HIV is the virus that causes AIDS,  a disease that destroys the immune system and ravages the body.

There is no cure for AIDS,  no way to eradicate HIV (the human immunodeficienty virus)  from the body.

So far,  conventional doctors have been unable to find long term solutions to control this dreadful virus.

Here is an immune-strengthening,  alternative treatment program to help to stop the progression of  HIV infection.
The program consists of  whole foods,  nutritional supplements, herbs, exercise,  stress reduction, and techniques for emotional and spiritual growth

AFFIRMATIONS: Health from Within
One of the cornerstones of this program is providing emotional and spiritual uplift, using techniques such as meditation,  prayer,  or yoga.

Relaxing the body, decreases stress,  and helping people connect with their spiritual sides can be powerful healing force,  healing does not come from little bottles,  it comes from within.
Long term negative beliefs or fears, such as  “I’m not good enough to succeed in life”  or  “I can’t heal” causes changes changes in the body that can weaken the immune system.  You can change your beliefs from negative to positive by using affirmations positive statements that are written or spoken aloud many times during the day.
First write out a few of your fears, such as  “I am afraid of  becoming sick “Then write out a new belief, such as “I am a healthy human being, and my healthy emotions and thoughts will manifest a healthy body”
Here are some other examples.

• I breathe in love and light and exhale fear and darkness.

• I am confident and powerful.

• I am at peace with myself

• I will listen to my body’s guidance through my healing journey.

I believe that using affirmations can literally change the ways the body works,  and this in turn can help with healing.

The Need for Protein
Protein feeds the immune system. Since HIV attacks the immune system, people with the virus need all the protein they can get.
It is believed that adequate consumption of protein can make all the difference between a healthy immune system and one that is in a progressive state of decline.
Therefore it is recommended that someone weighing 11 stone should eat at least 100 grams of protein a day.

THE   20  -GRAM RULE- A Guideline for Every Meal
An easy way to keep track of your protein intake is to make a point to eat at least 20 grams at every meal. High-protein animal foods is recommended which include  (just 4 ounces supplies about 28 grams of protein), beef,  ham,  turkey,  chicken,  shrimp,  halibut,  salmon and tuna.
High-protein plant and dairy foods include tofu  ( 1/2 cup supplies 10 grams of protein), barley,  peanut butter, beans,  nuts, pasta and eggs ( one egg has 7 grams).

PROTEIN SNACKS: Eat Them between Meals
Look for protein bars that provide 5 to 10 grams of  protein, and eat no more than two or three a day.
Be sure to choose the ones that have the minimum of sugars, which can depress immune functions.

PROTEIN POWER: Truely Great Shakes
A convenient way to get a lot of protein is to make a daily shake with protein power that provides at least 25 grams of protein per serving.
Avoid any powder that lists sugar, sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup or fructose as one of its first two ingredients, also avoid powers with artificial flavors or colors.
If you have chronic diarrhea  (a common symptom of HIV)  try a powder with hydrolyzed protein, which is easily absorbed. Mixing hydrolyzed protein supplements with rice or soya milk makes a good tasting,  easy-to-digest source of protein.

Healing Foods
A number of foods are thought to help people with HIV,  both by  controlling various symptoms and by boosting immunity.
Here are the foods recommend.

GARLIC: Good for Protection
Garlic contains allicin, a powerful compound that can help kill bacteria, fungi and viruses.
This is important for people with HIV because the virus damages the immune system,  giving many different types of organisms the opportunity to flourish.
Try to eat 3 medium raw cloves of garlic a day, or blend it down and mixed it with fresh fruit juices.
You can also take garlic supplements as recommended by your doctor.
Garlic can do more than protect against random infections.  It also may slow the progression of the disease itself.
HIV spreads through clumps of white blood cells called aggregated lymphocytes,  garlic helps dissolve those clumps,  slowing the infection.

