|
|
Issue 13: MORE ON CREATINE
By Joseph Cannon, MS, CSCS, NSCA- Certified Personal Trainer, And ERGOGENIC
PROMISE
|
|
Maintenance or restoration of lean body mass (LBM)
is a hot topic among many people living with HIV. With all the focus on
adequate stores of LBM many HIV-positive people are turning to ergogenic
aids for help. People depend on certain supplements purported to help them
maintain weight, prolong their capacity to hoist weights and workout, recover
quicker, build more muscle, and increase energy level. Creatine (kree-uh-teen)
is an amino acid derivative that's being increasingly used in the hopes
that these goals will be met. These two articles review the use of and
research on creatine.
|
|
|
|
Issue 12: YEAST AND DIET
|
The yeast free (also called sugar-free) diet is
used by people throughout the world. It's becoming increasingly popular
among immunocompromised people who suffer from frequent fungal infections
caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans (C. albicans). Anti-fungal
medications used to stem yeast overgrowth often cause unwanted side effects.
Attempting to avoid yeast overgrowth and medication side effects some people
living with HIV (PLWHIV) adhere to this so-called natural remedy. The diet
eliminates a variety of foods and is often recommended by alternative therapy
proponents. Measures that include following programs along with special
diets are often used. This obviously opens the door to a wide variety of
unproven therapies. To comprehend the scope of issues surrounding this
treatment it helps to know something about fungal infections, particularly
those caused by C. albicans like candidiasis.
This research article reviews the literature on yeast
free diets and other nutritional treatments used for fungal infections
in PLWHIV.
|
|
|
|
Issue 11: WHEY PROTEIN
|
A number of people who attempt to gain or maintain
lean body mass (LBM) consume high protein supplements. These products are
often suggested for people living with HIV infection (PLWHIV) by health
care professionals, health food store personnel and peers. Dr. Kotler recently
spoke on the use of whey protein and L-glutamine in weight loss associated
with HIV. He notes protein status is greatly affected during the course
of infection. Skeletal muscle loss can account for more than 60% of the
weight loss commonly experienced by HIV-positive men. Advocates of pre-emptive
nutritional practices may suggest that PLWHIV ingest large amounts of protein
or amino acid (AA) supplements. They support the use
of creatine, AA's, and whey protein for various reasons
and their protein recommendations vary widely.
This review affords the reader with a look at the use
of whey protein.
|
|
|
|
Issue 10:ECHINACEA
|
Echinacea (E) is the best selling herb in the
United States (US). It's a perennial plant found in the US and Canada that's
known as a primary Native American medicine. E is used in the treatment
and prevention of various disorders. It's one of the most commonly used
herbal medicines for the immune system. People living with HIV infection
(PLWHIV) use it with the hope of raising T4 cell counts. Interest in this
herb has greatly increased in the US over the past ten years and E is now
a major medicinal plant used throughout Europe. Some advocates report it's
even used in combination with antibiotics and chemotherapy. Dosages vary
widely depending upon
individuals, plant source, form of E, and condition.
Despite reports that this herb is safe and effective
there are safety concerns for PLWHIV who ponder using this herb.
|
|
|
|
Issue 9: CANCEL THE CANCELL
|
|
This report notes the use of Cancell, an alternative
therapy touted as a treatment for cancer. The therapy has been offered
to people with AIDS since 1993. The Office of Alternative Medicine classifies
this therapy as a member of the pharmacologic and biologic treatment group.
It's common in the Midwest and is particularly popular in Florida. Other
names for Cancell are CanCell, Jim's Juice, Entelev, Enteleve or Enteles,
Croconic acid, Sheridan's Formula, JS-101, JS-114, 126-F and Cantron.
|
|
|
|
Issue 8: BITTER MELON
|
|
Bitter melon is the product of Momordica charantia
(MC) a fast-growing vine, that's a staple of Asian cooking. Sources note
it's a medicinal plant that has been used for centuries in China, Southeast
Asia and the Caribbean. Many believe it has naturally occurring chemicals
that can cure disease. This alternative therapy purportedly has antiviral
properties that help combat the symptoms of HIV and stop viral replication.
The use of bitter melon has been of interest to the HIV community for years.
One source notes that in 1992 the use of bitter melon as an alternative
AIDS treatment was most likely limited to Los Angeles. Bitter melon is
known by a variety of names including MC. Many people think it's a useful
therapeutic agent in the treatment of HIV infections. It's described as
both a fruit and a vegetable. Some people note it's a relative of Chinese
Cucumber, the source of GLQ 223 (otherwise known as Compound Q),
another alternative therapy.
