AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a syndrome caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The illness alters the immune system, making people much more vulnerable to infections and diseases. This susceptibility worsens as the syndrome progresses.

HIV is found in the body fluids of an infected person (semen and vaginal fluids, blood and breast milk). The virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy, delivering the baby during childbirth, and through breast feeding.

HIV can be transmitted in many ways, such as vaginal, oral sex, anal sex, blood transfusion, and contaminated hypodermic needles.

Both the virus and the syndrome are often referred to together as HIV/AIDS. People with HIV have what is called HIV infection. As a result, some will then develop AIDS. The development of numerous opportunistic infections in an AIDS patient can ultimately lead to death.

Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of AIDS are caused by the deterioration of the immune system and the decline of CD4+ T cells, which are the immune system's key infection fighters. As soon as HIV enters the body, it begins to destroy these cells. Some common symptoms include:

Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
Dry cough
Memory loss, depression and neurological disorders
Pneumonia
Profound, unexplained fatigue
Rapid weight loss
Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
Red, brown, pink or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose or eyelids
Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin or neck
White spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat

Natural Cures for AIDS / HIV:
While there is no cure for HIV or AIDS, there are a number of home remedies that can extend and improve the quality of life for those who have contracted it. It is important to consult with your doctor before starting any treatment, as HIV and AIDS are life-threatening illnesses.

MULTIVITAMIN:
Research indicates that many people with AIDS have deficiencies of several nutrients. One study found that HIV-infected people who took a multivitamin/mineral supplement every day experienced a slower onset of AIDS than those who did not.

ALPHA LIPOIC ACID (ALA):
Preliminary evidence suggests that alpha lipoid acid (ALA) may be helpful in managing HIV. ALA is a powerful antioxidant that raises levels of glutathione in the body, an amino acid that is crucial to maintaining health immune-system function. ALA may also curb the replication of HIV by slowing the replication process.

VITAMIN C:
According to a 1998 study, Vitamin C has the antioxidant potential to minimize cell damage and reduce the overall amount of HIV in the body. Injections of Vitamin C in extremely high doses seem to hinder the growth of the HIV virus.