ANTI-HIV NUTRIENT PROGRAM

BEFORE TAKING THESE QUANTITIES CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR

Multivitamin\Mineral Supplements

Vitamin A: 10,000  to   20,000 UNITS
vitamin B6 (thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid): 50 to 100 milligrams
Vitamin B12:  500 TO 1000 Milligrams
Vitamin C:  250 to 1000 Milligrams
Vitamin E: 150 to 1000 milligrams
Iron: 9 to 18 milligrams
Zinc:  10 to 25 milligrams
Calcium: 50 to 250 milligrams
Magnesium: 25 to 125 milligrams
Selenium: 100 to 200 micrograms
Copper: 1  to 2 milligrams

Roberto Garcia (Health and Fitness Specialist)
http://www.newhealthandfitnessdvds.co.uk

Specialist provider of Health and Fitness information and products including: DVDs and Supplements.

If you have intermittent claudication ,  it’s almost certain that you have severe arterial disease in other parts of the body and are at risk for heart attack and stroke.

When you have intermittent claudication, the arteries that feed the muscles of your legs are blocked. The resulting calf discomfort can range from painful to debilitating. The typical drug treatment consists of two medications that improve circulation by “thinning the blood: pentoxifylline  and aspirin.

Some people with the problem end up having surgery that’s similar to a heart bypass.  Arteries are “stripped”  from another part of the body and implanted in the legs or undergo angioplasty, in which a balloon-like device is inserted into the  artery and inflated,  clearing the blockage.

Here are some natural approaches that can be superior to conventional approached.

CARNITURE:  Alternative Fuel Muscles
This supplement is similar to an amino acid, a component of protein. Many doctors believe that it helps muscle cells work even when they’re not getting enough oxygen by supplying them with higher levels of fatty acids, a nutritional fuel.

For  someone with intermittent claudication-someone whose leg muscle cells can’t get enough oxygen and are desperately in need of another type of fuel-carnitine may be a godsend.

A large amount of people how take carniture , state that they either have a complete resolution of symptoms or can walk farther without pain.Take 2000 milligrams a day.

GINKGO: Outperforms Prescription Drugs
Studies show that the herb ginkgo lets people with intermittent claudication walk father without pain.

In fact, numerous studies tested the herb against pharmaceutical drugs commonly used to treat the disease.

They confirmed ginkgo’s ability to increase walking ability to increase walking capacity and many of them shown that ginkgo improves circulation.

Take 120 milligrams a day, but if you are taking blood-thinning medication do not use ginkgo.

VITAMIN E:  Improves Circulation
Take 400 international units daily.

Studies show that people how took vitamin E every day could people farther without pain, it probably works by making blood less sticky improving circulation.

NIACIN: For Your Arteries
The B vitamin niacin is thought to help widen arteries,  bringing more oxygen to the legs.  Studies show that niacin can help people with intermittent claudication increase the distance they can walk.

Take 500 milligrams twice a day for 3 months

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS: For Efficient Oxygen Delivery
The type of fats found in fish oil,  known as omega-3 acids,  are thought to soften the membranes of red blood cells so that they can more easily deliver their oxygen to muscle cells.

Take 500 to 1000 milligrams of omega-3 supplement daily.

It is safe to take for a long time, but do not take if taking blood-thinners or aspirin regularly.

YOGA:  Make a Shoulder Stand
The shoulder stand is a yoga posture that can help improve leg circulation in people with intermittent claudication.
Here’s how to do the pose.

Lie on your back with your knees bent,  your feet flat on your floor,  and your arms at your sides with your palms down.

As you exhale,  push your palms down and draw your knees in and up.

Then straighten your legs as you raise your hips.

Bend your elbows, place your hands on the back of your pelvis,  and slide your hands up to your lower back as you continue to raise your hips.

Keep your legs straight,  but don’t lock your knees.

Your feet should be directly over your head.

