Question
How can I increase my CD4 count without ARVs?
8 January 2016. Related: All topics, Newly diagnosed, Southern Africa, Starting treatment, Supplements and herbs.
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.
HI Osca,
HIV guidelines in most countries recommend starting treatment when your CD4 count is 350 or below. This is because with a CD4 count below 350 your risk of serious illness increases. A CD4 count of 238 is quite low, and it’s a good idea to think about starting treatment soon. What did your doctor say about this? It’s normal to be nervous about starting treatment. You can read more about starting treatment and CD4 in our Introduction to combination therapy guide.
Although eating a healthy diet is important to help keep you well it will not increase your CD4 count. The only thing that can do this is HAART.
jus colected my cd4 count result yestadai and it was 238.i confused dont nu whether to go on haart or wait for 2 to 3 months trying to eat highly diet
Hi
Your CD4 count is so strong that you really don’t even need to worry about keeping it this high – although there is nothing you can do that will do this anyway. As long as it stays above 500 very few doctors would recommend starting treatment and most wold say you have nothing to worry about.
Your CD4 counts will change over time. Sometimes they will be higher and sometimes lower, but as long as they are above 500 you are fine.
How you use ARVs to protect you baby from HIV will depend on i) your viral load, and ii) the guidelines for the health care in your country.
Your doctor should explain the options you have.
There is more information about all this in the HIV and pregnancy guide.
Hi am 23 year old and HIV positive, with a CD4 count of 1130. What must I do to keep it that high. I am not on any medication including haart. I am pregnant 6 months. Do I need to start ARVs or have to get that nevirapine yet?
Hi Siyamthanda,
There aren’t any specific foods that will help keep your CD4 high. But generally eating a healthy diet, not smoking, exercising regularly and not getting stressed can help maintain your CD4 count. This isn’t a replacement for treatment, however, and you will need treatment at some point. For now, however, a CD4 of 506 is very good and you can help your body maintain this by looking after your general health.
What can i eat to keep my cd4 high,is 506 nw
Hi
It is not clear from your message if you are talking about a gay or straight relationship, but either way, you will both be old enough to know and worry about HIV.
It could be good to try and find any way to talk about HIV. The longer you leave it the more difficult it is. Until then, why not just say you’d like him to use a condom until you know each other better. Then you could know you are protecting your partner and you partner might see this as a reason that you care for him.
i have HIV but my cd4 count is high but my boyfriend dont have any virus i didnt tell her about my status and know im scared because i always sleep with her without condom what should i talk to her and what are complicated for me and her
These two CD4 results would be seen as exactly the same by your doctor. The test for your CD4 count is not very accurate for any one single number. Although it sounds strange, any count between for example 260 and 320 would be interpreted at the same. There is so much fluctuation that small changes in the number don;t mean that your immune system is necessarily stronger or weaker.
The overall trend over time is more important. If your CD4 counts continue to rise steadily, or fall steadily, this is more likely to be real. But a single count, especially for such small differences doesn’t mean your immune system is getting stronger.
I know it feels nice when the test number comes back higher, but sometimes it will be lower and if this is just a small difference it isn’t a reason to be worried.
I think its not about medication to have your cd4 counts increased. My cd4 count last december was 277 and this year in february it increased to 289 and im not taking medications.