Cervical Dysplasia and HPV: Naturopathic Perspectives
According to the American Cancer Society last year over 12,000 women were diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer , and more than 4,000 women died from this disease. Fortunately, if detected early, cervical cancer is highly curable. Since January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to bring to light what you can do to protect yourself from cervical cancer as well as deal with precancerous lesions.
Safe Sex Practices
Since almost all cervical cancer are linked to Human Papillomavirus (HPV), this virus that causes genital warts, safe sex practices are very important in preventing this cancer. This virus is easily transmitted by genital-to-genital contact. It is estimated that 80% of the adult population may be infected.
Of the 120 HPV types, 16, 18, 31, and 45 are associated with the majority of cervical cancers. Although abstinence is the only absolute way to prevent HPV, consistent use of condoms and limiting number of sexual partners decreases your risk.
Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is probably one of the most important things a woman can do to prevent cervical cancer. Women who smoke are 2-3 times as likely to develop cervical dysplasia, which can lead to cervical cancer. Nicotine actually concentrates in cervical glands acting as a carcinogenic comport. It also affects our immune function and vitamin C levels, leaving us more susceptible to an HPV infection. Women who are on birth control (OC) increase the adverse effects of cigarette smoking.
Colorful Fruits and Vegetables
Making sure you get enough fruits and vegetables is important as they contain many nutrients which are protective against cervical cancer. Carotenoids (beta and alpha-carotenes) found in carrots, apricots, tomatoes, grapefruit and squashes have been shown to decrease the risk of cervical cancer. Low plasma beta-carotene in women with cervical dysplasia and cancer. Particularly, lycopene found in tomatoes has been shown to increased clearance of cancer causing HPV by 50%. Vitamin C rich foods is also important for immune function and inhibiting carcinogen formation. Cruciferous vegetables such as kale and broccoli also contain indole-3-carbinol prevents conversion of estrogen to carcinogenic forms. Aiming for 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
Folate
Folate is a B vitamin found in dark leafy greens, beans, and wheat germ. Low blood folate was moderately and consistently associated with an increased risk of invasive cervical cancer. It is believed that low folate may allow HPV into the host genome leading to cervical carcinogenesis. Women taking hormonal birth control are a greater risk of deficiency as hormonal birth control interfere with folate metabolism. Some women are unable to convert folate to it's active form and should take methylated folate (5-MTHF). Women who are prone to depression/anxiety, early onset cardiovascular disease, and miscarriages most likely need 5-MTHF. In general, women should be supplementing with 400 mcg of folate a day particularly if they want to get pregnant.
Early Detection and Naturopathic Treatment
Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should receive regular PAP smears based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists screening guidelines. Intervening early when there abnormal PAPs with positive HPV and/or precancerous lesions is an important step in preventing cervical cancer. The good news is that naturopathic medicine can treat abnormal PAPs and HPV infections as well as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I and II. A typical treatment involves immune support and key nutrients for prevention of disease progression as well as vaginal suppositories. In my practice, some of the nutrients and herbs I use are Vitamins A and C, 5-MTHF, thuja, goldenseal, and green tea. I had a patient who had CIN and HPV positive for 2 years. After following a 6 month protocol, was elated to have her first normal PAP and to be HPV negative.
Ready for clear HPV naturally? Then schedule a naturopathic appointment with Dr Ivy.