Stay in this position for as long as you feel comfortable, up to 5 minutes.
Next ease your hips to the floor, using your hands for support,  then bend your knees and lower  your feet to the floor.

Do the pose once or twice a day.

HYDROTHERAPY: Get Back in Circulation with Foot Baths
A hot-and-cold foot bath first expands and then constricts the arteries in your legs, creating a pumping action that stimulates circulation.

You’ll need two basins large enough to hold both feet.

Fill one with cold water and the other with hot water.

Put your feet in the hot water for 1 minute, then in the cold water for 20 seconds.

Repeat this sequence 3 times.

For best results,use these foot baths 3 or 4 times a day.

Roberto Garcia (Health and Fitness Specialist)
http://www.newhealthandfitnessdvds.co.uk

Specialist provider of Health and Fitness information and products including: DVDs and Supplements.

Symptoms include painful stiff swollen joints in any part of the body. The pain is the result of wear and tear on cartilage,  the gel-like shock-absorbing material between joints.

When cartilage wears away, bone grinds against bone.

Although you can develop osteoarthritis at any age,  it usually occurs in people over 45,  and is more common among women.
Other forms of the disease are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Anti-inflammatory drugs-prescription and over the counter can ease the pain.  But relief from arthritis doesn’t end there.
There are plenty of measures that sufferers can take to achieve their goal of easy-moving,  pain-free days.

Pain Removers

• Take glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate supplements to reduce pain and slow down cartilage loss.  Evidence suggests that this combination can be effective for people with mild to moderate arthritis.  It may take a month before you begin to feel the benefits.

• Take a 1\2 teaspoon of powdered ginger or up to 35 g  (about 6 teaspoons) of fresh ginger once a day.  Ginger root helps to relieve arthritis pain, probably because of  its ability to increase blood circulation,  and thus ferry inflammatory chemicals away from painful joints.

• Take two 400mg doses of SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) a day. SAM-e, a chemical found naturally in the cells of the body,  has been shown to help relieve arthritis pain by increasing blood levels of proteoglycans-molecules that seem to play a key role in preserving cartilage by helping to keep it pumped up and well oxygenated.  SAM-e also appears to reduce inflammation. Research has found the supplement as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen in fighting arthritis pain.  If you get good results with 800mg  a day,  reduce the dose to 400mg a day after 2 weeks.  SAM-e has  few side – effects,  although it can cause dyspepsia and nausea.   It seems to be safe to take with most prescription and OTC drugs,  but if you are taking drugs prescribed for bipolar disorder (manic depression)  or Parkinson’s disease,  you should consult your doctor before taking SAM-e supplements.

Seek heat relief  and cold comfort

• Applying heat to a painful joint can provide significant relief.  For heat sources,  you can use electric blankets and hand warmers,  heating pads or hot packs. Warm the achy joint for 20 minutes.

• Cold treatment can work well when joints are inflamed.  Wrap ice cubes in a towel or flannel and hold against the sore joint.  Alternatively, you can use a bag of frozen peas.

Wear gloves to bed?

• If you frequently have stiff,  swollen hands in the morning,   try wearing a snug-fitting pair of gloves to bed.  They may help to keep the swelling in check.  But stop if you find that wearing gloves to bed only makes morning stiffness worse.

Oil your aching joint

• Eat more oily fish.  Many people who supplement their diets with omega-3 fatty acids-found in oily fish such as mackerel, pilchards, salmon and sardines- discover that pain and stiffness are lessened.  These substances seem to discourage inflammation in the body.

• You can also take oils alone or in capsule form. Research has shown that the omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil can slow and may even reverse the destruction if cartilage that leads to osteoarthritis. Take 2000mg of an omega-3 supplement 3 times a day, with meals. Check with your doctor first if you are taking blood-thinning drugs or have high cholesterol or are diabetic.

• If you like nuts, indulge. They also contain beneficial oils.

