According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, AIDS is the leading cause of death among African Americans. African Americans die from HIV/AIDS related illnesses more than any other disease or race. Religious, economic, and social obstacles have increased the inequality in healthcare. There is a stigma that surrounds the African American community as it pertains to HIV/AIDS. This stigma prevents African Americans from obtaining accurate information on prevention and combating the disease. In many cases African Americans are diagnosed too late, receive inadequate care, and benefit last from new treatments. Because there are so many intricacies of HIV /AIDS treatment, opportunistic infections, and social issues, it’s time we know the facts.

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV stops the body’s ability to fight infections, cancers and many other diseases. Many people have been infected for years without any symptoms. Even though there are no symptoms present, HIV can still be passed to others. AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS is the last and fatal stage of the HIV disease. Now that we know what it is and how it’s spread, why are our women, our people are still dieing at catastrophic rates? It’s because of social and cultural conditioning. The problem is institutional and internalized homophobia with brathas living on the Down Low. It is misinterpreted scriptures and hypocritical religion. The problem is the lack of accurate information, economic and healthcare disparities. The problem is the continued belief that HIV/AIDS is a Gay White Male Disease!

We as a community must unite as one. We must find ways to collectively end this new African Holocaust. It is every Black woman, man, and child’s responsibility to fight HIV/AIDS in our communities. Knowledge is our power. There is no armor quite like knowledge. HIV/AIDS is swallowing our race at massive proportions. It has spread through our communities because of homophobia and not enough African Americans are trying to prevent it! Get the knowledge, and then get involved. Use yourself, your voice to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Vitamins and minerals are present in the foods we eat, and in even greater quantities in whole foods which are not as processed as pre-packaged, and canned foods. The more natural the food source, the greater the levels of vitamins and minerals, or micronutrients. Micronutrients are important to our bodies as they are required only in small amounts, hence the name micronutrients.

Every function of our body requires micronutrients. This requirement is on a cellular level, with different cells requiring different types. Micronutrients help the body to regulate metabolism, release energy from foods, carry oxygen to cells (iron), help develop strong bones and teeth, improve immune system functioning, and to act as antioxidants. The human body requires micronutrients for nearly all of its essential functions, so how do you know if you are receiving enough of them? There is no single plant or animal which contains all of the vitamins and minerals the body requires. This is why for decades the medical community has been preaching the benefits of a well balanced diet. Individuals who rely on a single food source are actually damaging their metabolic balance. It is therefore even more important for those with HIV/AIDS to ensure that they eat a balanced, healthy diet.

HIV positive people may not be able to keep their micronutrient needs in check without the addition of supplements. Larger amounts of vitamins and minerals may be required to stay healthy because the immune system is working harder to fight off the HIV virus and other opportunistic infections. HIV medicine, stress, malnutrition, and digestive problems can all affect micronutrient needs. Even if you are eating very well, experts tend to agree that with HIV/AIDS, it will be hard to get all of the vitamins and minerals you will need. Supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals can be a very helpful strategy in HIV management, but you should always discuss with your health care practitioner before starting any supplements.

Not all vitamins and minerals are beneficial for people living with HIV/AIDS. Before starting any supplements, consult with your physician. The below listing is a overview of some vitamins and minerals which may be of use to you in your treatment regimen. It is very important to note that the information contained here is not a self-treatment guide! This is knowledge which can help to empower you to make informed health care decisions with your doctor. The fact is that taking vitamins can also harm you. Too much vitamins can lead to problems like diarrhea, kidney stones, vomiting, liver toxicity, and much more. Always discuss with your doctor to find the right mix for your health care needs.