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The
way we address HIV is cause for concern
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stands out for me about having lived with HIV for 19 years is the ability
individuals have shown to positively impact the immune system using a nutritional
diet and complementary therapies. Incorporating vitamins, minerals, herbs
and botanicals into daily life provides the necessary requirements for an
immune system to be up and running at optimum capacity. In my own experience,
I did not take HIV/AIDS medications for 13 years, out of the 19 years I
have been infected! It is important to understand the immune system and what it needs to be able to carry out all its functions. Knowledge is necessary of the cells, the nutrients and all they require to be up and running to maximum capacity. The digestive system and organs all require their own needs be met. The immune system knows how to run the body and keep it healthy. On the other hand, we as human beings may not have been as conscientious. This creates far more for the immune system to handle, when the immune system does not have the proper requirements to provide balance and harmony throughout. The immune system is made up of proteins and cells and these cells require nutrients. A healthy nutritional diet of protein is necessary to rebuild muscle. Protein provides the building blocks for new cells, including muscle and immune cells. Individuals infected with HIV have much higher protein requirements! Nutritional needs of those infected with HIV are 10% higher than someone not infected with HIV. A nutritional diet, which also includes vitamin-rich fresh fruits and vegetables, has been effective in boosting the immune system and reducing the side effects of the HIV/AIDS medications, as well as maintaining and improving health. Nutrition is a primary defense! However, we don't see or hear this side! Funding, education and implementation of nutritional supplements and complementary therapies in health care is paramount. Nutritional supplements can be introduced into health care quickly and effectively, having positive effects on individuals with illness and disease. As a bonus, there are no toxic side effects. We must look to what is causing illness and disease and incorporate natural healing with traditional methods. Understand the immune system, all the workings of the body and when the body conveys immune deficiency! Pharmaceuticals have played an important part in the evolution of how we understand disease and treatment. With the uncertainty of long-term effectiveness of experimental approaches and deaths associated with pharmaceuticals, it is time we validated the successes of people using nutrition and natural supplements in the fight against HIV and all illness and disease. These can have a major impact onhealth and can add years to one’s life. However, the multi-national pharmaceutical industry is providing information about HIV/AIDS to make money and ensure continued financial success. How long will we continue in this direction and at what cost? Will the cost be the risk of causing illness in healthy people? The body needs more than the HIV drug combinations and people all over the world are in agreement! Individuals not on medications know the importance and the work required, to remain off, or go off HIV/AIDS medications. Many individuals on medications are not relying totally on combination therapy. They are including the use of complementary therapies (CAM) and they ARE successfully boosting the immune system, reducing the side effects of the drugs and increasing the efficacy of the HIV/AIDS drugs. I strongly recommend that the world community embrace this shift and redirect the focus from the negative health condition to the positive solution. Bradford McIntyre Vancouver, B.C. Canada www.PositivelyPositive.ca HIV/AIDS web site www.PositivelyPositive.ca About Bradford: A long time survivor living with HIV since 1984, Bradford announced publicly in 1994 that he was living with HIV. He has been a dynamic advocate for the health and wellness of people living with HIV and AIDS and is committed to effecting change, not only in his own life, but also for millions of others with the same diagnosis. He has appeared on national television, in numerous newspaper and magazine interviews and speaking engagements promoting the message that everyone can take responsibility for their health, regardless of doctors’ diagnoses. Unceasingly, he has appealed to our government for funding for alternative therapies, proper health care and nutrition and subsidized housing for those infected with HIV. Bradford has constantly championed 'the war' against the AIDS virus. Through his commitment to help transform the lives of others, alter public perception and influence the mainstream medical profession’s attitude and approach to treatment, change has occurred. Bradford is a dedicated and tireless advocate for enhancing awareness about AIDS. |
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