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,
I had a low cd4 count in October 2015, which was 318 and i was advised to take ARVs at the clinic , i was not ready and asked the nurse to give me just one month to try and boost my cd4, she agreed and i went to shoprite , bought vitamins capsules in december i went for bloods and it went higher. Im still taking them as it was recomended by the phamarcist….
I feel great.
What is the possibility for a HIV patient to have HIV negative children?
Hi,
Many people with HIV safely have HIV negative children. You can find more information about this here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy.
Hi,
It is important for everyone, especially people with HIV to eat well. Eventually you CD4 count will start falling but once it reaches a certain point you should start treatment. This is different in different countries, but usually about 500. Once you start treatment your CD4 will slowly start to rise again.
My CD4 is 582 and the doctor say i should not have stress and i should eat well for my CD4 count to be good.. is this true?
No, no, no, no, no.
Not drinking it, not washing with it.
Definitely no.
Is it true that cider vinegar can cut down the viral load?
Hi,
A CD4 count of 428 is strong. It is well above the level where you would have to worry about HIv related infections. Has it been going up since yo started treatment?
My CD4 count is 428 is it normal? I am on ARV.
Hi,
Your CD4 count is strong. The only way to increase CD4 count is to take HIV treatment. If you are not on treatment you can talk to your doctor or clinic about when they recommend you start. If you are already on treatment keep taking it and usually your CD4 count will rise!