Q and A

Question

How can I increase my CD4 count without ARVs?

I have just found out that I was HIV positive in March, last year. My CD4 count was 270.

I did another test and it was 284 and my doctor said I must start treatment.

I just want to know what I must do to increase my CD4 count without taking treatment.

Answer

Hi, how are you doing?

The only way to increase your CD4 is to use HIV treatment (ART).

Your doctor is giving you good information and advice.

Nothing else, including multivitamins, supplements or herbal remedies can increase your CD4 count. Looking after yourself is important – for example, eating a balanced diet, keeping physically and mentally active, reducing stress, sleeping well etc.  But increasing your CD4 count is only proven by using effective HIV meds.

Even though some companies advertise this vitamins and supplements can help your CD4 count, these are scams. There is no such thing as an “immune booster” and no “immune booster” will help your CD4 count or help control HIV.

Why do you want to delay ART or look at other options? HIV meds are really effective – this is what they were designed for.

ART stops HIV from replicating.  The main aim is to reduce your viral load to an undetectable level (less than 50 copies/mL). As your viral load goes down, your immune system start to repair itself.  This means that your CD4 count will slowly go up to higher levels again.

Currently South Africa recommendation starting treatment when the CD4 count is below 500 cells/mm3. This may change in the future and treatment might be recommended at any CD4 count. (Note: South African later changed to recommends treatment at any CD4 count).

Here is a link to more information about starting treatment.  Please take your time reading it and if you have any further questions do write back to me.

Are you receiving any support from other people? Getting support from your local support group or a counsellor can help you to come to terms living with HIV. Also you will be able to gain and share experiences with others who are in the similar situation as you, rather than having to deal with it in isolation.

This answer was updated in January 2019 and January 2016 from a question first posted on 2 March 2012.

1,068 comments

  1. anita

    i found out am hiv positive since 2011.. and i am not on medication. the last time i check which is 2016 my cd4 was 685 sice den i have not gone to hospital for another checkup. i only have slide heache ones in a well and sorethroat ones in while, i also had rashes at my back that dissapeared after 2weeks. still now i dnt feel anything i have been praying and goind to pastors believing GOD can heal me.. please advice me what do now. thanks ANITA

  2. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Masilo,

    No. ARVs don’t kill people, and neither do they contain poison. They effectively control HIV in millions of people.

  3. Masilo

    Is it true that the ARV’s are dangerous and bad effect for people also poisons that kills people rather than healing them

  4. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Blessings,

    The only thing that can increase your CD4 count and decrease your viral load is ARVs.

  5. blessings

    what can I use to boost my cd4, count,and for my viral load to be undetected

  6. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Lohe,

    Yes its very possible that a persons CD4 count can drop, and drop very fast. This can however be rectified if a person is on effective treatment.

  7. Lohe

    Do CD4 counts decrease fast.

  8. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Wendy,

    Because your CD4 count is 90 its important that you start taking ARVS as soon as you can. Once on meds your CD4 count will increase and your viral load will decrease.

  9. Wendy

    Hello
    I just found out that I’m HIV positive, what worries me is my CD4 count. Its 90. What can I do/ eat to increase it.

  10. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Jane,

    What was his CD4 count when he started treatment? Other than the meds is he taking anything else?

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