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.
Hi Susan,
I’m not sure why anyone would suggest that you need to take crystal cell. When someone is positive and has a CD4 count of 323 they need to be on medication, so ARVs. Its the ARVs that will help control your HIV and improve your CD4 count, this and this alone. As you’re yet to start meds, you may find this helpful:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
I tested HIV positive and I did my cd4 it was 323 and I was advised to take crystal cell to increase my cd4 is this possible or I start art
Hi Siya,
As long as you’re on medication which you are, then there shouldn’t be any major issues. Since starting the meds your CD4 will have started climb and your viral load will have decreased. Maybe someone could go with you when you collect the results?
Hi there my name is Siya and i have diagnosed with HIV since 2011 but was so in denial to an extent that i started sleeping around out of anger and only last year December did i go to the clinic for a check up after having warts around my private part and was told that my CD4 count is at 54 and started treatment since. I am now scared to go fetch my results as i do not know what they with hold? Do you think i am at a high risk of dying?
Hi Aviwe,
I can’t say what the pimples are, a doctor will need to see these.
If you’re no longer on meds and your CD4 was 252 when diagnosed you need to restart. If the people at your clinic are unprofessional make a complaint about them. Their job is to be supportive you, not to judge you. Though you defaulted, they should be happy that you’re ready to restart.
If possible when you do go back to the clinic ask them if its possible to have a CD4 test as well as a viral load tests. You may also need to have a resistance test done.
Though meds can sometimes difficult in the beginning, its important to stick with them.
Hi I have been diagnosed with HIV since November last year and my CD4 count was 252 and I was told to start taking the treatment and I did bt along the road in three months time I stopped taking my treatment andf now that I have noticed that am growing pimples that are itchy and painful, so should I go back to the clinic or? and I am afraid they are going to shout at me ans swear at me .
Hi Amy,
The weight loss could be due to a number of things, one of which is stress. Do you know what your CD4 count is?
The World Health Organisation’s recommendations are that everyone who is positive should be on medication. This is more important if you have a CD4 of less than 200. Being on medication will allow you to take control of your HIV. Also once on medication, when your viral load becomes undetectable then you can’t transmit HIV to sexual partners.
For more info about starting medication please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
When are you next back in clinic?
Hi. I am tested Hiv. But didnt start yet with my treatment. And im always suffering with gastroein. I got no appetite and im loosing weight as i can see. Can it be that my imminume system is low?
Please help. And should i get the Arv on the same day, if i have to go again for Hiv test
Hi Sam,
Your CD4 count is very low. If you’re feeling ill you need to discuss this with your doctor, and is possible as soon as possible.
Now that you’re on treatment in time your CD4 count will rise. Its important however that you look after yourself. The following link may be of some help:
http://i-base.info/qa/4643
Hi my cd4 is 30 i started taking ARV with nucotrim but i have nausea feeling and have no energy i feel weaker and weaker. Will i ever get well and how long will this last