By Dr. Lucy Gade

In The Abnormal Pap – Part One (please read that first), we went over the details about HPV and what lifestyle changes can be made to help clear the HPV.

What if I can’t clear the HPV virus on my own?

Let’s say you HAVE made the nutrition and lifestyle changes discussed in Part One.

Even though most people are able to clear the HPV virus without additional intervention, some people cannot. Typically, these individuals are more susceptible to chronic viral infections in general (including HPV) because of low immune response.

I find that stress, sleep disruption, poor diet and lack of nutrients are huge factors in this situation. But even people who think they are doing everything right may not be doing it right for their specific constitution.

This is where Functional Medicine can help. We offer lifestyle evaluation, a thorough clinical history and personalized testing that identifies the “root cause” of your impaired immunity. This helps us to create individualized therapy directed towards YOUR root causes.

Therapies include:

✓ Personalized antiviral protocols

✓ Correcting deficient micronutrients needed for immune function

✓ Using supplements and botanicals that support your immune system

There are many different supportive supplements that can move the needle more quickly on immune defense. These are by no means meant to ALL be used at once but these have been studied to potentially improve HPV clearance in my experience.

MICRONUTRIENTS

• Vitamin D — optimal vitamin D levels have been associated with decreased cancer risk for many conditions. Know your vitamin D level and aim for a range of 60-80. If not in that range, supplement and recheck. K-force is a great vitamin d supplement, 5,000 IU a day. Depending on your blood level and how much sun you get a day (with no sunblock on) this is a pretty reasonable dose especially in the winter.
• Folate and Vitamin B12* — are needed for normal cell division and the repair of damaged cells. Studies have shown that women taking 5mg of folate daily for 6 months had an increased clearance rate of precancerous cells of the cervix compared to women who took placebo. Folate can also be found naturally in spinach, lentils, avocados, and oranges. Vitamin B12 at 1000 mcg a day should be sufficient. This is especially important in women taking birth control pills which often deplete these vitamins.*
• Vitamin B6* — another critical vitamin for immune function that helps repair damaged DNA. The recommended dose is 25-50mg daily. For ease you can bundle the B vitamins using this supplement, Methyl B Complex — 1 capsule 1-2 times a day.
• Selenium — a mineral that is critical to normal immune system function, particularly against viruses. Low levels have been associated with increased cervical cancer risk. 200mcg of Selenium daily is sufficient. This is the equivalent of two Brazil nuts a day.
• Vitamin A — according to a study looking at 12,000 women, higher serum vitamin A levels were associated with lower cervical cancer risk. If you are not pregnant, a dose of 8,000-10,000 IU daily. If trying to get pregnant or if pregnant, use beta-carotene instead at a dose of 3000 mcg/day. Vitamin A is found naturally in salmon, broccoli, carrots, and dairy products. another critical vitamin for immune function and helps repair damaged DNA. The recommended dose is 50mg daily.
• Vitamin C* — has immune-boosting properties and a propensity for wound healing and creating healthy skin. The body does not make Vitamin C naturally. Food sources of Vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, and broccoli. Doses of 500-3,000mg/daily are recommended to help boost the immune system.
• Vitamin E — improves immune system function and lowers your risk of developing cervical cancer. It also decreases inflammation in the body and aids in tissue production and repairing damaged tissues. The recommended daily allowance for adult females is 15mg and it can be found in wheat germ, corn, nuts, olives, and peanut butter. Here is a Vitamin E supplement referral.

*NOTE: Birth control pills can deplete Riboflavin, B6, B12, folic acid, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc. So, if you are also on birth control pills (which, incidentally, can also increase your risk of HPV), you will need more than the above recommended doses.

BOTANICALS AMD HERBAL SUPPORT

• Mushroom extracts — Certain mushroom extracts are known for their antiviral and immune-boosting properties, and they’ve actually been used for that purpose in Eastern medicine for thousands of years. In particular, Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) has been extensively studied as a potential HPV treatment, and the results are very encouraging. Other immunity-boosting medicinal mushrooms include shiitake, red reishi, cordyceps, chaga, and turkey tail.
• Green tea extract — Some studies suggest that the polyphenols in green tea may help to reduce the risk of certain cancers. Drinking 4 cups of green tea a day will do it but you can also take the concentrated ECGC extract at 500mg daily. In addition, a prescription green tea extract ointment has been approved for treating genital warts (which are caused by HPV). Make sure to talk to your doctor before trying this supplement as it does have potential interactions with other medicines.
• DIM — DIM (which stands for Diindolylmethane) can enhance immune function and help to prevent the development of abnormal cervical cells. Though it’s found naturally in broccoli, it’s also available to take in a DIM capsule form to get a sufficient amount to experience its potential benefits.
• Glutathione — helps your liver detoxify harmful substances and environmental toxins. Low levels of glutathione are seen in women with abnormal cells of the cervix. Consider taking NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) a precursor to glutathione, about 300-900 mg three times per day, depending on how severe the cervical changes are.
• Curcumin — One study of 287 women with early precancerous changes of the cervix applied curcumin topically for 30 days. There was an 83% improvement in reversing these changes. Meriva (a special formulation of curcumin) at 500mg 2x/day is recommended.
• Vaginal Probiotic — creating a balance of the bacteria that live in the vagina can push out intruders, like HPV. The LACTOBACILLUS species in particular can defend against harmful organisms. A disrupted vaginal bacterial balance can also be responsible for frequent UTIs, chronic yeast infections and other recurrent bacterial infections of the vagina. Proflora Women’s is one probiotic that restores Lactobacillus as well as other necessary bacteria that make up the normal vaginal flora.

THE BOTTOM LINE

HPV is a very common infection that can cause changes to the cells of a woman’s cervix. For the vast majority of people, the immune system is able to clear HPV on its own. For those unable to clear HPV, an individualized functional approach can help. If you’re not sure where to start, call our office for an “HPV consultation” today – 516.801.1313.

Please Share the Health if you liked what you read!!!

For more information about my wellness programs and my practice, check out my website drsadaty.com. Hey Look!  You are already here…

Ready for the legal disclaimer? Information offered here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. As with any health recommendations, please contact your doctor to be sure any changes you wish to consider are safe for you!