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Alternative Articles Issues 1-13 |
| Algae | Aloe Vera |
| Bitter Melon-Full Issue | Cancell |
| Cat's Claw | Creatine |
| DHEA | DNCB |
| Echinacea | Olive Leaf Extract-Full Issue |
| Ozone | Whey Protein-Full Issue |
 Yeast-Full
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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. |
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This issue is free in PDF YEAST AND DIET By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| The yeast free (also called sugar-free) diet is used by people throughout
the world. It's becoming increasingly popular among immuno- compromised
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. |
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This issue is free in PDF WHEY PROTEIN By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| 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. |
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| 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 used in combination
with antibiotics and chemotherapy. Dosages vary widely depending upon individuals,
plant source, form, and condition.
Despite reports that this herb is safe and effective there are safety concerns for PLWHIV who ponder using this herb. |
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| Cancell 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.
This report notes the use of Cancell, an alternative therapy touted as a treatment for cancer. |
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This issue is free in PDF BITTER MELON By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| 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. |
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| 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
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| 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
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| 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
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| 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,
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| 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. |
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This issue is free in PDF OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| 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. |
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| 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. |
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The HIV ReSource Review (issues 1-30) and HIV
Nutrition Update (issues 30-54) are peer-reviewed publications designed
for nutrition professionals and others interested in nutrition and HIV/AIDS.
First published on July 1, 1996, the newsletters still provide important, time-saving, HIV-related nutrition information. Feature articles are the result of original research, scientific literature searches, and searches on the World Wide Web. Article information is supplemented by reviewing conference proceedings and expert recommendations. |
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| Sharon
Ann Meyer, AA, AS, DTR,
Web Site Affiliation(s)
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PO Box 39385 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339-9385 USA |
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Any use of the information presented here is done strictly at your own risk. No responsibility is implied or intended on the part of HIV ReSources Inc, the editors, or the publisher. Information on this site should not be thought of as an endorsement of any kind. |
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Updated 8/6/07 |
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