This article reviews the literature on bitter melon.
|
|
|
|
|
Issue 7: DHEA
|
|
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is an androgenic
steroid produced by a part of the endocrine system known as the adrenal
cortex. There are two functionally interchangeable forms of DHEA in the
body and one form is converted into the other as necessary. DHEA is rapidly
converted in-vivo to DHEA-S, the sulfated form. The potency of DHEA is
3-16% of that of testosterone, and DHEA-S is about half as potent as DHEA.
This article reviews the literature on the uses of
DHEA
in HIV disease and its associated side effects.
|
|
|
|
|
Issue 6: OZONE
|
|
Ozone, discovered in 1839, was named by a German
and Swiss chemist. It's a blue gaseous allotropic form of molecular oxygen
(O3) consisting of three oxygen atoms instead of the more common two. Ozone
is the most chemically active form of oxygen. It's produced naturally from
diatomic oxygen by electric discharge, such as lightning, or from exposure
to ultraviolet radiation. Strong ultraviolet radiation affects the oxygen
in the atmosphere and turns some of it into ozone. Ozone is an unstable,
powerfully bleaching, poisonous, oxidizing agent with a pungent, irritating
odor. It's used as a bleaching agent, to deodorize air, purify water, and
treat industrial wastes. It's also used in the production of azelaic acid
that's used in making plastics. Proponents note ozone is an oxidizer that
releases free electrons and destroys free radicals.
This article reviews the methods of therapy for this
'cure all' and notes uses and associated side effects.
|
|
|
|
|
Issue 5: CAT'S CLAW
|
|
Marketing Information on Cat's Claw (CC), a botanical
found in Peru, is available on the World Wide Web (web) by entering "Cat's
Claw" in most search engines. It's a woody vine that can grow to more than
100 feet long in the highlands of the Peruvian rain forests. In Spanish
it's commonly known as uña de gato. The name cat's claw derives
from the hooks on the stems of the leaves. A variety of alternative and
distributor sites tout this product as a cure-all substance. This article
reviews the available information on cat's claw. Uses, reported studies,
and adverse effects are noted.
|
|
|
|
|
Issue 4: HELLO ALOE
VERA
|
|
Many people living with HIV (PLWHIV) are willing
to try 'promising' alternative therapies. One such treatment, said to have
been used for centuries by a multitude of people, is aloe vera (AV). Several
cultures regard the aloe as a religious symbol. It has been a popular alternative
therapy among the HIV challenged since the mid 80's. Individuals may refer
to aloe vera as Acemannan, Manapol, and Carrisyn. This review notes information
on forms, uses, studies, and side effects of aloe vera therapy.
|
|
|
|
|
Issue 3: THE COLOR OF ALGAE
|
|
Algae are primitive organisms that contain chlorophyll
and carry on photosynthesis but lack true roots, stems, and leaves. They
exist in the ocean, lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and even in hot springs
with high mineral content. Proponents of algae supplementation say it has
been sought for thousands of years for its ability to prevent disease,
enhance, and prolong life. Users believe algae strengthens the immune system.
This article reviews the literature on the use of various algae forms for
a wide variety of conditions. Although most people consider algae safe
to use there may be numerous side effects associated with its use.
|
|
|
|
|
Issue 2: OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT
|
|
Financially stressed clients are often
unable to buy food, micronutrient supplements or enteral products. Yet
many of these individuals are advocates and users of alternative treatments.
One alternative product that is currently in use in Fort Lauderdale is
olive leaf extract (OLE). The extract was recently featured in a newsletter
that many HIV-challenged individuals read. This review notes the use of
olive leaf extract in HIV disease.
|
|
|
|
|
Issue 1: THE SCOOP ON DNCB
|
|
Many HIV challenged individuals search for inexpensive
alternative therapies that may or may not provide desirable effects. Various
treatments are inexpensive, widely available, and readily used without
valid trial information documenting safety or effectiveness. DNCB (dinitrochlorobenzene),
which has been available since 1986, is often used as an alternative treatment
option. It's a chemical used in photo finishing and air conditioning that's
been used to treat certain kinds of warts, Kaposi's Sarcoma and alopecia
areata (an autoimmune disorder caused by a viral infection). People who
use DNCB hope to see a positive effect on viral load, cytokine expression
and HIV disease progression.
This article reviews the uses and side effects of DNCB
therapy.
|
|
