HPV infection is one of the most common STD affecting sexually active individuals. Some of the common symptoms include genital warts. Some of the effective supplements for HPV are folate, AHCC, and Vitamin C. Herbal remedies include green tea extract, garlic, and echinacea. In addition to supplements and herbal remedies, it’s recommended to follow a healthy lifestyle to boost the immune system and fight HPV.
HPV – An Overview on Symptoms, Causes & Transmission
Human Papillomavirus or HPV is a common STD infection that affects different parts of the body. It is most commonly transmitted through vaginal or anal sex. Once infected, HPV virus can spread through skin-to-skin contact on genitalia.
Some of the common symptoms of HPV are genital warts, common warts, flat warts, and plantar warts.
Related: Genital Warts 101
According to the CDC, HPV is so common that it is estimated that 85% of sexually active individuals will get infected at some point, usually without symptoms. Although it usually resolves on its own, it can progress into cervical cancer, if it’s serious.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Human Papillomavirus
Supplements for HPV
There are several supplements to treat HPV effectively. However, it’s important to note that there is no cure yet for HPV and supplements must not be used as a replacement for proper medical treatment. Some of the best supplements for HPV are:
- Folate: Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential DNA crucial in synthesis, repair, and cell division. Found in dark leafy vegetables, folate is studied to prevent cervical cancer in high-risk HPV infections and reduce the risk of infection with multiple types of HPV.
Common sources of folate include dark green leafy veggies [spinach and kale], legumes [beans, peas, and lentils], asparagus, broccoli, citrus fruits [orange and grapefruit], avocado, okra, seeds and nuts [sunflower seeds and peanuts], beef liver, and fortified foods [breakfast cereals, white flour, and pasta]
As the dosage varies according to individuals, it’s recommended to speak with your doctor about the required amount of folate to manage your symptoms. - AHCC: Active Hexose Correlated Compound or AHCC in short, is a nutrional compound found in shiitake mushrooms. According to several studies, AHCC is found to fight infections, increase survival, and stimulate natural killer cells, which target tumor within the body. Based on 2022 research, results showed that AHCC supplementation helped eradicate high-risk HPV infection.
As more studies are required to solidify the results, please talk to your doctor before you start AHCC supplements. - Vitamin C: Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin known for its antioxidant properties. It plays an essential role in boosting the immune system which may help prevent HPV infection. Recent studies showed that Vitamin C could mitigate the risk of cervicovaginal HPV infection while another 2022 study showed that Vitamin C could reduce existing HPV infection.
Common sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits [oranges, lemons, and grapefruits], red and green peppers, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, potatoes, cantaloupe, and parsley.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of Vitamin C in managing HPV is still under research. If you’re interested in taking Vitamin C to treat the infection, please talk to your doctor first.
How to Choose the Right Supplements for HPV
When choosing supplements for HPV, it’s important to have a comprehensive approach. Here are some general guidelines to help you choose:
- Consult with Your Doctor: Before you start any supplement regimen, it’s crucial to discuss it with your doctor. Inform him/her about your health status, medications, and symptoms. Consulting your doctor will help you choose the right supplements.
- Follow a Balanced Diet: Prior to taking supplements, it’s important to follow a nutritious diet. Try to obtain the essential nutrients from food sources before starting supplements.
- Conduct Thorough Research: Before you purchase any supplements, conduct thorough research on your options. Look for supplements that are studied, tested, and approved by healthcare professionals.
- Consider Quality: Choose products that are high in quality. Look for third party testing or certifications to ensure its quality, safety, and effectiveness.
Lifestyles Modifications – Natural Remedies for HPV
While supplements are an excellent method to fight HPV, lifestyle modification can help enhance its benefits. Here are some general tips to improve your overall health to fight HPV:
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Strive to consume a balanced diet enriched with fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Having a variety of nutrients from several food sources can help boost immunity and overall health.
- Stay Hydrated: Without a doubt, hydration is key to maintaining good health. Drink adequate amounts of water to support general health.
- Quit Unhealthy Habits: Avoid unhealthy habits like smoking and alcohol consumption. According to research, smoking is linked to higher risk or HPV and HPV-related complications like cervical cancer. On the other hand, excessive alcohol consumption can also weaken the immune system. If you have these unhealthy habits, work hard to control them and replace them with healthier alternatives.
