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HIV/AIDS. Treating the Symptoms with Vitamins and Herbs. Agenda. Discuss the general description of the HIV/AIDS virus Review symptoms of the virus Discuss current treatment Examine symptom treatment through the use of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs. What is HIV/AIDS?.
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HIV/AIDS Treating the Symptoms with Vitamins and Herbs MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment
Agenda • Discuss the general description of the HIV/AIDS virus • Review symptoms of the virus • Discuss current treatment • Examine symptom treatment through the use of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment
What is HIV/AIDS? • The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) • HIV is a bloodborne pathogen that is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids such as blood, breast milk, seminal fluid, and vaginal fluid • Can be contracted during sexual contact • Can be contracted as a result of intravenous drug abuse MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment
HIV • H- Human An individual can only be infected by other humans. • I- Immunodeficiency The virus weakens your immune system by destroying cells that fight off disease and infection. • V- Virus A virus can only reproduce by taking over cells within the body. MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment
AIDS • A- Acquired • I- Immuno The body’s immune system includes all organs and cells that fight off infection and disease. • D- Deficiency AIDS make the immune system “deficient” making it unable to work as it should. • S- Syndrome A collection of symptoms and signs of disease. MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment
Symptoms MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment
Current Treatment • No cure or vaccine for HIV or AIDS • Antiretroviral Drugs and Therapies (ART) • ART therapies are not effective for all individuals • ART therapies can stop working over an extended amount of time • The body can build “immunity” to the drugs after extended exposure • Current treatment for the actual symptoms of the virus include basic medications used to prevent and treat headache, fever, diarrhea, and so on. MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment
Vitamins, Minerals, & Herbs • Through the use of vitamins, minerals, and herbs an individual can treat several symptoms with one supplement, eliminating the need for several different drugs. Thus eliminating unwanted cost and lessening side effects. • Examples that may be used to treat the symptoms of HIV/AIDS • Vitamin C • Zinc • Ginger • Avens • Astragalus MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment
Vitamin C • The body’s response to infection depletes tissues vitamin C stores • Fever adds to losses because it accompanies infection • This can increase the risk of a vitamin C deficiency MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment
Zinc • Zinc is a mineral that promotes prime immune function and lessens the need for antibiotics • It is also used for boosting the immune system and promoting weight gain • Individuals with HIV/AIDS have a severely weakened immune system and suffer from rapid weight loss. • The use of zinc may help the weaken immune system and assist with helping control weight loss. MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment
Ginger • Commonly used to prevent and relieve sore throat, nausea, and vomiting. • Has also been used to treat severe headaches and as an antioxidant • Individuals with HIV/AIDS suffer from severe nausea and vomiting, along with sore throat and headache • The use of ginger could assist in relieving those specific symptoms MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment
Avens • Traditionally used to treat diarrhea, sore throat, fever, and headache • Contains chemicals called tannins that help treat diarrhea by reducing swelling and inflammation • Individuals with HIV/AIDS frequently suffer from diarrhea, headache, fever, sore throat, and headache • The use of this specific herb could assist in reducing the severity of these symptoms. MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment
Astragalus • Researchers are experimenting with the use of astragalus in the treatment if individuals with HIV/AIDS, with the main goal of the research being increased immune function (Skidmore-Roth, 2010) • This specific herb can also help treat weakness and fatigue • Strengthens and regulates the immune system MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment
Conclusion • HIV/AIDS is an incurable illness. Individuals with HIV or AIDS suffer from severe symptoms, at times making daily life functions seem impossible • Vitamins, minerals, and herbs aimed specifically at treating not only the symptoms of HIV/AIDS, but possibly assisting with the treatment of the illness itself MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment
References • Find a Supplement: GINGER. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved January 16, 2012, from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-961-GINGER.aspx?activeIngredientId=961&activeIngredientName=GINGER&source=3 • Find a Supplement: ZINC. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved January 16, 2012, from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-982-ZINC.aspx?activeIngredientId=982&activeIngredientName=ZINC • HIV/AIDS Basics. (2011, June 20). Retrieved January 9, 2012, from http://aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/ • What are HIV and AIDS. (2008, September 17). National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Retrieved January 12, 2012, from http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/HIVAIDS/Understanding/Pages/whatAreHIVAIDS.aspx • Schlenker, E., & Long Roth, S. (2011). Williams' Essentials of Nutrition and Diet Therapy. (10th ed.). (pp. 110-112, 155, 540-552). Elsvier Mosby. • Skidmore-Roth, L. (2010). Mosby's Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements. (4th ed.). (pp. 4044, 287-290). Mosby Elsvier. MDyer_HW499-01_Unit 4 Assignment