Natural support for cervical dysplasia can be administered along with medical treatment such as laser or loop surgery. A visit to your naturopath for advice on the most suitable dosages for vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and herbal medicines is the best idea for individual treatment.
Diet and cervical dysplasia
Natural support for cervical dysplasia must always include dietary recommendations such as:
- Include plenty of fruits and vegetables, preferably organic.
- Choose low GI, complex carbohydrates and avoid refined, processed carbohydrates and sugary foods.
- Include adequate protein from nuts and seeds, fish and other seafood, and white meats. Protein is extremely important for a strong immune system and tissue repair.
- Include essential fatty acids in your diet such as oily fish (mackerel, salmon, mullet) and linseeds (flaxseeds).
- Avoid hydrogenated fat and animal fat.
- Drink two litres of filtered water daily.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
DIM and cervical dysplasia
Cruciferous vegetables (e.g. broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and bok choy) contain a remarkable natural, anti-cancer chemical called di-indole-methane (DIM). There are studies indicating that a diet high in fruits and vegetables, especially those higher cruciferous vegetables, has a direct protective effect against the development of cervical dysplasia into the more dangerous cervical neoplasia.
Di-indole-methane is a supberb example of natural treatment for cervical dysplasia.
Recommended natural support for cervical dysplasia
Supplements
Supplements, taken orally as well as delivered topically, have been shown to be an effective part of an integrated natural treatment for cervical dysplasia. Several vitamins and supplements have been the subject of scientific studies that demonstrated the benefits and the supportive role of supplements in a positive outcome for cervical dysplasia. These supplements are listed below.
- A good quality multivitamin supplement, high in B vitamins, zinc, selenium, beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamin E and vitamin C.
- Folic acid helps to maintain healthy cervical tissue. Folic acid deficiency has been associated with oral contraceptive use and cervical dysplasia. 5mg twice daily is a recommended dose.
- Lycopene helps to maintain healthy cervical tissue.
- Whey protein is an immune booster and can help fulfil necessary protein requirements for a balanced diet.
- Vitamins A, C and E are all essential to ensure optimum functioning of the immune system.
- Low levels of vitamin C are associated with abnormal Pap smears. Consider taking 2,000 mg daily.
- Vitamin B6 helps to maintain healthy cervical tissue.
- Zinc is recommended, especially for women taking oral contraceptives. Zinc provides antiviral action and is well-known for its immunity-enhancing function.
- Selenium has been shown to prevent cancer. Recommended dosage is 200-400 mcg a day.
- Studies on the use of DIM are showing a positive outcome for cervical dysplasia. The dose is dependent on body weight.
- Iodine applied to a tampon and inserted vaginally can be helpful Apply a few drops of Lugols Iodine (aqueous iodine tincture B.P.) to an organic cottone unbleached tampon, insert each day for 2 hours for 14 consecutive days.
NB. For best results, try these recommended supplements for a period of three months. These supplements are best taken under the care and guidance of your healthcare practitioner.
Herbal Medicine
- Immune modulating and anti-viral herbs such as Echinacea, St John’s Wort and Licorice are recommended for cervical dysplasia.
- Antioxidant herbs such as Turmeric, Rosemary and Grapeseed extract are also recommended for cervical dysplasia.
NB. You should not take any of the above herbs if you are taking the oral contraceptive pill, fertility drugs, HRT or any other hormonal treatment or other medication unless they are recommended by a registered, experienced practitioner.