Rub on relief

• Eucalyptus oil can be effective. Put a few drops on the skin and rub it in,  but don’t use the oil under a heating pad or hot compress, as the additional heat can cause it to burn or irritate the skin.

Keep those joints moving

• Whether it’s walking,  swimming,  cycling or yoga,  begin a gentle exercise regime. The better your physical condition,  the less pain and stiffness you’ll have.  If you have arthritis in your ankle,  knee or hip,  you might need to walk with a stick-at least to begin with-to help stabilize the joints. If your joints are swollen and inflamed,  don’t work through the pain.  Instead take a day off.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• A more serious form of arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, occurs when the immune system attacks rather than defends the body. Along with the joint pain and swelling, rheumatoid arthritis can cause fatigue, poor circulation anaemia and eye problems. Here are some coping strategies.

• Start a food diary to identify what you were eating when your symptoms flared up.  You may find that your body’s inflammatory response goes into overdrive when you eat certain foods,  such as wheat,  dairy produce,  citrus fruit,  eggs or tomatoes.

• Try becoming a vegetarian-under your doctor’s supervision.  In a 1 year study,  people with rheumatoid arthritis who followed a vegetarian diet that was also free of eggs,  gluten, caffeine, alcohol, salt, refined sugar and milk products had less pain and swelling in their joints after just one month.  They were able to  start eating dairy products again after the first three months with no adverse effects.

• Research has found that gamma-lanolin acid (GLA) supplements can help to lessen the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. The best sources are borage seed oil, blackcurrant oil and evening primrose oil. The greatest relief is gained by taking 1.4g  GLA per day, but you should consult a medical herbalist before taking this level of GLA.

Roberto Garcia (Health and Fitness Specialist)
http://www.newhealthandfitnessdvds.co.uk

Specialist provider of Health and Fitness information and products including: DVDs and Supplements.

1. You toss and turn instead of  falling asleep.
2. You fall asleep okay, but then wake up repeatedly during the night.
3. You wake up much too early and can’t get back to sleep again.

The most common causes of  insomnia are emotional stress and depression.  Other reasons for poor sleep include pain or illness,  medications  ( such as decongestants,  diuretics,  some antidepressants,  steroids and beta blockers) eating a heavy meal late at night or alcohol too near bedtime.

Insomnia can become a real nightmare as the clock ticks on into the night and you’re awake to notice.  But you’re not alone.  The problem affects around 15% of the UK population. Try some of the approaches listed below.  A relaxing tea,  a whiff of lavender oil,  creating a sleep routine and various other tactics will help you to drop off more easily and wake up less tried and irritable in the morning.

Bedtime snacks

• Have a slice of  turkey or chicken or a banana before going to bed.  These foods contain tryptophan, an amino acid that the body uses to make serotonin.  And serotonin is a brain chemical that helps you to sleep.  Keep the helping small, though, or your full tummy may keep you awake.
• Carbohydrates help tryptophan to enter the brain.  Try a glass of warm milk (milk contains tryptophan) and a biscuit, or warm milk with a spoonful of honey. A sprinkling of  cinnamon won’t hurt and might add mild sedative properties of its own.
• Avoid large meals late in the evening. You need  3  to  4   hours  to digest a big meal,  so if  you eat a lot within 3  hours of your bedtime,  don’t be surprised if intestinal grumblings and groans keep you awake.
• Spicy or sugary food,  even at suppertime, it is usually a bad idea. Spices can irritate your stomach,  and when it tosses and turns, so will you.  Having a lot of sugary food-  especially chocolate,  which contain caffeine – can make you jumpy.

