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Patients infected with HIV are frequently malnourished and deficient in antioxidants, especially glutathione (Foster HD 2004). This is especially worrisome because glutathione, an internally produced antioxidant, appears to interfere with HIV s entry into its target cells (Markovic I et al 2004). Glutathione deficiency in patients who have HIV/AIDS can exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease, which prevents absorption of vital nutrients and may hasten wasting syndrome (Sido B et al 1998). laptop battery

As a result of glutathione deficiency, patients with HIV/AIDS have a buildup of free radicals. Numerous studies have shown that antioxidants can counter this buildup of dangerous free radicals (Foster HD 2004; McDermid JM et al 2002; Mollace V et al 2001; Patrick L 2000 Aug; Townsend DM et al 2003; Wu G et al 2004). Some of the antioxidants that have been clinically tested in patients with HIV/AIDS include: thinkpad

• Alpha-lipoic acid

  This powerful antioxidant plays a central role in defense against free radicals (Pande V et al 2003; Suzuki YJ et al 1992). Moreover, alpha-lipoic acid has the remarkable ability to recycle several other important antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, glutathione, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), as well as itself. Alpha-lipoic acid can boost the level of intracellular glutathione, and may directly inhibit HIV-1 replication (Baur A et al 1991). microsoft

• Beta-carotene

  Beta-carotene has been shown to stimulate the immune systems of patients with HIV/AIDS (Coodley GO et al 1993). In people infected with HIV who were given 100, 000 international units (IU) of vitamin A from beta-carotene daily for 4 weeks, white blood cell counts rose by 66 percent, but T-helper cells rose only slightly. Six weeks after beta-carotene treatment was discontinued, the immune-cell measurements returned to pretreatment levels (Fryburg DA et al 1995). laptop computers

• Green tea

  Green tea leaves contain catechins with powerful antioxidant properties. The most abundant catechin found in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), inhibits HIV from infecting human T-cells. One recent study showed that EGCG can bind to T-cells and block the virus from attaching (Kawai K et al 2003). This breakthrough may significantly impact HIV research if future investigators can determine the precise location on the T-cells in which EGCG exerts its effect and whether it is the same location in which HIV binds to the T-cell. laptop computer

• Selenium

  Selenium is required for proper functioning of the immune system (Look MP et al 1997). It is also essential in the synthesis of glutathione. Selenium s many benefits include protecting the central nervous system from dementia caused by HIV (Shor-Posner G et al 2002a) and infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Shor-Posner G et al 2002b); slowing the loss of T-cells (Look MP et al 1997); and decreasing the effect of inflammatory cytokines, which may reduce the risk of developing neurological damage (Bjugstad KB et al 1998; Ryan LA et al 2001; Seilhean D et al 1997), Kaposi s sarcoma (a common HIV-associated cancer), and wasting syndrome. Selenium also suppresses the enhancing effect of cytokines on HIV replication (Hori K et al 1997; Tolando R et al 2000). desktop computer

• Vitamin C and N-acetylcysteine

  Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and N-acetylcysteine (Renis HE 1975) have multiple benefits in patients with HIV/AIDS. They maintain glutathione levels (Fawzi WW et al 2004; McComsey G et al 2003), improve T-cell counts and reduce viral load in patients who have advanced AIDS (McComsey G et al 2003; Standish LJ et al 2001; Tantcheva LP et al 2003), and have a toxic effect on HIV-infected cells (high levels of vitamin C) (Harakeh S et al 1991; Rivas CI et al 1997). Supplementation with N-acetylcysteine is recommended for people who are infected with HIV, whether or not they are receiving HAART. notebooks

• Whey

  Whey protein contains all essential and nonessential amino acids, which are important to maintaining an adequate immune system response. Whey is also an important supplement to help boost the body s synthesis of glutathione, and clinical trials have successfully used whey protein in treating HIV (Marshall K 2004). Whey protein appears to be unique among proteins in its ability to improve immune function, elevate cellular glutathione levels, and maintain muscle mass (Marshall K 2004; Micke P et al 2002). lenovo

