Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a terrible disease inflicted upon the human body by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This is perhaps the most fearful disease in the world, as it does not present any immediate symptoms and by the time symptoms are detected, it is already too late. There is no known cure for AIDS.

How HIV is Transmitted

HIV is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids with an infected person. This most often involves sexual contact. Hence, AIDS is known as a sexually transmitted disease. When infected, a person may not present symptoms of the disease until as long as ten years later because the virus invades the cells of the immune system then remains dormant, waiting for an unknown signal to become active. HIV specifically targets immune system cells, thus destroying the body’s ability to defend itself against infections and disease.

With a compromised immune system, other infections or illnesses, such as a common cold, can easily become a fatal condition for AIDS patients. This is where garlic comes in. Studies have shown that garlic is an effective natural substance for combating infections, such as fungal, bacterial or parasitic infections. Patients with AIDS can use garlic to help fight off the opportunistic infections that can easily infect their systems because of lowered immune defenses.

Some studies have also shown that garlic can be useful in strengthening the immune system. During an HIV infection, a patient’s natural killer cell count gradually drops. Natural killer cells are cells that hunt down and destroy immune cells infected by the virus. Over time, however, the natural killer cells are slowly overwhelmed and the rate of replacement of these cells cannot keep up with the rate of infection of immune cells by the virus. Studies have shown that in patients who consume aged garlic extract, however, the number of natural killer cells in their systems rose and returned to normal within twelve weeks. This is extremely beneficial for patients with AIDS, as it helps them fight off the virus for a much longer period, instead of allowing their immune systems to simply succumb to the virus.

How Garlic Helps

Certain compounds in garlic have been found to be effective at inhibiting the production of HIV. This is important because the rate of production of the virus is a factor that makes the disease so deadly. While the virus may remain dormant for many years after infection, once it becomes active, it takes on average only nine weeks to overwhelm a patient if left untreated.

Patients suffering from AIDS should definitely consider using garlic in their fight to control and slow the progression of this terrible disease. Of the many studies conducted, many have found that aged garlic extract has the most benefits for AIDS patients. Patients can make use of this type of extract along with other garlic supplements—and even fresh garlic—to help them in their fight against AIDS.