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 is it possible to recover if your cd4 counter is below 30 if you start taking arvs?
Hi Busisiwe,
Some ARVs have to taken with food, and others with or without food. What ARVs are you taking? Do you take them twice daily?
Hi I’m HIV positive, is it safe take ARV s after meal or before I take them at 8pm and every day in the mornings I feel like vomiting is it safe.
Hi Pasupathi,
There aren’t any specific foods that increase a persons CD4 count. A persons CD4 count will rise with ARVs. If you’re on ARVs, you’re already doing the best thing possible.
How to increase my cd4.which food and vegetables help to increase cd4.
Hi J,
Thanks. Having a good plan like this to take your meds helps make it much easier. However, some meds need to be taken with food and others are fine on an empty stomach. So everyone should check this with their doctor.
Spacing out your vitamins and other drugs so you don’t take them at the same time as your HIV meds sounds like a good idea. But sometimes they can interact, so please tell your doctor about any other vitamins and drugs you take.
Hi one thing I learned when taking HIV meds is take them at the same time DAILY and of possible on an empty stomach that will help it absorb into the body. I take mine @ 8am sharp everyday, it took him time getting use to since I don’t like taking any kinda pill but it’s my life take and take it correctly or die just that simple. I was also told spale out any other med I may be taking so how’s so as nothing interfere with the HIV medicine absorbing into my body wether vitamins aspirin whatever else I may take space it out but take HIV meds by it self take so that nothing else will interfere with absorbing itself in my body.
Hi Kavi.
Unless your son has other health issues he won’t need to take supplements. What he’ll need are ARVs as these will help control his HIV.
My son just got hiv. He will go on treatment. And I also want to give him other supplements can please recommend. His 23 years. Can he take hempseed and 4life transfer factor plus as extra suppliment.
Hi Bosco,
No you won’t be cured if you take ARVs. ARVs control a persons HIV, not cure it.