Boosting the Immune System

In addition to boosting blood levels of antioxidants, studies have shown that it is helpful to include dietary supplements that directly enhance the immune system. Nutrients that have been documented to boost immune function include: hard drive

• CoQ10

  People infected with HIV are often deficient in this important substance. CoQ10 is found in high concentrations in the healthy heart, where it improves cardiac function. CoQ10 also increases a number of immune parameters, including T-cell counts (Folkers K et al 1991; Yamashita S et al 1997). travelstar

• L-carnitine

  . Also recommended as an antioxidant, L-carnitine boosts immune function to protect the heart against zidovudine toxicity (Mutomba MC et al 2000). L-carnitine can also protect against an increased level in triglycerides that is associated with protease inhibitors. High doses of L-carnitine enhance immunological and metabolic functions (Evangeliou A et al 2003). L-carnitine helps preserve T-cells by inhibiting cell death (Cifone MG et al 1997). gateway

• L-glutamine

  . In addition to its important role as an antioxidant, the amino acid L-glutamine plays a major role in the overall health of the gastrointestinal tract. Cells in the gastrointestinal tract have high energy requirements; glutamine is converted into adenosine triphosphate, which is a primary energy source (Alverdy JC 1990; Newsholme EA et al 1985; Souba WW et al 1985). Supplementation of antioxidants and glutamine increases body weight and cell mass. Thus, it provides a highly cost-effective therapy for the rehabilitation of patients infected with HIV who are losing weight (Shabert JK et al 1999). laptop parts

• Vitamin B12

  . Studies have shown that patients with AIDS have a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of severe nutrient malabsorption (Ehrenpreis ED et al 1994; Remacha AF et al 1991). Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with reduced red blood cell count, depression, memory loss, insomnia, impotence, and lowered energy. If supplementation does help restore normal levels of vitamin B12, weekly injections may be indicated (Rule SA et al 1994). software

• Zinc and magnesium

  . On average, patients with HIV/AIDS who have low zinc levels have a higher viral load and lower T-cell counts (Ferencik M et al 2003; Rousseau MC et al 2000). While on HAART, the conditions of patients with HIV should be monitored for zinc deficiencies, and supplements recommended when necessary (Wellinghausen N et al 2000). Additionally, low magnesium levels are related to HIV symptoms and disease progression (Patrick L 2000 Feb; Skurnick JH et al 1996). hard drives

Wasting and Metabolic Syndromes: The Scourges of AIDS

One of the most dreaded aspects of HIV/AIDS infection occurs near the end of the infection cycle. Known as wasting syndrome, it is defined as the involuntary loss of more than 10 percent of body weight. The weight loss is accompanied by chronic diarrhea, weakness, and fever (Salomon J et al 2002). electronics

The major cause of the weight loss is malnutrition, which emphasizes the need for adequate nutrition in patients with HIV/AIDS. A comprehensive and diversified nutritional regimen is critical in order to obtain optimal benefit from the moment HIV is diagnosed. canon

Maintaining adequate nutrition is easier in the earlier stages of infection. Opportunistic infections may make it harder to absorb the proper amount of calories and maintain nutritional health. Low levels of antioxidants and micronutrients in patients with HIV/AIDS are often related to low nutrient intake, as well as to malabsorption resulting from diarrhea and metabolic problems (Butensky EA 2001; Chariot P et al 2003). desktop pc

Fighting the Virus: Natural Approaches

Although there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, therapy has focused on reducing the ability of HIV to replicate. HAART drugs work to inhibit viral replication, but the following nutrients and supplements also have direct antiviral activity. desktop computers

Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is derived from whey protein. It has been found to directly inhibit viruses by binding to viral receptor sites, thus preventing the virus from infecting healthy cells (van der Strate BW et al 2001). In vitro studies have found that lactoferrin strongly binds to the receptors on various strains of HIV, making it more difficult for the virus to fuse with healthy immune cells and to enter the cell (Swart PJ et al 1996, 1998). think pad

