My Primitive Cocktail is a place to discuss alternative treatments for HIV. I support those who only use "Western" medicine but wanted to share natural solutions that have worked for me. I encourage others to share their success stories with natural treatments including natural supplements, nutrition, acupuncture, Reike, etc. I want this blog to be a solution-focused site so please refrain from negative comments. We each have our own path.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Why My Current Supplements

In my last post I listed my full current regimen. I discussed how I recently added Osteo Bi-Flex Triple Strength and how I was going to continue taking Olive Leaf and Cell Forte IP-6 & Inositol Ultra Strength Powder. In this posting I wanted to go over the other supplements and why I decided to begin taking them.

EGCG (Green Tea)
I'll mention again that Olive Leaf has brought my viral from 200,000 to lowest of 29,000. So I'm now in search of another supplement that will help bring it down lower, if not to undetectable. When Googling "natural anti-viral" many things come up, and EGCG being one of them. I came across this repeatedly: "Studies have indicated that EGCG inhibits replication of HIV-1 by targeting several steps in the life cycle of HIV-1. In high nonphysiologic concentrations, EGCG reportedly interferes with reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease activity.".... I have also read: "no studies to date have evaluated the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic characteristics of EGCG in individuals INFECTED by HIV-1.".. So I had decided to add it & see what happens.. 

But I'm now thinking I might finish the bottle I have & then stop. Only because I had recently added the Osteo Bi-Flex after reading Chondroitin sulfate has anti-viral effect. If I am taking both and my viral load does lower, how will I know which is causing it? So, yeah... I'll probably stop after this bottle, and then see if the Osteo Bi-Flex has any effect. If not, I'll drop it & start the EGCG.

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)
Moving on to the N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) supplement. My alternative medicine doctor had put me on it for oxidative stress. "Oxidative stress has emerged in recent years as a suspected component in the pathogenesis of HIV disease.". Make sure you read up on NAC, it seems to be very important. And has been shown to be immune enhancing as well as suppress HIV replication.

CoQ10
I just recently started taking CoQ10 after I read it can help combat fatigue and boost a weak immune system (particularly for those with HIV). I also read It helps boost athletic performance. And it's found that CoQ10 levels are low in people who exercise excessively. I do go to the gym 4 - 5 times a week for about an hour. I wouldn't call that excessive, but I know it's more than most people. So, being HIV+ and the amount I go to the gym I figured it was something to start taking... I'm almost done with the 1st bottle.... Do I feel any different?... Not really.. lol .. So this 1st bottle might be my last.

Vitamin C
Well, this one is a given.. I think vitamin C is the 1st thing we think of when wanting to boosting the immune. But if you were to read on what effect vitamin C has on HIV, it's pretty interesting. In high dosages (more than what can be taken orally) it's been shown to kill HIV.. Well, in too high doses you get Nausea, Vomiting, Heartburn, indigestion, Intestinal cramps, Flushing (redness of the skin), Diarrhea, etc. .. Fun! Fun! ~ So since we won't be having none of that, I only take it to keep the immune up.

At the moment i'm taking C in capsule form. But I would say if your positive, to take Buffered Vitamin C Powder (my opinion). Buffered C allows a much higher dose in an easier manner. I'd rather drink a 6oz cup of vitamin C than swallow 4 capsules... I'll be switching back to buffered powder once I finish my bottle of capsule form.

Vitamin D
My doctor had checked my vitamin D levels 8 months back & found I was a bit low. So I started taking it in liquid drop form. I was told it takes a while to build up in your system. And I guess that's true, because it took up til' now for me to reach a normal level.

They're really focusing on vitamin D right now. Every doctor I've gone to ask's if I'm taking a D supplement. And you see commercials pushing it as well. Seems vitamin D does many things. It regulates calcium and phosphorus, is essential to a healthy immune system, a potent anti-inflammatory, helps regulate blood sugar levels, helps lower blood pressure, and benefits, or helps prevent a huge list of diseases...
 
Multivitamin
I pretty much take a multivitamin to make sure I'm getting all of my vitamins and minerals. But I make sure the multivitamin I am taking has at least 200mcg of Selenium and good percentage of Beta Carotene. A few years back I took a Vitamin Deficiency Test and found I was low in Selenium, Beta-Carotene, and B-12. The test then told me the proper daily dosage to take of each supplement to correct the deficiency. It just so happens Selenium & B-12 are two major ones HIV positive people are deficient in. I highly suggest getting a Vitamin Deficiency Test...

2 comments:

  1. Firstly I just want say I am OVER THE MOON to see another blog on researching alternative therapies like mine! GO FOR IT MATE! Its a freaky but amazing journey thats for sure.
    Youve found many things I havnt tried but I hope my treatments inspired you too.
    Good to see youre on all the vitamins especially the C and D. Is it D3? What country are you from. You might want to state your Country and age and sex in your title just for interests sake. I will read it all and make other comments for sure! do well and please message me any time.

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  2. Thanks Researcher!... I've actually watched some of your videos this past year. You & a few others inspired me to start my own blog.. To let others know that there are natural options that DO work, rather than the drugs..

    Yeah, I take D3 drops... And thanks for reminding me to put up more personal info. Was a' bit overwhelming when I went to put this blog up and had forgot... :)

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