CERVICAL DYSPLASIA
Definition: Cervical dysplasia is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the cervix, indicating either precancerous or cancerous cells.
Nutrition and Dietary Supplements
Following these nutritional tips may help reduce the chances of developing cervical dysplasia, however, any nutritional interventions should be cleared by your doctor. Some nutrients can interfere with certain medications and procedures.
•Eat calcium rich foods, including beans, almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach and kale).
•Eat more cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.
•Eat antioxidant rich foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell pepper).
•Avoid refined foods such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
•Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy is present), or beans for protein.
•Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
•Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
•Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
•Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
•Exercise moderately, for 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.
Nutritional deficiencies may be addressed with the following supplements:
•Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil daily, to help decrease inflammation and improve general health.
•A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, D, E, the B-vitamins, and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Folic acid is important in preventing cervical dysplasia and should be part of a multivitamin supplement.
•Digestive enzymes, 1 - 2 tablets 3 times daily with meals.
•Coenzyme Q10, 100 - 200 mg at bedtime, for antioxidant and immune activity.
•N-acetyl cysteine, 200 mg daily, for antioxidant effects.
•Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) daily, when needed for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health.
•Grapefruit seed extract (Citrus paradisi), 100 mg capsule or 5 - 10 drops (in favorite beverage) 3 times daily, for antibacterial/antifungal activity, gastrointestinal health and immunity.
•Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), 3,000 mg twice a day, to help decrease inflammation.
Herbs
Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to diagnose your problem before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.
•Green tea (Camelia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, for antioxidant and immune effects. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.
•Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) standardized extract, 20 mg 3 times a day, for inflammation, immune and antibacterial/antifungal activity.
•Bromelain (Ananus comosus) standardized extract, 40 mg 3 times daily, for pain and inflammation.
•Turmeric (Curcuma longa) standardized extract, 300 mg 3 times a day, for inflammation. May increase bleeding time so if you are using blood thinning medication, talk to your doctor before using turmeric.
•Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), 150 - 300 mg 2 - 3 times daily, for inflammation and for immunity. You may also take a tincture of this mushroom extract, 30 - 60 drops 2 - 3 times a day.
Several population-based studies suggest that eating a diet rich in the following nutrients from fruits and vegetables may protect against the development of cervical cancer:
Beta-carotene
Some controversial clinical studies suggest that individuals deficient in beta-carotene may be more likely to develop cancerous or precancerous cervical lesions, but this relationship remains inconclusive. Other studies indicate that oral supplementation with beta-carotene may promote a decline in the signs of cervical dysplasia. Despite these promising results, the benefit of using beta-carotene supplements to prevent the development of cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer has not been proven.
Supplemental beta-carotene may increase the risk of lung cancer, prostate cancer, intracerebral hemorrhage, and cardiovascular and total mortality in people who smoke cigarettes or have a history of high-level exposure to asbestos. Beta-carotene from foods does not seem to have this effect.
Folate (Vitamin B9)
Like beta-carotene, some evidence suggests that folate (also known as vitamin B9) deficiencies may contribute to the development of cancerous or precancerous lesions in the cervix. Researchers also theorize that folate consumed in the diet may improve the cellular changes seen in cervical dysplasia by lowering homocysteine (a substance believed to contribute to the severity of cervical dysplasia) levels. The benefit of using dietary folate to prevent or treat cervical dysplasia has not been sufficiently proven.
Folate-Rich Foods
•Black-eyed peas
•Lentils
•Okra
•Kidney beans
•Great Northern beans
•Broccoli
•Iceberg lettuce
•Beets
•Lima beans
•Sunflower seeds
•Spinach
•Brussels sprouts
•Corn
•Asparagus
•Baked beans
•Green peas
•Baked potato
•Cabbage
•Avocados
•Peanuts
•Romaine lettuce
•Tomato Juice
•Orange juice
•Strawberries
•Oranges
•Eggs
•Bananas