One study that compared 22 asymptomatic and 45 symptomatic patients with HIV to 30 healthy control subjects found that plasma lactoferrin levels were decreased in patients infected with HIV (Defer MC et al 1995). Lactoferrin causes no damage to healthy cells (Swart PJ et al 1998). repair

Olive leaf extract

Olive leaf extract is a nonprescription, over-the-counter food supplement used for centuries as a natural treatment of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections; skin diseases; arthritis; heart disease; and many other illnesses. The ancient Egyptians may have been the first to employ the olive leaf as part of the mummification of their royalty. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used olive oil to treat ulcers, cholera, and muscle pain more than 2500 years ago. data recovery

Olive leaf extract contains a substance known as oleuropein, which has powerful disease-resistant properties and antiviral activity (Renis HE 1969). Oleuropein selectively destroys virus-infected cells but has never shown any toxicity to human DNA alpha-, beta-, or gamma-polymerases (Renis HE 1969, 1975). Recently, it has also been shown to have antioxidant activity (Briante R et al 2001). cisco

Olive leaf extract does not have any side effects itself, although some people may experience a die-off effect (also called the Herxheimer reaction) as the olive leaf extract exerts an antibiotic effect and kills off bacteria. A die-off effect is caused by a rapid increase in the volume of waste material and pathogens being carried into the lymph system and bloodstream. Reactions to the die-off effect include extreme fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, muscle and joint aches, and flu-like symptoms. These reactions are temporary and will pass once the body has rid itself of the circulating toxins. To protect good bacteria in the gut, a probiotic might be considered in conjunction with the olive leaf extract. keyboard

Licorice root extract

Licorice root extract has a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antiallergy, antioxidant, antitumor, and antiviral effects. It is usually used as an anti-inflammatory and has been studied as an inhibitor of HIV (Baltina LA 2003). monitor

Thymus-gland boosters

The thymus gland is the key enabler of T-cell-mediated immunity. Boosting the thymus with synthetic thymic factors may improve the ability of the immune system to mount an effective response to antigens (Al-Harthi L et al 2002; Berzins SP et al 2002; Carcelain G et al 2001; Combadiere B et al 2002; Manfredi R 2002; Meissner EG et al 2003; Rudy BJ et al 2001). Patients with HIV/AIDS may consider supporting thymic function with specially formulated immunological tissue extracts. desktop

Milk thistle extract

Milk thistle extract, or silymarin, is a unique type of bioflavonoid that exerts a protective effect on the liver (Flora K et al 1998). This is important to patients with HIV/AIDS who are on HAART. Silymarin supports key functions of the liver, including the production of glutathione (Flora K et al 1998). Silibinin is the most active constituent of silymarin, which is now available in the United States. infosys

Infectious diarrhea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide (Marignani M et al 2004; Reinert P 1993). In the United States, 100 million people are affected by acute diarrhea every year. Most diarrhea is viral (not bacterial) in origin, but bacteria remain an important cause. Nearly half of patients with acute diarrhea must restrict activities, 10 percent consult physicians, 250, 000 require hospitalization, and approximately 3000 die. Common bacterial pathogens that cause diarrhea include Campylobacter species, salmonella, shigella, and E. coli O157:H7. refurbished laptops

Campylobacter jejuni. C. jejuni is the most common cause of bacterial diarrhea in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 1 million Americans are affected yearly. Previously, most cases of bacterial diarrhea were caused by salmonella, but the increased use of antibiotics in poultry- and cattle-feed has been linked to the increasing incidence of drug-resistant C. jejuni (Butzler JP 2004; Moore JE et al 2005; Takkinen J et al 2003). Transmission is via exposure to contaminated food (especially chicken) and water, or contact with infected animals (especially cats and puppies) (Kasper DL et al 2004). wipro

