Natural Medicine Cures for HPV & Cervical Dysplasia
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus affecting sexually active women of all ages. Although HPV does affect men, diagnosis and treatment of HPV-related symptoms are usually focused on women. There are more than 100 different types of the HPV, typically categorized as low-risk or high-risk based on their likelihood of developing into cancer. Although there is no cure for HPV, alternative remedies can stave off the need for more aggressive traditional treatments.
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Misconceptions
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HPV is not just genital warts, though that's what many people think of when they hear of an HPV diagnosis. The HPV strains that cause genital warts are low-risk and do not have a direct correlation to cancer. High-risk HPV strains, often identified after a cervical dysplasia diagnosis, have a much greater tendency to develop into cervical cancer.
Diagnosis & Treatment
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HPV is typically identified through a routine pap smear; HPV has no outward symptoms. If a pap smear shows atypical or abnormal cells (within a certain range) doctors may perform further testing to determine the presence of HPV and the extent to which the cervical cells are affected.
There is no cure for HPV, and often, the infection clears up without further intervention. Traditional medical treatments are aggressive and involve removing or destroying the affected cells through surgery and laser treatments. Depending on a woman's age, childbearing intentions and other medical factors, traditional treatments and potential aftereffects may not be desirable.
Considerations
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While there are many alternative therapies for HPV and cervical dysplasia, not all of them are effective or safe. Waiting -- with regular checkups and retests -- is often recommended. But, because cervical dysplasia can develop into cancer, consult with your health care practitioner before starting any type of treatment to ensure the option is a good fit for you and your health.
Alternative Therapies
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Because the body has the natural ability to clear up the infection without intervention, this is often the best place to start if you've received a high-risk HPV/cervical dysplasia diagnosis. Most alternative therapy options are founded on an aggressive campaigns to invigorate your immune system. Regular exercise, appropriate stress management techniques and getting enough sleep all play a role in supporting your body's ability to heal itself effectively.
Nutrition
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Eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients is a critical step toward boosting your immune system. Enjoy fresh whole foods, especially dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale and swiss chard. Other deeply colored vegetables such as squash, carrots, beets and cabbage are also credited for improving immune function. Limit your intake of alcohol, caffeine and high-fat foods.
In addition to eating well, try supplementing your diet with antioxidant B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and indole-3-carbinol. Green tea (in suppository or pill supplement forms) can also be beneficial. Recommended amounts of these supplements vary by source, so extensive research and education, and a consultation with a traditional and/or alternative health care provider, can be helpful in making dosage decisions.
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References
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- Photo Credit "Clagett Farm CSA Week 18" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: thebittenword.com under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
