5) Pre-ARV Supplements

I was diagnosed last March 29, received my confirmatory result on the first week of May, and had myself checked at a local HIV hub last May 28. Until now, I still do not have my CD4 count because the machine in our hub is under repair. But I was informed by a fellow pozzie that it is currently being fixed, and might be available before June ends (fingers crossed).

Starting from the time I was diagnosed, I had excision biopsy of lymph nodes (my family insisted to doing it because they fear I have cancer). The result came back, and it indicated that I have reactive follicular hyperplasia (in simple terms, I have an infection). If they only researched about it extensively over the internet, they should have found out that common causes include rheumatoid arthritis and HIV/AIDS. But good thing they didn't, because I have no plan of disclosing my status to them as of the moment.

At one time, I had severe headache (the most excruciating migraine I ever had), fever of 38.6 Celsius, and body malaise which went on for a couple of days. Initially, I thought I’m already having the early signs of HIV infection, but when I saw petechiae in my arms (tiny spots of blood on the skin), I was alarmed that I might have dengue fever. Through prayers, and perhaps 1gram of Panadol, I became fine the day after. There were still morning headaches, but it only lasted for a few more days.

Since I do not have my CD4 yet, I decided to purchase supplements which will help maintain, sustain, and improve my immune system.

NOTE: Just a disclaimer, I am in no way endorsing or selling any of the products presented here. It is still best to consult and seek medical advice from your HIV specialist with regards to consumption of vitamins, supplements (herbal or not), especially when you are already taking ARVs.

First, I got myself the multivitamins that is complete from A to Zinc: Centrum!

Since it only contains 60mg of Vit. C, I decided to buy Poten-Cee, which contains 500mg of Vit. C in each tablet. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 90mg for males and 75mg for females. If you are a smoker, add 35mg more.

Php104.75 for 20 tablets

Its role in immunity includes stimulating the production and function of leukocytes (white blood cells). Researches suggest that neutrophils seem to be the primary cell type stimulated by Vit. C, and these neutrophils attack foreign bacteria and viruses. Ultimately, it is a general fact that Vitamin C boosts the function of the immune system.

I also bought Vitamin E (400mg) with Selenium (50mcg). Basically, it is an antioxidant, and has anti-inflammatory properties, and it is often lacking in HIV positive people. I am not on ARVs yet, but Vit. E is said to improve the viral effects of AZT (zidovudine, Retrovir).  It is also stated that  Vit. E functions best with Selenium, and vice versa.

Php 427.50 for 30 tablets

I also bought myself Grape Seed Extract or GSE (I first read about it in the blog of a good friend, (Iam H. Positive). Upon further research, it is said GSE may effectively reduce or prevent the impact of HIV infection. Studies also show possible antiviral activity against HIV. It interferes with viral growth preventing viral attachment to host cells. It is also thought to interfere with viral multiplication.

Php 350 for 100 soft gels

And while I was on a kiosk checking grapeseed extract soft gels, I came across another product: Garlic Oil softgels. I gave in to the brochure indicating that it has anti-inflammatory and anti-infection properties. But further research over the internet reveals that it reduces the effectiveness of nevirapine and efavirenz.

Php 200 for 100 soft gels

Currently, I am still waiting for the repair of the CD4 machine in my hub. But just like when I was still negative, I just have to lead and live a healthy lifestyle: exercise, enough sleep, eat healthy, and have a stress-free and peaceful mind.