Salmonella. Salmonellosis is the second most frequent cause of bacterial disease in the United States. In 2002, more than 44, 000 cases were reported to the CDC. Mild infections often are undiagnosed or unreported, so incidence may be 30 or more times greater than reported (Gold HS et al 2000). Infections with Salmonella species include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps (Murray et al 1998). The elderly, infants, and people with impaired immune systems are at greater risk of severe disease. Transmission is via exposure to contaminated food (especially eggs) or water, or contact with infected animals (reptiles) (Conte JE Jr 2002; Howard BJ et al 1994). lap top

Shigella. Shigella species infection causes a watery or bloody diarrhea with abdominal pain, fever, and malaise. An estimated 448, 240 cases occur in the United States yearly. Groups at highest risk in the United States are children in child care centers, individuals in custodial institutions, and international travelers (Gold HS et al 2000; Madoff LC et al 2004). refurbished

Escherichia coli O157:H7. E. coli O157:H7 is associated with a severe diarrheal disease called hemolytic uremic syndrome. It has caused several nationally prominent outbreaks of food poisoning. An estimated 73, 000 cases are reported in the United States annually (Conte JE Jr 2002). Transmission is through contaminated hamburger meat, apple cider, and fruits and vegetables (Madoff LC et al 2004). memory

Helicobacter pylori. H. pylori is the most common chronic infection in humans (Basso D et al 2004; Go MF 2002). Acute infection causes abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. H. pylori is the major cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers in adults and children (Zambon CF et al 2002). H. pylori impairs absorption of nutrients, altering the balance of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. intel

Skin Infection

Skin infections include impetigo, boils, carbuncles, cellulitis, and complications from burns (Gelfand JA 1984; Gold HS et al 2000). Common pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, group A streptococci, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Baggett HC et al 2004; Toshkova K et al 2001; Wysocki AB 2002). Impetigo, a skin infection caused mostly by group A streptococci, can cause severe kidney inflammation, sometimes resulting in kidney failure. as400

Health Care Associated Infection

Hospital-acquired and health care related infections are an increasing threat to patient safety and health in the United States (Weinstein RA 1991; Weinstein RA 1998). In the United States, infections encountered in the hospital or a health care facility affect more than 2 million patients, cost $4.5 billion, and contribute to 88, 000 deaths in hospitals annually (Malone DL et al 2002; Tasota FJ et al 1998). averatec

Urinary tract infections are the most common, followed by pneumonias, skin and soft tissue infections, and invasive bloodstream infections. Surgical wound infections account for 20 percent to 30 percent of cases, but contribute to as many as 57 percent of extra hospital days and 42 percent of extra costs. Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, E. coli, Enterobacter species, and P. aeruginosa are common pathogens in wound infections (Goldmann DA et al 1996; Weinstein RA 1991). hardware

What Are Bacteria

Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms found in air, water, soil, and food. They live on plants, insects, animals, pets, and even in the human digestive system and upper respiratory tract. There are thousands of kinds of bacteria, but only a few actually cause disease in humans. dual xeon

Bacteria are frequently identified by their shape, the makeup of their cell walls, and their ability to grow in air. They can be round (such as staphylococci or streptococci), rod-shaped (such as bacillus or E. coli), or corkscrew-shaped (Borrelia species). In most cases, bacteria have cell walls that provide a target for many antibiotics (antibiotics easily identify bacteria) (Gold HS et al 2000). storage

They are also classified by their color after a Gram stain is applied. Gram-positive bacteria stain blue, while gram-negative bacteria stain pink. seagate

Gram-negative bacterial cell walls contain a substance known as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a highly inflammatory chemical that provokes an immune response in the human body. LPS is responsible for triggering the overreaction of the host immune system, which results in the release of oxygen and nitrogen species, cytokines, and other proinflammatory mediators. computer sales

Conventional Treatment of Bacterial Infection: Antibiotics and Resistant Bacteria

