Question
How can I increase my CD4 count without ARVs?
8 January 2016. Related: All topics, Newly diagnosed, South 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.
Hy am hiv i wanna know if its right to also use immunizer or i must just use arv only
Hi Emily, Is your boyfriend taking HIV medication (ARVs)? Taking ARVs makes it unlikely that HIV can be transmitted. If his viral load test is undetectable that will dramatically reduce the risk to you – to just about zero. Taking ARVs and eating a healthy diet can help him have a healthy life.
Hi,I am HIV negative and my boyfriend is HIV positive with CD4 count of 309.How will I help him live a healthy life and eat healthy diet?How will I prevent infection besides using a condom?
Hi Johanna, It sounds like you are feeling well, and that’s great. But many treatment guidelines around the world say that you can start treatment at any CD4 count. This means you can have better health outcomes in future. Here’s ART in pictures explaining how HIV treatment (ART) works.
Hai its possible to be HIV positive from 2006 until to date and not taking any medication? Every time when go to doctor he say virul load its normal for 12 years?
Hi Fikile,
i-base advocates aren’t medical doctors, therefore this is something that you should talk to a doctor about.
I am HIV positive and i am suffering from ilcer and gallstones i even lost a lot of weight. Can you recommend anything to use to gain weight
Hi Lehlohonolo, Are you just starting treatment? Starting treatment when someone tests HIV positive and also has TB can be difficult. Clinics often treat the TB first if you have a very low CD4 count. Treatment for HIV (ART) can then be started when TB is already being treated.
I’m HIV positive and have TB, at Clinic they only give me TB treatment. And my CD4 count is very low.
Hi Seli, Tribuss is safe and effective treatment for HIV. But it’s important that your doctor tells you how to take this medication to support you on treatment. Can you get back in touch with the doctor and ask?
Taking medication for HIV can help you have a healthy and HIV negative baby.