HIV is one of the most significant challenges that human evolution has ever faced. Since the 1970s, when the first HIV case was reported, the disease has been increasing in prevalence. The disease was initially a synonym for death. There was no cure. The conversion of HIV/AIDS to AIDS is now possible thanks to the development of healthcare delivery systems and the evolution of antiretroviral therapy. The problem is still huge today, as there are many new cases every day and treatment options are expensive. Research shows that hospital palliative care can cost twice as much as Home and Daycare centers.

HIV is not kind to any economic or social status because of its transmission routes. HIV is not just a physical disease; it also brings social stigma and stress. Although HIV symptoms decrease and CD4 counts rise after one year of ART, discrimination and stigma remain high. Depression is a common problem for patients. Families are devastated. HIV patients have a terrible quality of life regardless of where they are from.

Patients with HIV who are undergoing treatment have a lower quality of life (both mentally and physically) than non-HIV patients. HIV patients at advanced stages have a significantly lower quality of life (by WHO definition and CD4 count) than HIV patients at earlier stages.

With the availability of powerful antiretroviral drugs, HIV infection has become a chronic condition. Although many of these agents are effective in managing HIV, they can cause nausea and vomiting, making it difficult to adhere to treatment and maintain quality of life.

Some studies often ignore potential drug interactions and safety risks during ART.

HIV AIDS PATIENTS USE COMPLEMENTARY and ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM).

There is an increase in the use of CAM by HIV AIDS patients worldwide to improve their quality of life. However, many people are not well informed about how complementary and alternative medicine can be used with high-active antiretroviral therapy. Patients should consult their doctor before using any CAM, particularly if they are taking drugs or herbs, as these could cause adverse drug reactions to the ART regimen. Ayush systems, mainly Ayurveda or Homeopathy, are becoming more popular in India to treat HIV. Although positive effects were reported, and some even claimed that HIV infection could be reversed or cured, there is not enough research to support this claim. (M Fritts et al; AIDS Res Ther. 2008; 5: 25.)

ROLE OF NATUROPATHY

Naturopathy is a lifestyle-based, drug-free intervention that can be used to treat HIV/AIDS effectively and improve the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Low QoL can lead to rapid HIV/AIDS conversion. A high QoL can help prevent or delay the conversion to active AIDS.

The simple treatment with the elements of Nature (Water, Earth, Air, and Sunlight) will aid in eliminating and building immunity. Mud packs on the abdomen can help improve digestion, influencing the immune system.

ROLE OF DIETARY MEASURES

Naturopathy is a belief in both the theory of vitality and toxemia. The body can be cleansed by using raw juices and therapeutic fasting. This will ensure that no infection can grow. The ability to purify blood is a property of wheatgrass and other green juices. The depleting immune system can be strengthened by living in a natural, fresh environment and eating natural foods. These foods will keep your blood alkaline. Vitamins B, C, and K are vital for maintaining an immune system. They are abundant in raw fruits, vegetables, sprouts, and other greens.

ROLE OF YOGA THERAPY

Yoga can be a great tool to increase immunity and work on the Mind Body Complex. It can also help with stress management due to illness. HIV and poor mental well-being are closely linked. Many people with HIV/AIDS face stigma and hopelessness after being diagnosed. Studies have also shown that HIV-positive men are more likely to experience depression(7).

Patients who practiced Yoga had significantly higher psychological health scores when compared to those who did not. (8)

HIV patients also have other health issues such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiac Disorders, and Hypertension. These disorders can be treated with simple yoga techniques like Pranayama, Asanas and Meditation. The yoga group showed a significant improvement in resting blood pressures, diastolic (systolic) and systolic (diastolic), compared to the non-yoga. (9) Another study found that Yoga had no adverse effects on a patient’s immune and virological health. This makes it safe to do.

HIV-positive persons need to exercise. Research has shown that aerobic exercise can increase CD4 counts. However, intense exercise can be immunosuppressive and should be avoided. Yoga, a moderate aerobic activity, can effectively improve the immune system of HIV-infected patients.