Call on herbs for help

• Valerian can help people to fall asleep faster without the “hangover” effect of some sleeping pills. It binds to the same receptors in the brain that tranquillizers such as Valium bind to.  The herb itself stinks (think of sweaty old socks),  so we don’t advise trying to make it into tea.  Instead,  take 1/2  to 1  teaspoon of Valerian tincture or 2 Valerian root capsules an hour before going to bed.
• Make passionflower tea.  Put  1  teaspoon of the dried herb into a cup of  boiling water,  leave to infuse for 5  to  10  minutes,  strain and drink before bed.  Passionflower is widely used as a mild herbal sedative.
• You can also combine both supplements.  Natural sleep remedies often include other herbal ingredients as well,  such as hops.  Whatever the formulation, follow package directions.

A sweet way to scented sleep

• Lavender has a reputation as a mild tranquillizer.  Dilute lavender oil in a carrier oil ( 5 drops per 10ml )  and dab a little on to your temples and forehead before you hit the pillow.  The aroma should help to send you off to sleep.  You can also add lavender oil to a diffuser or vaporiser to scent your bedroom.  Or place a lavender sachet near your pillow.
• Put a drop of  jasmine essential oil on each wrist just before you go to bed.

• Try a soothing aromatic bath before bedtime.  Add  5  drops of lavender oil and 3  drops of  Yang-Yang oil to warm bathwater and enjoy a nice soak.

Adopt a rigid routine

• Wake up at the same time each day, no matter how little sleep you had the night before.  At weekends,  don’t have a lie in.  Follow the same routine so your body adheres to the same pattern all week.  You’ll fall asleep faster.
• Every morning go for a walk. It does not  have to be long but it should be outdoors.  The presence of natural light tells your sleepy body it’s time to wake up for the day. With your body clock set to natural daylight,  you’ll sleep better at night.

• Try not to nap during the day,  no matter how tired you feel.  People who don’t have insomnia often benefit from a short afternoon nap.  However, if you nap during the day only to turn into a wide-eyed zombie at night,  there’s a good chance that afternoon snooze is disrupting your body clock.  If you must nap,  limit it to half-an-hour at the most.

Pillow tricks

• Once you get into bed,  imagine your feet becoming heavy and numb.  Feel them sinking into the mattress.  Then do the same with your calves and slowly work your way up your body, letting it all grow heavy and relaxed.  The idea is to let yourself go all the way from head to toe.
• If you prefer lullabies, listen to calming, relaxing tapes as you drift off.

Prepare your bedroom for rest

• If you find yourself tossing and turning as you try to get comfortable,  consider buying a special neck-supporting pillow. They are specially designed for people who have neck pain or tension that prevents sleep.
• Turn your alarm clock so that you can’t see it from your bed. If you keep glancing at the clock when you wake up – and it’s almost impossible not to -  you’ll soon start wondering how you can possibly function tomorrow on so little sleep tonight.  For  truly accomplished insomniacs,  just one glance at a clock is enough to set a whole anxiety train in motion.

• Turn the central heating off before going to bed.  Most people sleep better when the air around them is cool and their bedding is snug.

Things not to do

• Avoid exercising within hours of bedtime – it’s too stimulating.  Instead,  exercise in the morning or after work.  An exception is yoga. A number of yoga postures are designed to calm your body and prepare you for sleep.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks, particularly within hours of bedtime.  Though people have varying ranges of sensitivity to caffeine,  the stimulating effects can be long-lasting.
• Also avoid alcohol in the evenings.  While a tot of whiskey might help you to fall asleep a bit faster than usual,  the effects soon wear off and you’re much more likely to wake up during the night.
• If you smoke within 4 hours of going to bed,  look no further for the cause of your insomnia.  Nicotine stimulates the central nervous system,  interfering with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Roberto Garcia (Health and Fitness Specialist)
http://www.newhealthandfitnessdvds.co.uk

Specialist provider of Health and Fitness information and products including: DVDs and Supplements.

• Chronic fatigue unrelieved by rest.
• Unexplained chronic muscle pain or joint pain.
• Dry eyes and mouth.
• Fever
• Rash
• Mouth or skin ulcers
• Swollen glands

See a doctor immediately if you experience:

• Chest pain
• A seizure
• Shortness of breath

If  your like most people diagnosed with lupus,  the first thing that you’ll do when you leave the doctor’s is to look it up on the internet.

