The effect of aging, nutrition, and exercise during HIV infection

[gemini20]

I've been searching for articles about exercise and its impact on t-cells (for some reason mine have dropped from 475 to 281, and I wondered if I'd been hitting the treadmill too much!) and came across this really comprehensive article published last month that I thought others might be interested in reading (download full article rather than the abstract).

http://www.dovepress.com/the-effect-of-aging-nutrition-and-exercise-during-hiv-infection-peer-reviewed-article-HIV-recommendation1

If it's more appropriate in the Nutrition forum perhaps a moderator could move it for me - though I think it deserves a wider audience!

Thanks,

Emma

[aztecan]

Hey Emma,

I thought the discussion of immunosenescence in people who are aging with HIV was interesting. This is an issue I have thought about, and wondered whether it might not play some part in the long-term health of we who are in the LTS crowd.

There were no real new conclusions offered that I had not heard discussed before, but the discussion of nutrition and moderate exercise was interesting.  I agree with the statement that more research is going to be needed because this issue is going to grow, not disappear.

On a side note, you said your T cells had dropped. What about your viral load? Are you still taking ARVs?

Just being nosy - as well as concerned.

HUGS,

Mark

[gemini20]

On second reading I agree that the article doesn't come up with any new conclusions but I was pleased to find something that was so detailed on these three particular aspects of life with HIV.

 

On a side note, you said your T cells had dropped. What about your viral load? Are you still taking ARVs?

My viral load is still undetectable but both % and actual numbers have dropped over the summer (33 down to 24% and 475 down to 281). I am still on my boosted Darunavir only regime and have only missed a handful of doses over the last four months.

The only other factor that might have affected the numbers is I had a bad reaction to a local anaesthetic from dental work about four days before getting blood taken and wonder if that might account for it.

I'm really hoping its just a blip because it's never good to see the numbers dropping when I am on the meds.

On the flip side I do still feel fantastic and am running up to 12 miles a week and cycling between 12-15 miles so I'm not going to stress the numbers too much!

Thanks for your concern Mark (not nosey at all!)

Emma

[Jeffreyj]

Ema,
Thanks for posting the article. That is a blip I hope, how often do you get your labs? Every 4 months?

If I also may ask, what reaction did you have at the dentist? (Not nosey, just concerned)

HUGS

Jeff

[Granny60]

Just a word of caution again.... Many benzodiazapines ( a class of about 40 muscle relaxants, sedatives, antixiotics, amnesics such as Midazolam, and etc) are constrained  for use in people taking some HIV meds.  Make sure you are familiar with the product label of the meds you are taking. Some anesthesiologists, dentists, and doctors are not familiar enough with HIV meds to have all drug reactions on the tip of their tongue.  Some reactions can be life threatening. Your pharmacist can also give you a product label or a list of meds to avoid.

[BT65]

Emma, I hope your numbers go back up!

[gemini20]

If I also may ask, what reaction did you have at the dentist? (Not nosey, just concerned)

Hi Jeff, about 12 hours after the anaesthetic and dental work I got fever/chills; diarrhoea, vomiting; and excruciating headaches prior to going to the dentist I had been 100% healthy and well so can only conclude that something went wrong as a result of the dental treatment.

Some anesthesiologists, dentists, and doctors are not familiar enough with HIV meds to have all drug reactions on the tip of their tongue.

I think that was part of my problem Granny60; I hadn't been to a dentist for about 8 years but broke off half a tooth so had to sign up with a new dentist for an emergency appointment (I did disclose my status but she never asked me anything about my treatment and my meds do interact with Lidocaine). Needless to say I won't be going back to that dental practice again in the future.

Emma, I hope your numbers go back up!

Me too BT! I bloody hate it when the numbers do silly things like drop!

Thanks,

Emma

[andres101984]

Wait a minute!
So its not good to exercise too much??

[Grinch]

Wait a minute!
So its not good to exercise too much??

That's not what the article says.  Anecdotally, since beginning a regimen of resistance training, plyometric training, and enhanced diet with Glutamine and protein supplements, I have more energy, significantly fewer gastric issues, and a general sense of better health. I look and feel better than I have in 15 years.

The article speaks specifically about Glutamine, whey protein, and fish oil supplements. More study is in order but here's the conclusion of the white paper:

Age-related immunosenes- cence can increase the challenges of controlling viral loads and optimizing CD4+ T-lymphocyte cell counts. Because immunosenescence is an inherent phenomenon that may be acceleratedbyHIV,strategiesthatcanpotentiallymodifythis process should be used. Nutrition therapy may support the effectiveness of the medical treatments by improving cellular function through the supplementation of both macronutrients and micronutrients. Physical activity, known to provide a number of benefits for noninfected individuals, can exert positive effects on metabolic and cardiovascular functions while not imposing deleterious effects on the immune system.

[Jody]

Some sage advice given here Emma dearest and I think it is likely your dental issues played a role in your numbers which hopefully are a blip...Is it possible you might add another drug to your regimen as an option?  I think moderate, but not very stressful, exercise has worked well for me when I can get to the gym or out for a fresh air walk.  Good dental care is very, very much a key to good health.  Best wishes going forward Emma,  you are very lovely person indeed.

Jody

[red_Dragon888]

It's funny you should this for my T cells went from in June 2010  from 712 to 398 in October 2010.  I had lost alot of weight and I try to work out with weight at least four times a week.  My viral load is undictable, but that large drop have have me worried.  Thanks for your info.