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[H281]Hep C And Hiv

by Paul Kanute, Pau

Today, infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) provides a dramatic demonstration of the interaction between malnutrition and infection. Transmission of the virus from mother to fetus is greater when the mother is deficient in vitamin A. The infection progresses fastest in people who are poorly nourished. And severe loss weight and muscle are hallmarks of the advanced disease, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Like other infections, HIV interacts with malnutrition in a vicious, devastating cycle. Left untreated, HIV infection progresses to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus attacks by destroying its victim's immune system. When a person is unable to fight infections and malignancies, disease quickly depletes marginal nutrient stores, speeding the way to severe malnutrition and death. But malnutrition and HIV interact on several other levels, as well:

1. Low vitamin A levels in pregnant women increase the rate of HIV transmission to their unborn babies.

2. HIV is transmitted to infants in beast milk; but in impoverished regions, substitutions for breast milk typically increase infantile diarrhea, malnutrition, and death.

3. AIDS leaves mother too weak to feed and care for their children. Eventually AIDS turns children into orphans.

4. AIDS disable parents so they cannot work to support and feed their families.

5. Reduced levels of micronutrients in an HIV-infected person are associated with faster progression of HIV disease and AIDS.

6. Weight loss and muscle wasting in an infected person are associated with faster progression of HIV disease and AIDS.

7. Infections that accompany AIDS cause fever and diarrhea, making malnutrition worse. Nausea and loss of appetite also contribute to malnutrition.

8.Severe protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is characteristic of untreated AIDS and frequently the ultimate cause of death.

As of June 200, sub-Saharan Africa had 24.5 million people infected with HIV. Southeast Asia had 5.6 million people infected with HIV, and Latin American had 1.3 million. Without treatment or cure, these people are doomed to death, usually within 10 years of the initial infection. The fate of severe PEM in millions of people appears unavoidable. If we do not arrest the continued transmission of HIV, the number of PEM victims will climb even higher.

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine, for this condition. Hence, people are instructed to follow certain preventative methods in order to keep oneself off this disease.

However, when once contracted by this infectious virus of Hep C, there is no other way out than to visit a doctor and treat the condition.

Until now, there have been no specific treatment options invented to cure this disease. Only certain changes in lifestyle, diet and antiviral medications in conjunction with bed rest is recommended by the doctors to the patients.

Once the diagnosis is done, there are several issues that need to be dealt with.

The first and foremost is to start off with a treatment program. The best way to start is with your mental health. This is irrespective of how you have contracted this disease. There is no looking back. Once you have this virus, you need to get a treatment. There is no other option.

Hep C can make you feel tired. In case, you go for a therapy, you would still feel the fatigue in you. Hence, the experts suggest a good amount of sleep and eating well. If you feel that you need a nap, don’t worry and go ahead.

Another important thing is to eat a healthy diet. Make sure that your diet includes a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Keep your self hydrated. This is very important. Drink a lot of water.

Don’t take any type of vitamin supplements without consulting your health provider. These supplements may interfere a lot with other medications you eat. Remember that too much of good things are definitely going to harm your body.

The diet pattern you maintain does a lot in your overall health. A healthy diet can improve your liver via encouraging the production of new liver cells.

You need to abstain yourself from any type of alcohol. Hep C is a liver disease and alcohol can enhance chances of liver disease. Another important thing to do is to reduce salt in your diet.

When liver disease is in a severe condition, kidneys tend to get signals that result in retention of both salt and water. The salt acts as a sponge and results in liquid build up inside the body. This liquid build up can be reduced via taking a diet low in salt.

You need to get vaccinations against Hepatitis A and also for Hepatitis B. In people with Hepatitis C, infection caused by another hepatitis strain can result in further damage to the liver.

It is true that there is no vaccine for Hep C. However, a series of shots can easily protect most people from infection with the Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B viruses. It would be better to talk to your medical practitioner regarding vaccination.

A change in life style can surely provide you a great satisfaction, when it comes to Hep C treatment.

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Both Paul Kanute & Bertil Hjert are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Paul Kanute has sinced written about articles on various topics from Supplements, Migraine Headaches and Pregnancy Problems. . Paul Kanute's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.

Bertil Hjert has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lose Weight, Health and Acid Reflux. For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about HEPATITIS please visit . Bertil Hjert's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.