Addressing hiv/aids
since the beginning, living with hiv has
prompted many to learn about their bodies,
to gain understanding of its needs. Large
numbers of people have incorporated the
knowledge of hiv/aids medications, how
they work, what they do, dosages to take
with or without food, side effects and
benefits! Antiretroviral medications
deplete many of the micronutrients
necessary to keep the body healthy.
Without proper nutrition how can anyone be
expected to combat hiv or combat the side
effects of the hiv/aids treatments?
Without complementary therapies, patients
are at a greater risk of failing drug
treatments because they can’t tolerate the
side effects. They may decide to
discontinue a treatment, which could have
proved beneficial, had they been able to
overcome the initial side effects.
Providing proper nutrition and
complementary therapies can address the
immune system and many of the side effects
of hiv treatments.
There are no shortages of scientists and
physicians as well as individuals living
with hiv, who have realized another
understanding of how hiv and other
diseases can be affected. The fact the
emphasis on treatment is placed
predominantly on medical and
pharmaceutical while other methods are not
given the same deserving recognition, is
in direct conflict with the way in which
people infected with hiv have managed
their infection!
Over half of the people infected with hiv
are using alternative and complementary
therapies. Regardless of hiv infection or
not, in the united states alone, for every
individual who seeks out medical and
pharmaceutical care, three times as many
people are seeking out alternative and
complementary care. Here in vancouver,
british columbia, canada, where I live, I
would say the numbers using alternative
and complementary are even higher! Yet
alternative and complementary care is not
included in health care!
Hiv has shown us that it is reacting
differently from person to person.
However, we began by trying to treat
everyone infected with hiv alike. Each
one of us is physically different with
what is happening in our body. In the
treatment of any disease, we must be
careful not to have tunnel vision, or rely
totally upon science, medicine and in
particular, pharmaceuticals to maintain
our health. The responsibility is ours,
not something we pass on for someone or
something to fix. There is much we can do
in the fight against disease!
Many who have been living with hiv (some
for over two decades now) have no need for
antiretroviral treatment because their
immune system is strong. Others, who are
on hiv medications, have included
nutrition and replacement therapy (vitamin
supplements, herbs and botanicals).
Successfully boosting the immune system
and positively addressing the efficacy of
drugs and there many side effects.
Whether it is being able to avoid
treatment entirely, prolong treatment or
in conjunction with medical and
pharmaceutical treatment, we must
recognize the importance of using every
available means in the treatment of
hiv/aids.
An integrated health care system is the
will of the people! World wide!
Governments can include complementary
treatment and supplements into health care
to benefit those living with disease.
Pharmaceuticals are an important part in
research and treatment and there is no
shortage of work ahead for
pharmaceuticals. But, what the
pharmaceuticals can’t do is address the
need the body has for nutrients.
Bradford mcintyre, hiv+ 20 years
vancouver, b.C. Canada
www.Positivelypositive.Ca<
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