Antibiotics are the mainstay of bacterial treatment (Archer GL et al 2004). The goal of these drugs is to kill invading bacteria without harming the host. Antibiotic effectiveness depends on mechanism of action, drug distribution, site of infection, immune status of the host, and resistance factors of bacteria (Archer GL et al 2004; Roden DM 2004). computer hardware

Antibiotics work through several mechanisms. Some (such as vancomycin and penicillin) inhibit formation of bacterial cell walls. Erythromycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol interrupt protein synthesis. Still others inhibit bacterial metabolism (sulfa drugs) or interfere with DNA synthesis (ciprofloxacin, rifampin) and/or cell membrane permeability (polymyxin b) (Conte JE Jr 2002). printers

When antibiotics were discovered in the 1940s, they were incredibly effective in bacterial infection treatment. Over time, however, many antibiotics have lost effectiveness against common bacterial infections because of increasing drug resistance (Barie PS 1998; Domin MA 1998). Bacteria may be naturally resistant to different classes of antibiotics or may acquire resistance from other bacteria through exchange of resistant genes. Indiscriminate, inappropriate, and prolonged use of antibiotics have selected out the most antibiotic-resistant bacteria (Petrosillo N et al 2002; van der Waaij D et al 2000). Antibiotic-resistant strains have emerged in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and communities worldwide (Flaherty JP et al 1996; Jacobs MR 1999; Levin AS et al 2003). technology

For example, S. aureus is a common bacterial pathogen that causes pneumonia, skin and urinary tract infections, and blood and surgical site infections. Some strains that are resistant to all current antibiotics, including vancomycin, have emerged in the United States and Japan. Antibiotic-resistant organisms lead to increased hospitalizations, health costs, and mortality (Amsden GW 2004; Apfalter P 2003; Austin DJ et al 1999; Baggett HC et al 2004; Barie PS 1998; Bonten MJ et al 2001; Borer A et al 2002; Tasota FJ et al 1998). mainframe

Besides increased drug resistance, high-dose and prolonged antimicrobial therapy can eliminate helpful bacterial flora and predispose people to infection (Carson CF et al 2003; Guarner F et al 2003). A common adverse effect of antibiotics is diarrhea, which can lead to loss of essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin K, magnesium, and zinc (Briend A 1988; Brunser O 1977; Fontaine O 1996; Guerrant RL et al 2000). Other adverse effects of antibiotic therapy include vitamin deficiencies, seizures, allergic shock (in people who are allergic to antibiotics), autoimmune disease, decreased platelets, kidney injury, drug/drug interaction, and death (Roden DM 2004). samsung

What You Have Learned So Far...

• Bacteria can be found colonizing every surface of our environments, and some even live inside our digestive, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts. Bacteria can be either beneficial or harmful. computer repair

• A compromised immune system raises the risk of infection from harmful bacteria. Also, advanced age, a genetic predisposition, or compromised nutritional status can raise the risk of bacterial infection. used computers

• Bacteria can cause a wide range of illnesses, from gastrointestinal upset to skin disorders to life-threatening illnesses that require immediate attention. Dangerous bacteria that cause illness include Streptococcus species, E. coli, and salmonella. Bacterial illnesses include diarrhea, respiratory illness, and pneumonia. network

• The mainstay of bacterial infection treatment is antibiotics. While antibiotics work in the majority of cases, indiscriminate use of antibiotics has resulted in the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. digital cameras

• A healthy immune system and proper nutritional status can help stave off bacterial infection or improve the immune response to infection. An inflammatory immune response to bacterial infection can result in further injury to cells and tissues. desktops

Nutritional Approaches to Bacterial Infection: A Healthy Immune System

Nutritional deficiencies can affect immune response and increase susceptibility to infection. In turn, infection further aggravates nutritional deficiencies by increasing metabolic demands, decreasing nutrient intake, or blocking absorption from the gut (Calder PC et al 2002; Scrimshaw NS et al 1997; Scrimshaw NS 2003). Nutritional and dietary supplements stimulate immune response and may result in fewer infections, particularly in the elderly and in malnourished, critically ill individuals (Chandra RK 1999). cognos

