Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. Dear Doctor:
I am a 54 yro old WM who has known of his sero-status since 1986.
Since 1996, I have been on a triple combination of anti-viral
drugs: crixivan, 3TC, DDI. Five (5) years ago, I developed
osteoporosis and I am now on fosomax. In addition, I have
respiratory problems for which I take Advaire, Servent, and
Albuterol. My CD4 count is @ 400 and my load has been undectable
since I started the triple combination of drugs in 1996.
Question:
I have been recently reading about the medical benefits of
drinking at least 7-8 cups of black (or green) tea daily and its
effect on the development of healthy T-cells, plus its ability to
help the body fight both viral and bacterial infections. I do not
like my tea unsweetened. I attempt to limit my consumption of
sugar because of the possibility of developing thrush.
Do you suggest any way I can sweeten my tea without using any artificial or natural sweeteners? Have there been any studies regarding the involvement in absorption of the drugs I am presently taking which might be affected by the increase in consumption of artificial sweetners (aspertame or sacharrine)?
Thank you for your provided information.
Trevor Hawkins, M. D.
Associate Clinical Professor, Dept. Family Practice, University New Mexico
Medical Director, Southwest CARE Center, Santa Fe, NM
As someone born and raised in the UK I regard black tea as akin to mother's milk; that's me and not science. Science does tell us that tea drinkers may be protected against some forms of cancer and have less heart disease.
With 400 T cells you are not at high risk for thrush; nevertheless lots of refined sugar is not a great idea. Try sweetening your tea with honey or drink it with lemon or a little milk (for black tea not green). I have not seen any data to suggest that artificial sweeteners affect absorption or cause any other problem in people with HIV.
Experiment with different kinds of tea; I drink different teas depending on the time of day and some are harsher than others.
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