HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS~ WHAT EXACTLY IS HPV?
HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS~ WHAT EXACTLY IS HPV?
By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT
Human Papillomavirus, or HPV as it’s commonly referred to as, has been discussed quite often lately. However, do we really know what it is and how it’s spread? Having a good understanding of this newly discussed virus can help you make informed decisions regarding the health of you and your family.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is considered to now be the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), this according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can be transmitted even without having any symptoms through skin-to-skin contact while engaging in any type of sexual activity. The signs can sometimes lay dormant for years before “making themselves known”. So, it can be extremely difficult to know who one contracted HVP from in the past.
One of the most common signs of HPV is the development of warts. According to the Mayo Clinic, these can range from Common Warts are raised bumps typically on the hands and fingers, Flat Warts are flat topped warts often found near the mouth, Plantar Warts can be painful and commonly show up on the on the fingers, hands or feet. Lastly is Genital Warts which is exactly what is sounds like. These warts, sometimes these show up in clusters resembling cauliflower, are found on both male and female genitalia, as well as the anus, vagina and cervix.
While there are many types of HPV, it is considered to be so researched because it can be one of, but not the only, causes of certain cancers. The article ‘HPV and Cancer Risk’ on CancerCenter.com discusses this further. We’ve learned that such cancers like anal, cervical, vaginal, penile, tongue and tonsils are of higher risk for those with HPV. They suggest opting for the HPV vaccine and the first line of defense to keep risk low.
HPV is typically diagnosed by either an HPV test or Pap Smear. If there is a positive diagnosis, don’t panic. It is believed that while it can be a risk factor in some cancers, it is often very treatable and often the body naturally fights it off. It is important to always use proper protection during sexual activity to not only protect yourself, but to protect others. Opting to have the HPV vaccine is something you can discuss with your medical provider.
I like to remind people to support their immune system with antioxidants. However, I have had a lot of success with the below supplement list for those that have received a positive diagnosis. As always, follow your doctor’s recommendations and work with a wellness practitioner (like an Invite Health nutritionist) for ongoing support.
Women’s Multi: Starting with a good base multivitamin is key. The Women’s Multi gives a foundation of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, along with some diindolylmethane (DIM) to help support healthy hormone levels. Men should try the Men’s Multi to help support healthy prostate, hormones and sexual function.
Shilajit 50 Max: This is sourced from the Himalayans and is made up of trace minerals, fulvic and humic acids. It has been long believed to help boost the body’s immune system. (More on product in a spotlight article).
Methyl-B: According to an article from MedicalNewsToday, incorporating b-vitamins such as folate and B-12 may help lower risk of cervical cancer. HPV is a risk factor for certain types of cancers, including cervical.
Probiotic Hx Women: This is a great probiotic to add for anyone that has been diagnosed with HPV. It not only supplies probiotics for the gut, but also thyme and garlic which are believed to have antiviral benefits.
Mushroom Hx: Medicinal mushrooms have been shown to be beneficial in fighting HPV, particularly Reishi and Shiitake mushrooms.
Resveratrol Max Hx: A study from PubMed titled ‘Resveratrol Against Cervical Cancer: Evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies‘, Resveratrol has been shown to help reduce tumors and therefore help to improve survival.
Indole-3-Carbinol w/DIM: This is been shown in studies, reported by Cancer Cell International, that Indole-3-Carbinol and DIM may be effective in those with HPV. This study ‘3,3′-Diindolylmethane and Indole-3-Carbinol: Potential Therapeutic Molecules for Cancer Chemoprevention and Treatment via Regulating Cellular Signaling Pathways’ claims that “I3C modulates estradiol metabolism by inhibiting the production of 16α-hydroxy estrone, a genotoxic and tumor-promoting metabolite that causes inappropriate DNA synthesis. On the other hand, I3C promotes the production of 2-hydroxy estrone, a metabolite effective against hormone-dependent cancers, and inhibits papilloma growth”.
Green Tea Tx: This powerful antioxidant always amazes me. MedicalNewsToday discusses the use of home remedies and their effectiveness. They have shown that green tea may be helpful for those suffering from plantar and/or genital warts, which can be caused by HPV.
I also recommend a clean diet free of alcohol, sugar, processed foods, soy, and gluten and dairy. Focus on lean proteins, some fruits and a lot of vegetables.
www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20351596
www.cancercenter.com/risk-factors/hpv-cancer
www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv/should-i-get-tested-hpv
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19939441/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4197384/
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/folic-acid-for-hpv#dosage
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10420791/
https://plantmedicines.org/mushrooms-human-papillomavirus-hpv/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36558430/
https://cancerci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12935-023-03031-4
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321036#home-remedies