Some dietary supplements have been shown to enhance immune function. hosting

Phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are plant-derived, naturally occurring compounds thought to have curative, preventative, and nutritive value (Balentine DA et al 1999; Craig W et al 1999). The major immune-boosting components in fruits, vegetables, and herbs are flavonoids and carotenoids, which are antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage (Craig WJ 1999; Craig W et al 1999). Flavonoids have a number of powerful complementary and overlapping effects, including modulation of detoxification enzymes, stimulation of the immune system, reduction of platelet aggregation, modulation of cholesterol synthesis, reduction of blood pressure, and antioxidant and antibacterial effects (Craig W et al 1999; Lampe JW 1999). Carotenoids may boost the immune system to fight bacteria by increasing the number of white blood cells (Balentine DA et al 1999; Craig W et al 1999). netfinity

Alkylglycerols. Alkylglycerols are found in shark liver oil as well as cow, sheep, and human breast milk. They are thought to act as immune boosters against infectious diseases. They have no known adverse effects at relatively high dosages of 100 milligrams (mg) three times daily (Pugliese PT et al 1998). For more safety information on shark liver oil, especially for people with atherosclerosis, see the Safety Caveats section. internet

Fighting Bacteria

In addition to immune-boosting supplements, a number of nutrients have shown antibacterial activity, especially when it comes to inhibiting bacterial infection. While large-scale human studies have yet to be conducted on many antibacterial nutrients, the existing animal studies show considerable promise with these agents. cheap computer

Bee propolis and honey. Before antibiotics, honey was used to treat bacterial wound infections ( Lusby PE et al 2002; Miorin PL et al 2003; Molan PC 2002). Bee propolis has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In vitro laboratory studies have shown activity against TB, H. pylori, skin ulcers, and colitis (Boyanova L et al 2003; Dobrowolski JW et al 1991; Grange JM et al 1990). digital camera

Bromelain. Bromelain (a digestive enzyme derived from the pineapple plant) has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for digestive problems and to promote wound healing. It has been proposed as a digestive aid and also has shown immunomodulatory properties (Engwerda CR et al 2001). In animal studies, bromelain has been effective against E. coli by disrupting the bacteria s ability to adhere to the mucosal lining in the digestive wall (Mynott TL et al 1996, 1997). printer

Cranberry juice. Cranberry juice can be an effective therapy for bacterial urinary tract infections, both to manage infection and to reduce recurrence (Fleet JC 1994; Kontiokari T et al 2001). Cranberry supplements are also available. xseries

Oil of oregano. Oregano oil has been used for centuries in Far Eastern and Middle Eastern cultures to treat respiratory infections, chronic inflammation, urinary tract infections, dysentery, and jaundice. Laboratory studies in which the oil was applied directly to food-borne pathogens showed that oregano oil has strong antibacterial properties (Dadalioglu I et al 2004). Medicinal oregano grows wild in the mountainous areas of Greece and Turkey. It has a high mineral content that enhances its therapeutic benefits, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, boron, and manganese. This oil is considered safe for humans and may be used in conjunction with antibiotics to fight bacterial infection (Preuss HG et al 2005). maxtor

Thyme. Thyme, another essential herbal oil, has shown antibacterial properties. For example, thyme has been demonstrated to inhibit many strains of E. coli, including E. coli 0157:H7 (Marino M et al 1999). It has also been very effective in preventing the growth of listeria (Faleiro L et al 2005). data storage

Ginger. The characteristic odor and flavor of ginger root come from a volatile oil composed of shogaol and gingerols. Gingerols have been investigated for analgesic, sedative, antipyretic, antibacterial, and gastrointestinal tract motility effects. They have been found to inhibit gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (Chrubasik S et al 2005; Mascolo N et al 1989; Thongson C et al 2004). hitachi

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