Integrative approach to HPV infection and risk
HPV infection of the cervix can be prevented & treated using an integrative approach & natural treatments. Several types of cancer can be caused by the human papillomavirus.
Long standing and recent research continues to document the effectiveness of natural treatments for the prevention and treatment of HPV infection of the cervix. While the PAP smear and associated high risk HPV DNA testing have helped reduce the incidence of cervical cancer worldwide, high risk HPV infection remains common.
The following nutritional research interventions have been summarized from a webinar given by Dr Tamara Dickson.
- Folic acid: Women infected with HPV who have higher plasma folate less likely to have high level cervical dysplasia. Effect is greater if B12 levels also adequate. The safest form of folic acid would be 5MTHF.
- Vitamin D levels significantly lower amongst women positive for cervical HPV than negative. Women supplemented with Vitamin D for 6 months show regression of mild cervical dysplasia.
- Women 50% more likely to have persistent HPV infection when dietary carotenoids are low. Dietary and serum Vitamin A inversely correlated with cervical cancer risk.
- Curcumin suppresses cervical cancer cell growth and slows oncogenic expression stimulated by cigarette smoking
- Andrographis compounds inhibit HPV-16 infectivity and induces HPV infected cell apoptosis.
- 3-6 month administration of intravaginal Lactobacillus rhamnosus resulted in resolution of cytological abnormalities and greater HPV clearance. Higher percentage of healing and resolution the longer the administration.
SUGGESTED TREATMENT DOSING (alongside guidance of heath professional)
- 5 MTHF : doses vary btw 500mcg and 5mg
- Vitamin D: 2,000-10,000iu daily (determined by current serum level)
- Vitamin A: 100,000iu daily, (carotenoids up to 150,000)
- Andrographis: 200-1200mg daily
- Curcumin oral: 500-4,000mg daily
- Curcumin intravaginal capsules: 500-2,000mg x 14-21d