HIV is one of the most significant challenges that human evolution has ever faced. Since the 1970s, when the first HIV case was reported, the disease has been increasing in prevalence. The disease was initially a synonym for death. There was no cure. The conversion of HIV/AIDS to AIDS is now possible thanks to the development of healthcare delivery systems and the evolution of antiretroviral therapy. The problem is still huge today, as there are many new cases every day and treatment options are expensive. Research shows that hospital palliative care can cost twice as much as Home and Daycare centers.

HIV is not kind to any economic or social status because of its transmission routes. HIV is not just a physical disease; it also brings social stigma and stress. Although HIV symptoms decrease and CD4 counts rise after one year of ART, discrimination and stigma remain high. Depression is a common problem for patients. Families are devastated. HIV patients have a terrible quality of life regardless of where they are from.

Patients with HIV who are undergoing treatment have a lower quality of life (both mentally and physically) than non-HIV patients. HIV patients at advanced stages have a significantly lower quality of life (by WHO definition and CD4 count) than HIV patients at earlier stages.

With the availability of powerful antiretroviral drugs, HIV infection has become a chronic condition. Although many of these agents are effective in managing HIV, they can cause nausea and vomiting, making it difficult to adhere to treatment and maintain quality of life.

Some studies often ignore potential drug interactions and safety risks during ART.

HIV AIDS PATIENTS USE COMPLEMENTARY and ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM).

There is an increase in the use of CAM by HIV AIDS patients worldwide to improve their quality of life. However, many people are not well informed about how complementary and alternative medicine can be used with high-active antiretroviral therapy. Patients should consult their doctor before using any CAM, particularly if they are taking drugs or herbs, as these could cause adverse drug reactions to the ART regimen. Ayush systems, mainly Ayurveda or Homeopathy, are becoming more popular in India to treat HIV. Although positive effects were reported, and some even claimed that HIV infection could be reversed or cured, there is not enough research to support this claim. (M Fritts et al; AIDS Res Ther. 2008; 5: 25.)

ROLE OF NATUROPATHY

Naturopathy is a lifestyle-based, drug-free intervention that can be used to treat HIV/AIDS effectively and improve the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Low QoL can lead to rapid HIV/AIDS conversion. A high QoL can help prevent or delay the conversion to active AIDS.

The simple treatment with the elements of Nature (Water, Earth, Air, and Sunlight) will aid in eliminating and building immunity. Mud packs on the abdomen can help improve digestion, influencing the immune system.

ROLE OF DIETARY MEASURES

Naturopathy is a belief in both the theory of vitality and toxemia. The body can be cleansed by using raw juices and therapeutic fasting. This will ensure that no infection can grow. The ability to purify blood is a property of wheatgrass and other green juices. The depleting immune system can be strengthened by living in a natural, fresh environment and eating natural foods. These foods will keep your blood alkaline. Vitamins B, C, and K are vital for maintaining an immune system. They are abundant in raw fruits, vegetables, sprouts, and other greens.

ROLE OF YOGA THERAPY

Yoga can be a great tool to increase immunity and work on the Mind Body Complex. It can also help with stress management due to illness. HIV and poor mental well-being are closely linked. Many people with HIV/AIDS face stigma and hopelessness after being diagnosed. Studies have also shown that HIV-positive men are more likely to experience depression(7).

Patients who practiced Yoga had significantly higher psychological health scores when compared to those who did not. (8)

HIV patients also have other health issues such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiac Disorders, and Hypertension. These disorders can be treated with simple yoga techniques like Pranayama, Asanas and Meditation. The yoga group showed a significant improvement in resting blood pressures, diastolic (systolic) and systolic (diastolic), compared to the non-yoga. (9) Another study found that Yoga had no adverse effects on a patient’s immune and virological health. This makes it safe to do.

HIV-positive persons need to exercise. Research has shown that aerobic exercise can increase CD4 counts. However, intense exercise can be immunosuppressive and should be avoided. Yoga, a moderate aerobic activity, can effectively improve the immune system of HIV-infected patients.