- Exercise Daily: Engaging in regular exercise is a habit that reaps several health benefits. From strengthening muscles to boosting the immune system, a little movement can take you a long way. Try to engage in at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.
- Get Adequate Sleep: Getting adequate quality sleep is key to wholesome good health. Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and lead to other problems. Try to get 7-8 hours of good sleep per night.
- Manage Stress: If you experience stress, it’s important to practice stress-reducing techniques like yoga and meditation. Chronic stress can negatively impact the immune system making it difficult to fight HPV.
- Practice Safe Sex: If you’re sexually active, practice safe sex to reduce the risk of other STDs.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Practice good hygiene techniques like handwashing to reduce the risk of infections.
- Maintain Healthy Weight: Try to achieve a healthy weight through a balance of healthy diet and regular exercise. According to research, obesity can increase the risk of HPV-related complications.
- Stay Educated: Continue to educate yourself on HPV, its types, and prevention method. If eligible, get vaccinated against different strains of HPV infection. Remember, understanding the disease will help you manage it much better.
- Screen Regularly: For individuals with cervix, it’s recommended to get regular pap smears or HPV tests.
Herbal Remedies for HPV
In addition to supplements and lifestyle modifications, here are some herbal remedies that may boost the immune system and help fight HPV.
- Green Tea Extract [EGCG]: Made from Camellia plant native to China and other parts of Asia, green tea extract holds an abundance of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate. Apart from these, the true power of green tea extract lies in the concentration of polyphenols, an antioxidant. The polyphenols in green tea are specifically beneficial in boosting the immune system and preventing cancer and other chronic diseases. Two polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate [EGCG] and polyphenol E, are excellent at treating cervical lesions.
According to studies, green tea extracts in the form of ointments and capsules effectively treat cervical lesions. - Garlic: In addition to the many health benefits of garlic, researchers also found that garlic is an effective treatment for HPV. According to studies, garlic contains allicin, a compound that suppresses the migration and invasion of cervical cancer by stopping NRF2, a protein associated with cancer progression. Adding more garlic to your diet can boost your immune system.
- Echinacea: Echinacea, a plant extract, contains powerful immunostimulant and immunomodulatory properties. According to research, echinacea extracts helped clear HPV lesions in women. Similarly, it also reduced the relapse of genital condylomatosis, an aftereffect of HPV infection.
Other popular herbal remedies that don’t have sufficient scientific studies are goldenseal root, chapparal leaf, olive leaf extract, and astragalus. It’s important to always consult your doctor prior to trying any herbal treatments for HPV.
Get Help with Dr. Mozhgan
As you can see, there are countless ways to fight HPV infection. Whether you make lifestyle modifications or start a supplement regimen, always make it your priority to boost your immune system.
If you’re struggling with HPV and are looking for guidance, contact Dr. Mozhgan, the best gynecologist in Dubai. With over 25 years of experience and knowledge, Dr. Mozhgan has helped several individuals regain their sexual health.
Book an appointment with her and take control of your health!
Common FAQs
Q1. Do supplements completely cure HPV?
No, it does not. While supplements are excellent in boosting the immune system and suppressing the virus, you must follow a healthy lifestyle to complement its benefits. When it comes to fighting HPV, it’s crucial to provide the body with adequate nutrients and supplements to boost immunity and eradicate HPV.
Q2. How long should I take supplements for HPV?
The duration for taking supplements for HPV is determined after consulting your doctor. It may vary according to individual condition, symptoms, and the supplements used.
Q3. Why is it important to have a comprehensive approach to manage HPV?
It’s important to have a comprehensive approach to manage HPV because HPV is a complex virus that can cause complications like genital warts and cervical cancer. A comprehensive approach includes a combination of lifestyle modification, vaccination, treatment, and screening. Following such an approach ensures that you reap its benefits at every step.
Q4. Does HPV go away naturally?
Yes, in some cases HPV can go away on its own. But it depends on the type of HPV and the individual’s immunity. In most cases, the immune system can eliminate the virus by itself within two years. On the contrary, in other cases, the infection can persist and develop into other problems like genital warts and cervical cancer.
Q5. How do I know if HPV has gone?
You can determine if HPV has gone by doing a follow-up test.
