There are also combination homeopathic medicines for the flu or grippe or simple fevers. These homeopathic combinations, available in tablets or liquid from your health food store or pharmacy, are very safe and have been used by Americans for over 100 years. If you read the ingredients, most often, they include Aconitum napellus 5X, Eupatorium perfoliatum 6X, Belladonna 6X, Sulfur 6X or Bryonia alba 6X. Any age person, on any medicine, can safely take these combinations. Of course, you want to use your judgment, and if you are getting worse, an antibiotic, antiviral agent, aspirin or other drugs or surgery may be needed to avoid complications.

Boosting your immune system requires paying attention to your diet by eating five vegetables and fruits everyday, and avoiding sugar. Foods like garlic and onions help your immunity. Garlic has been used for years to help the lungs get over bronchitis and colds. Try not to microwave your food.

Studies done on AIDS patients show that they can increase their depressed T lymphocyte cell counts and the immune response by writing a diary about things that bother them. Crying has been shown to strengthen the immune system too.

20 Co-factors
Dr. Jeffrey Leiphart, a psychologist who works with AIDS patients at the Center for Social Services in San Diego, California has identified 20 health behaviors, psychological issues and medical issues that facilitate progression of HIV illness or AIDS. Since AIDS by definition is acquired immune deficiency knowing about these 20 Co-Factors could boost your immune system no matter what the cause. Remember, it is all a matter of balance...and we are finding ways you can participate in your health restoration and really make a difference.

Co-Factors that facilitate progression of HIV Illness/AIDS, and Other Immune Problems. (Knowing about them can help you avoid trouble!)

Health Behaviors:
1. Restricted breathing patterns
2. Low level of water/fluid intake
3. Poor appetite/eating patterns/nutrition
4. Inadequate or disrupted sleep
5. Excess of toxins/drugs/cigarette smoking
6. Lack of physical exercise

   Psychological issues:
   

7. Excessive internal speediness/disrupted autonomic balance
8. Sustained internal survival stress (SISS) "fight-or-flight"
9. Lack of access to (comfort from) trusted support person, confidant
10. No previous crisis experience; no developed coping strategies
11. Lack of self-assertiveness/inability to say no
12. Lack of life goals/purpose/focus (with death preoccupation)
13. Fixed belief system that HIV(+) means certain AIDS & death
14. Lack of secure home/nest/safe place
15. Presence of sustained (unmanaged), (multiple-loss) grief
16. Inability to self-nurture or convalesce during illness
17. Insufficient funds to cover necessities (food, shelter, insurance)

    Medical Issues:
    

18. Passive, uninformed relationship to health & medical care
19. Repeated exposure to HIV; untreated infections (syphilis, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes, CMV, others)
20. Excessive (over) use of antibiotics and/or steroids.