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HIV Disease The light at the end of the tunnel has finally appeared. After years of wandering in the dark and searching for ways to prevent the progression of HIV to AIDS we are now able to treat this condition better than ever before. During what felt like an eternity, we fumbled with coarse and imprecise tools such as AZT monotherapy, beta-2 microglobulin tests, and p24 antigen levels. We even entered into a discussions as to whether or not HIV was actually the cause of AIDS. Most importantly, due to aggressive research and new technologies, we are now on the verge of being able to strengthen and rebuild our patient's immune systems despite their having declined to previously irretrievable levels. At last, many HIV(+) individuals can now hope to be alive for what amounts to a normal lifespan. Though long term stability in my patients has always been the rule, I can now definitely say that the progression of HIV disease in my practice is an extremely rare event. This experience, which has encompassed the care of over 500 HIV(+) patients during the past five years, allows me to make the following statements:
This extraordinary level of good health and stability does not come without hard work. My patients follow an aggressive program of natural therapies to support their immune systems. They have also benefited tremendously from the new drugs, lab tests, and other recently released treatment options. What a difference a few years has made! Twelve years ago, when I opened my private practice, I believed that a comprehensive approach to the treatment of HIV would be more effective at preventing its progression than the limited medical treatment then being prescribed. Five years later when my book Immune Power was released, I revealed how a combination treatment approach helped hundreds of patients achieve a level of good health and stability far exceeding the community standard. Fortunately, since there weren't many effective antiviral medications available at the time, alternative therapies were looked toward by many as an important way to help them remain healthy and survive. We now have protease inhibitors, NNRTI's and many other highly effective antivirals with which to treat HIV. These therapies have helped thousands of patients outlive earlier predictions regarding their longevity. Unfortunately, the drugs do not work for everyone. Many HIV(+) individuals are unable to tolerate their side effects or, even worse, have become resistant to all of the currently available medications. Individuals who find themselves in this situation need additional treatment options. The comprehensive treatment program described in this book can help most people living with HIV create a strategy that can enable them to live out normal, healthy lives, far beyond what otherwise may have been experienced. I define a comprehensive approach as one which adds a program of aggressive natural therapies and emotional healing techniques to the standard medical treatment of an illness or condition. An aggressive natural therapies program includes a combination of diet therapy, vitamins, herbs, exercise, and stress reduction. Emotional healing encompasses a proactive program of psychological healing techniques that ideally includes a spiritually-oriented practice (prayer, meditation, yoga, etc.) combined with a significant level of social support. In theory, adding a program of natural therapies to the best that standard medical therapy has to offer will always improve the results far beyond what may have been achieved utilizing either approach alone. Until modern medicine places enough emphasis on the use of nutrition, vitamins, stress reduction, and other natural healing techniques as part of its recommended treatment, it will always fall short of achieving the best possible results. If you are HIV(+), I invite you to set your sights high. Many of my patients feel better now than they ever have during their entire lives. This statement holds true whether they are taking antiviral drugs or not. Do not give into the conventional thinking that says your life as an HIV(+) individual need be any less fulfilling or satisfying than if you were HIV-negative. It just takes a bit more effort. |
Treatment Info By Condition
The e-newsletter is filled with useful information on treating immune system conditions.
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About Integrative Health Consulting, Inc. Disclaimer: None of the information listed on this site is meant to provide diagnosis or treatment of a medical condition. If you are experiencing any symptoms of ill health please contact a licensed medical doctor to diagnose, treat, and address your medical needs. Integrative
Health Consulting, Inc., 655 Redwood Highway, Suite
#225, Mill Valley, CA 94941, |
