You have the power to make your immune system stronger. It’s not always easy, but if you do the best you can, you’ll stay healthy longer. Here are some ideas:

• Get enough sleep and rest. When you can’t sleep for long stretches, take naps.
• Get exercise and fresh air. Just do it. Going for a walk counts as exercise.
• Eat healthy, nutritious food. If you can’t eat or don’t feel like it, drink a liquid food supplement, milk or juice.
• Take a multi-vitamin every day to help restore your body’s vitamins and minerals.
• Drink lots of water, especially if you are taking HIV medicines. Tap water is good.
• Try to quit or cut back on alcohol and drugs, or consider a drug substitution that’s less harmful for you.
• Try to quit or cut back on smoking.
• Try to get regular medical care.
• Focus on the positive, healthy things that you do for yourself…and be proud of yourself when you do them.
• Don’t give up.

Complementary or alternative therapy can be used along with HIV treatment. Some examples are: acupuncture, massage, yoga, herbs and vitamins. These natural treatments are not going to cure you (there is no cure for HIV yet), but they can help boost your immune system, reduce stress, symptoms and side effects, and help you feel more in control of your health. If you decide not to take prescription medicines or if the meds no longer work for you, instead of doing nothing, try complementary treatments.