Care About Your Body and Health

(Acquired immune deficiency syndrome) AIDS, first described in 1981, is caused by a virus that not only damages tissues, but also increases vulnerability to many disorders, especially infections. These result from the progressive destruction of the immune system by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus is transmitted when a body fluid of an infected individual-blood, semen, vaginal secretion, or breast milk-is absorbed into the blood-stream of a healthy person. The major exception appears to be saliva, which has never been shown to be a carrier.

When the disease was first discovered in the United States, most cases were transmitted by male homosexual activity, in contrast to the underdeveloped nations, where AIDS was spread mostly through heterosexual intercourse. Now most cases in the U.S. are transmitted by the sharing of hypodermic needles and heterosexual intercourse, with women accounting for a large percentage of new cases. Before development of an HIV screening test in 1986, a number of cases were contracted from contaminated transfusions and the coagulation factors used to treat hemophilia.

Whenever a virus enters the body, a healthy immune system produces a variety of fighter cells, which include the T-cell lymphocytes. HIV invades T-cells and uses their genetic material to multiply itself. The virus eventually destroys the T-cells, producing many new HIV particles in the process. In time, the immune system is over-whelmed by the infection, and the person becomes increasingly susceptible to the infections and other disease that make up the AIDS complex.

It takes an average of 10 years from the time of infection to develop full-blown AIDS, and throughout that entire period, contact with body fluids from the person harboring the virus can spread the infection.

Homeopathy is based on the theory that the cause of an illness is similar to its cure. Thus, treatment involves giving a small amount of a very diluted natural substance that, if taken in larger doses, would cause the same symptoms as the ailment itself.

WHEN IT IS USED

Homeopaths claim to treat virtually all conditions, but most concede that their methods work best against chronic disorders such as headaches, allergies, intestinal disease, and asthma. Remedies are often prescribed as an adjunct to other alternative procedures, such as acupuncture and chiropractic. Most homeopaths recommend that conventional medicine also be used for injuries, infections, and cancer and other serious diseases. In these cases, homeopathy is considered an adjunct to enhance the effect of conventional medicine.

HOW IT WORKS

Even the most enthusiastic proponents of homeopathy are not sure exactly how it works. Practitioners believe that symptoms are an expression of the body’s attempt to heal itself. Therefore, they seek the substance that produces in healthy people the symptoms experienced in the illness.

Homeopathic medicines are prepared by a series of dilutions. An extract is mixed with 100 times as much water or water and alcohol, shaken energetically, then diluted again. Shaking between each dilution is essential; substances that are diluted without the shaking do not work. This process is repeated until it is impossible to discover any trace of the original extract. Practitioners claim that the more diluted the remedy, the more effective it will be. They ascribe its effectiveness to the transmission of “vital energy” that resonates within the patient’s body. Some assume that confidence in the healer can also improve the patient’s condition.

PRECAUTIONS

-          Beware of extravagant claims by any practitioner who holds out the promise of a cure for a serious condition that is unresponsive to conventional treatment.

-          If your symptoms haven’t been alleviated in one or two homeopathic visits, it’s time to see your physician.

-          A large number of homeopathic guides and remedies can be found in health food stores. Such self-treatment should be confined to minor ailments.

Herbal medicine is the use of plants-their leaves, stems, bark, flowers, fruits, and seeds-to prevent or cure disease.

WHEN IT IS USED

For practitioners of herbal medicine, especially Chinese herbalists, there is a plant remedy for almost every disorder. In general, herbs are effective for treating minor ailments such as digestive problems, flu, cough, headache, and rash.

HOW IT WORKS

Herbal medicines that bring about a desired result are found in laboratory analyses to contain substances that trigger specific biochemical responses. For example, the inner bark of a certain type of willow tree chewed by Native Americans to alleviate headaches and other pains contains salicylic acid, the active ingredient of aspirin. Some herbalists still recommend white willow to treat headaches, arthritis, and other painful conditions, contending that it is less likely to produce stomach upset and other adverse effects of aspirin.

Unlike conventional drugs, herbal remedies per se do not have the supervision of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, the consumer has no way of knowing whether an herbal product has been subjected to scientific testing to measure its safety and effectiveness. FDA rules require that herbal products be marketed as foods or food additives and that their labels not make specific medical claims or provide dosage information. Hence, people who use herbal remedies usually turn to books or rely upon the advice of an herbalist or other alternative practitioner.

PRECAUTIONS

-          Many plants are poisonous. Make sure that you know exactly what is in an herbal remedy before you take it internally.

-          Before using any herbal remedy for a child’s illness, consult a pediatrician or pediatric nurse.

-          Take only the recommended dosage. Herbal products that are safe in small amounts can produce severe side effects when taken in larger doses. For example, a plant substance that may be an effective laxative in small quantities can often provoke severe diarrhea when taken in a larger dosage.

-          Monitor yourself for possible side effects. If you develop a widespread rash, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or other signs of a severe reaction, call a doctor or go to your nearest emergency room because you may be having an anaphylactic reaction.