You’ll discover that Lupus Erythematosus-  the full name  -  is a complex autoimmune disease.  Autoimmune means that your body turns on itself  -  and in the case of  lupus,  inflames the blood,  kidneys,  skin and joints and other tissues and organs.

The Internet may or may not mention that nine out of  ten people with lupus are women,  and each women who has lupus will experience the disease in a very individual way.

For some people lupus begins with fevers and achy muscles or joints,  these symptoms are likely to persist throughout your life.  But lupus can affect other women with more sinister problems,  which include kidney,  blood and brain complications.

While there is no cure for lupus ,  it can be managed with medication and self – care.   The most important thing for people with lupus is good medical treatment.

HEALING WITH REST,  WRAPS  AND YOGA

Once you have been diagnosed with lupus,  there are a variety of strategies that you can use to manage it and keep it under control.  The best advice follows.

Brace painful joints  – Wrapping painful joints in an elasticized bandage may help keep down the swelling and relieve the discomfort.

Jump into a whirlpool or heat up the bath   – Many women find that they sleep better after spending  20  to  30  minutes in a  Jacuzzi or a hot bath.  The heat and swirling water soothe joints and muscles .

Try a vinegar – and – water soak  – I don’t know how it works,  but many people  insist  that soaking their aching hands in a basin of warm water with a few tablespoons of white vinegar relieves pain.  It might be from nothing more than the action of the warm water.  So it’s worth a try.

Alternate heat with cold   – Since every person experiences a different discomfort with lupus,  the treatment to relieve that discomfort will vary,  too.  Many people like heat packs over aching  joints or muscles,  while others prefer cold packs,  and some people get relief  by alternating between hot and cold.

Exercise:  YOGA    – Use a good Yoga  DVD and do it a few times a day, it is better to do it often than one long session.

Yoga not only works to stretch and strengthen muscles, but it can help you lessen pain by making you aware of what brings it on.

Learn your limits   – Each person will have there own limits.  Learn what triggers flare – ups and avoid those triggers.  For example,  people who are sensitive to the sun sometimes have flare – ups after being outside too long.  Others are prone to flare – ups under stress.

HOW DIET CAN HELP

If you have lupus,  a healthy diet,  built on the principles of the Food Guild Pyramid,  will strengthen the disease – fighting abilities of your immune system.

The food guide Pyramid is a nutritional plan calling for  6  to 11  servings of bread,  pasta,  cereal and other grain foods per day;  2  to  4  servings of fruit;  3  to  5  servings of vegetables;  2  to  3  servings of meat,  fish,  poultry or other protein foods;  2  servings of dairy products and a bare minimum of fats and sweets.

To help build your lupus -  fighting diet ,  try these additional tips.

Shun fat,  seek carbohydrates   – Make sure that your diet is low in fat  -  no more than 20%  of your caloric intake  -  and high in complex carbohydrates.  That means concentrating on bread,  pasta,  cereal  and other grain foods,   plus potatoes and starchy vegetables like carrots.

Count to ten  – If you have lupus,  it’s easy to fall into the routine of eating a few handy foods,  day in day out.  But you’ll fare better if you include at least 10  to  15  different foods every day to make certain that you get a broad range of nutrients.  Be sure to include five,  or better yet,  nine fruit and vegetable servings every day.  They’re rich sources of  beta -  carotene  ( a form of vitamin A  found in plant foods ) and other nutrients vital to strong immunity.  Since lupus is an immune disorder,  your body needs plenty of  foods that help strengthen the immune system.

Roberto Garcia (Health and Fitness Specialist)
http://www.newhealthandfitnessdvds.co.uk

Specialist provider of Health and Fitness information and products including: DVDs and Supplements.