\”Deficiencies of dietary vitamins,
minerals, and nutrients can lead to DNA damage and immune incompetence, permanent genetic alteration, and subsequently, a
higher risk of cancer\”— Pg.317
\”Consumption of foods
that provide rich sources of retinol and vitamin A, bioavailable
calcium, antioxidants (including vitamin C, E, carotene, lutein
and lycopene), as well as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids,
can significantly reduce the risk of in situ cervical cancer.\” —Pg.320
So I was diagnosed with HPV, not sure which type, about 10 years ago, and I have had abnormal paps ever since. I had an LEEP procedure about 5 years ago, which uses a small wire tool to remove abnormal cells from the cervix, a very minor procedure. Now, I\’m one of those people that would prefer under all circumstances to use the least invasive methods for treatment, but back then I didn\’t know much about my natural health options. Even knowing more now, I would never suggest to a patient to not undergo a needed procedure like LEEP (cone biopsy), but there are -preventative/supportive and palliative options to accompany conventional treatments, and one such option is diet, which is covered within the article posted. This article reviewed a number of different studies and the conclusions may seem obvious, but are pretty important to keep in mind. It was found that a higher intake of whole fruits and vegetables saw a lower prevalence of HPV progression, which is probably due to high antioxidant intake, among others. This information is especially important to keep in mind because a lot of people in the Western world do not meet the daily adequate intake of these vital foods. I personally try to eat at least 1 piece of fruit in the morning and 1 for lunch, and at least 5 servings of vegetables a day, either through salads, or snacks like carrots, cucumber slices or just any cut up veg that is easy to eat on the run (not going to lie, this is hard and I don\’t do it everyday). I do suggest though to cut up your fruit and veg for easy consumption when you have some spare time, and then you know your not going to hit a 2pm wall and gorge on empty calories. Smoothies that include frozen kale or spinach are a great way to get your veggie intake! This was a really interesting article for me because I can really relate and I hope it helps others that are in the same boat. Thanks for reading, and be aware and eat with care 🙂
Ref:
Article: Chih, H, Lee, A, Colville, L, Binns, C, & Xu, D 2013, \’A Review of Dietary Prevention of Human Papillomavirus-Related Infection of the Cervix and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia\’, Nutrition & Cancer, 65, 3, pp. 317-328, Alt HealthWatch, EBSCOhost, viewed 15 July 2015.