Alkylglycerols
Arabinogalactans
Arabinogalactan
Androstenetriol
Arginine
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
Beta-Glucans
Blue-Green Algae
Blue-Green Algae
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
BCAA
Beta Glucans
Branched Chain Amino Acids
Blue Green Algae
Cannabis
Cordyceps
Coriolus mushroom
Calories
Cat's Claw
Cannabinoids
Cichoric acid
Cordyceps
Cysteine compounds (unspecified)
Cytokines
Coriolus Mushroom
Cysteine
Dehydroascorbic acid
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
Folinic Acid
Fucoidan
Fungus
Fungus (unspecified)
Glucan peptides
Glutamine alpha-ketogutarate
Globulins
Gluthathione
Glutathione
Gallium
Human growth hormone
Interferon gamma
Immunoglobulins
Interleukin (unspecified)
immunoglobulin
L-Acetyl n-Cysteine
L-Gluthathione
Lentinan
Lauric acid
L-Cysteine
Lactalbumin
Lactalbumin
Lactoferrin
Lipids
Mushrooms
Maitake Mushroom
Marijuana
Maitake Mushroom
Momordica (unspecified)
Mushroom (various)
Mushroom (unspecified)
N-Acetyl Cysteine
N-acetylcysteine
N-Acetyl Cysteine
N-acetylneuraminic acid
Nicotinamide
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Niacin ascorbate
peptides (unspecified)
Polysaccharide
Polysaccharide peptide
Polysaccharide
Polysaccharides
Protease Inhibitors
Protein
Pentacyclic Oxindole Alkaloids
Protein (unspecified)
Phytocannabinoid (unspecified)
Reishi mushroom
Reishi mushroom
RNA
Reishi
Squalene
Spirulina
Shiitake
Somatropin
Shiitake
Sodium Ascorbate
Sulfated polysaccharide
Shiitake Mushroom
Thymus polypeptide
Transfer Factor
Tetrahydrocannabinol
Thymic peptides
Tinospora Cordifolia
Trametes (unspecified)
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
Vitamin B12 (unspecified)
Vitamin B12 (mixed)
Vitamin C (Ascorbate)
Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
Vitamin B12 (cyanacobalamin)
Vitamin B12 (various)
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Vitamin B12 (Hydroxycobalamin)
Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide)
Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate)
Vitamin D (ergocalciferol)
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
Vitamin C (unspecified)
Vitamin B12 (adenosylcobalamin)
Vitamin C (mixed)
Vitamin B12 (deoxyadenosylcobalamin)
Vitamin A
Vitamin B3 (unspecified)
Vitamin B3
Vitamin A (unspecified)
Vitamin B3 (various)
Vitamin C
Vitamin B3 (mixed)
Whey Protein
Zinc
Zinc
