Vegetarian Diet as "Alternative" Therapy for AIDS Patients.

In developing countries with little access to antiviral therapy, there is evidence that counseling and adhering to a vegetarian diet can delay the progression of AIDS.

A vegetarian diet was just one component of "alternative" therapies that included massage, yoga, acupuncture, and cessation of smoking. In one study in India, 85% of patients still had CD4 counts above 500 for as long as eight years since first infected.

In a study closer to home, HIV-infected individuals in San Francisco confirmed that acupuncture, herbs, and a vegetarian diet improved their quality of life without side effects.

In many countries, the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, including a vegetarian diet, is viewed as an alternative for patients who cannot afford costly antiviral therapy. In this country, where drug therapy is generally available, so-called "alternative" therapies have been shown to enhance the lives of people with HIV/AIDS.

Bhave G, Waglae UD, Ghanasavant B, Pai PM. 1998. Effect of holistic approach on the progression of HIV disease (8 years follow-up). Int Conf AIDS 12:360 (Abstract #22484).

Purohit A, Levine D, Aranow R, et al. 1998. Use of alternative therapies to improve quality of life for people with HIV/AIDS. Int Conf AIDS 12:850 (Abstract #42380).