The human papillomavirus or HPV is a fairly common sexually transmitted infection in the general population. Surely you have heard that it is harmless. However, some types of viruses can generate well-known genital warts, and in some cases, almost 12 of these types of viruses could transform into cancer.
Daily, you should include foods in your diet that help you improve your health, especially if you have been diagnosed with HPV. This infection can be easily controlled by our immune system and will be the best ally you will have to fight the symptoms that this virus brings.
If you want to know more, we invite you to continue reading this FastlyHealarticle, where we will explain how to increase your defenses to fight HPV.
Table of Contents
What is HPV, and how to know if I have it?
HPV or Human Papilloma Virus is a sexually transmitted infection, including a large family of viruses that affect the mouth, genital-anal area, and the skin. There are more than 200 types of HPV, including those with a low and high risk of cancer.
The transmission mode of HPV is through direct contact during sexual intercourse in women and men. The Vaccine Advisory Committee and the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) describe that at least 40% to 80% of HPV infections occur sexually. And in addition, at least 80% of women will have been infected with the human papillomavirus in some of its types throughout their lives. Specifically in Spain, the annual prevalence oscillates around 14% for 2018, according to the AEP.
HPV infection is common. Some people have no symptoms and feel perfectly fine.
How to know if I have HPV
The immune system will manifest symptoms if we have low defenses. Some of them are:
- HPV warts.
- Genital warts.
- Bumps
- Bulges
Depending on the immune system, these vary in size according to their severity and can appear and disappear. If your immune system is robust, it can treat HPV independently. In addition, there is a well-known rule that the HPV that causes the typical warts is less likely to become cancer. Otherwise, it happens with the high-risk HPV that does not manifest any symptoms.
But how do I know I have HPV? Simple, you can perform your gynecological check-up at least once a year. The presence or absence of HPV, the pap smear, and the HPV test can be determined through tests.
Can my defenses fight HPV?
Your immune system likely eliminates HPV warts naturally, and, in case your defenses are deficient, the doctor will have to remove them with the implementation of some treatments.
HPV is a virus that can remain present in the body, except that you can lead an everyday life without symptoms. Your defenses will indeed be your best allies when fighting the signs that the human papillomavirus brings with it.
When feeling threatened by the virus, your defenses begin to produce antibodies to defend your body against any virus, bacteria, or parasites. The result is that you can completely get rid of the infection or at least alleviate its symptoms, but it all depends on how well your immune system is doing. Next, you will learn how to increase your defenses to fight HPV.
How to increase defenses against HPV
Now that you know the importance of the immune system against the virus, you are probably wondering how to increase your defenses against HPV. Here we will recommend some critical tips for having a sound immune system. Mainly, healthy and stress-free life is the magic recipe to have your immune system strengthened. This implies:
- Eat healthy and balanced.
- Get regular exercise.
- Meditation or yoga is excellent for channeling stress.
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
What can I eat to strengthen my immune system? How to raise the defenses to eliminate HPV? For your reasons must be maintained to include in your daily diet foods such as:
- Seafood: ideal to boost your health, do not forget to include them in your diet since they are high in selenium, the best component as a shield for the immune system.
- Citrus fruits: consuming citrus foods high in vitamin C such as lemon, mandarin and orange naturally strengthen your defenses.
- Garlic: Garlic is rich in antioxidants and allicin, which is why it becomes by nature a natural antibiotic and an excellent protector of the immune system, naturally raising the defenses.
- Carrot: preferably raw to prevent it from losing its properties, the carrot strengthens your defenses helping you fight against any virus.
- Red fruits and nuts: blueberries, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, almonds, and hazelnuts efficiently strengthen and optimize your immune system.
The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) describes that some vitamins and minerals such as selenium, zinc, vitamin A, C, and D, participate in the proper functioning of the defenses.
But it is essential to mention that food alone will not prevent the human papillomavirus. The only way to avoid it is by using protection during sexual intercourse. What is certain is that food will be your ally when it comes to increasing defenses and fighting HPV.
Learn more foods and ideas in the article Foods to strengthen the immune system.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to increase defenses to fight HPV, we recommend entering our category of the Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.