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.
My cd4 count is 395 till date I not start ARV. Requst tell me how am I increase it without medicines
Please read the answers above. The only way to increase your CD4 count and to keep it high is to take HIV meds. With a CD4 count of 195 it is a good time to start treatment. All guidelines say this and most guidelines say to start even earlier.
M HIV positive with cd4 count of 195 what can I do to boost my cd4 count without taking treatment
Hi Mungo
The time for HIV progression varies a lot between different people.
For some people this could be less than a year and for other maybe ten years or long.
Modern HIV treatment is very effective.
Most guidleines recommend treatment after the CD4 count is below 500 – with some guidleines recommending treatment for everyone, including at higher CD4 counts.
If your CD4 count is 470, how long can it take for you to reach the AIDS stage if you are not on ARVs?
Hi Liberty
The answer to your question is yes. Even if your Cd4 count was lower still, it doesn’t mean you will have symptoms.
This CD4 count is very low though, so at some point, probably very soon, you could have very serious problmes.
I hope your doctor has recommended treatment and that you have started now.
This is very important.
Can someone be able to move,talk and walk with a cd4 count of below 30 ???? please help because my doctor told me my cd4 is 15 and i can’t believe.
Hi,
To keep your CD4 count strong and above 500 you will have to continue to take ART. Without it your CD4 count will go do and you can become ill. HIV treatment works very well today and many people can expect to live as long as people who do not have HIV.
Hi, my question is……when i was diagnosed with hiv, my CD4 count was 488 last year March 2015. If my CD4 count reaches 500 and above, will i still take the ART ?
Hi Khanyi, CD4 coutns go up and down for many reasons. Vitamins do not affect your CD4 count. It is good you are doing well but the info on the i-Base site is based on scientific research. No vitamine study have been able to show this.