Diet and HPV

We’ve all picked up one of those irritating colds in the past. You know, one of those which has proven resilient and quite difficult to shake off.

But did you know that your diet could have contributed to your body’s inability to get rid of it?

Much like the common cold, or most viruses for that matter, the human papillomavirus (HPV) can be warded off by your body’s immune system.

Unfortunately, if your diet isn’t up to scratch, it can make things a bit more difficult – not getting the right sustenance into your diet can lead to long term immune system issues. These issues will need to be put right, otherwise you could end up with a lingering viral infection.

What is HPV?

HPV is one of the most commonly transmitted sexual infections in the world.

In fact, it is the number one most common sexually transmitted disease in the US, with approximately 79 million Americans infected with the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

HPV can be carried by both men and women, and the more high-risk strains can lead to serious health issues, such as genital warts or even cancer.

While there is a vaccine available for the most high-risk strains of HPV, this vaccine is usually administered when a child and is not recommended for those over the age of 26.

Fortunately, the human body is able to fight off the infection on its own, providing your immune system is functioning properly. However, for many people, this isn’t the case and people can carry the virus for months and even years.

How Does Diet Impact the Fight Against HPV?

There are a number of factors which contribute to a weakened immune system.

For example, smoking, excessive drinking and exposure to high levels of stress can all contribute to a weakened immune system; diet is also a major factor.

If you do not get enough essential vitamins and nutrients in your diet, your immune system will be operating at a disadvantage right from the off.

By ensuring that you have a healthy balanced diet – incorporating plenty of fruit and vegetables into your meals – this will help your body’s immune system to be strong and be able to fight off viral infections more effectively, such as HPV.

How Can I Use My Diet to Get Rid Of HPV?

There are plenty of things you can include in your diet to aid in the fight against HPV.

Folic acid for HPV is a common recommendation, with folate being an important B vitamin – vitamin B9. People with folate deficiency have been found to be at an increased risk of HPV.

Green tea for HPV is another recommended dietary inclusion for people with HPV or a weakened immune system; no wonder some of the oldest people in the world have sworn by the immunity boosting effects of green tea.

Green tea has been found to be packed full of a certain group of micronutrients called polyphenols, that are in turn filled to the brim with antioxidants and a multitude of health benefits.

More broadly speaking, it is of vital importance for us all to get enough fruit and vegetables in our diets. Almost all the most important foods for a healthy immune system are from the fruit and veg family, with the reason being that this is where we can get the most bang for our buck when it comes to those key vitamins and nutrients.

Should I Supplement My Diet?

While most supplements are not geared towards helping specifically with HPV, there are some supplements on the market which have been developed specifically to combat this persistent virus.

Papillex is one such supplement, created and developed by a group of naturopathic doctors who identified the most important vitamins that contribute to a healthy immune system, and those which HPV sufferers are found to be most deficient in.

These include vitamin C, vitamin B9 folate, selenium and astragalus, among a number of others.

Conclusion

Although HPV can be scary, it is reassuring to know that improving things like your lifestyle and diet can directly impact your body’s ability to fight off the infection.

By changing your diet for the better, not only will you be more likely to be rid of HPV, but you’ll have set the wheels in motion for a healthier and happier life.