HPV
HPV is a DNA virus.
The lifetime risk of infection by HPV is high.
The majority of women who are infected with HPV will clear the virus in 2 years.
Many women are told that once they have HPV there is nothing they can do to help clear and manage the presence of HPV and they have to wait for their body to clear it.
HPV is under immunosurveillance.
The majority of HPV infections will be cleared by the immune system, or result in latent infections in which low viral copies are maintained indefinitely until injury or immunosuppression induces an active infection.
The vast majority of individuals infected with HPV will clear the infection without any clinical manifestations, however 10% of individuals will go on to develop clinical manifestations.
Spontaneously regressing lesions show the presence of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, whereas these cells are lacking in individuals with persistent disease.
Individuals with cervical cancer and dysplastic lesions have been shown to have a deficient T cell response.
Treatment of established disease requires the activation of the cellular immune system, both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
NK cells have been noted to be impaired in women with persistent HPV and cervical cancer.
The micro-environment shaped by HPV infected cells plays a role in modulating the function of innate immune cells.
The immune system is complex and a virus’s ability to evade an modulate the immune system is also complex and support of the immune system may help to clear the virus or prevent significant clinical manifestations.
Boosting the Immune System to Combat HPV
Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors such as: exercising, practicing stress management, limiting alcohol, getting enough sleep, eating immune boosting foods and targeted supplementation may help our bodies to function at their best.
Don’t smoke
Limit alcohol exposure
Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables
Exercise regularly
Try to get regular, moderate exercise like a daily 30-minute walk. It can help your immune system fight infection. You don’t want to overdo it when it comes to exercise, because that may actually weaken your body’s defenses against colds. Extreme exercise can cause an elevation in stress hormones and may potentially decrease resistance against infection.
Maintain a healthy weight.
If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
According to the National Institutes of Health, drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis can suppress your immune system making you more vulnerable to sickness. A study published in 2015 in the journal Alcohol shows that even one bout of binge drinking can slow your body’s ability to ward off infections. Alcohol can impact your natural sleep cycle and cause interrupted sleep.
Get adequate sleep.
Process stress.so that you do not internalize it
Lifestyles and mental health status are associated with natural killer cell and lymphokine-activated killer cell activities. Chronic stress exposes your body to a steady stream of stress hormones that suppress the immune system.
You may not be able to get rid of your stress, but you can get better at managing it.
Learn to meditate
Slow down
Connect with other people.
Exercise
People who meditate regularly may have healthier immune system responses, some studies show. In one experiment, people who meditated over an 8-week period made more antibodies to a flu vaccine, compared to people who didn’t meditate. And they still showed an increased immune system response 4 months later.
Laughing is good for you. It curbs the levels of stress hormones in your body and boosts a type of white blood cell that fights infection.
Develop relationships and connections
Having strong relationships and a good social network is good for you. People who feel connected to friends - whether it’s a few close friends or a large group - have stronger immunity than those who feel alone, studies show. In one study, lonely freshmen had a weaker immune response to a flu vaccine compared to those who felt connected to others.
Sleep
Studies help bear out that well-rested people who received the flu vaccine developed stronger protection against the illness. Not getting enough sleep can lead to higher levels of a stress hormone. It may also lead to more inflammation your body.
Maintain a healthy weight
Supplements
Scientific research on phytochemicals, the active components in medical plants, has always been an important source of clinical therapeutics by offering a great chemical diversity with often multi-pharmacological activity. Since ancient times, phytochemicals have been used in traditional medicine for their properties and health benefits.
Some plant extracts have been proved to modulate the IS response and numerous phytochemicals, included not only polyphenols but also polysaccharides, flavonoids and alkaloids, have been studied for their immunomodulatory activities.
Between these numerous nonpharmacological approaches for prevention and treatment of respiratory viruses, the intakes of some nutrients, such as zinc, selenium, iron, copper, b-carotene, vitamins A, D, C, and E, folic acid, and botanicals, such as Echinacea have been proposed to help.
Vitamins C and D, zinc, and Echinacea have evidence-based efficacy on the immune system.
Among these numerous nutrients, which have proven to have evidence-based efficacy on all three immune system barriers? The nutrients are vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, because all three nutrients have specific EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin D, vitamin C], zinc, and normal function of the immune system. Moreover, there is EFSA scientific opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to zinc and to vitamin C and maintenance of normal physical barriers, the first immune system barriers. Finally, for vitamin C and Echinacea there are Cochrane reviews regarding the use of these two nutrients for preventing and treating the common cold.
Inexpensive and effective natural immunomodulators could be of great value in medicine; however, lack of standardization to active ingredients, qualitative and quantitative changes in preparations, lack of rigorous test for efficacy, all contributes to inconsistencies in published results regarding immunomodulatory effects of herbal remedies.
Vitamin C
Humans cannot produce vitamin C, so we need a constant intake of it. In addition, it is chewed up with stress, so adding an additional 1,000 mg divided twice daily is a great way to keep your stores. Regarding vitamin C, regular supplementation (1 to 2 g/day) has shown that vitamin C reduces the duration (in adults by 8%, in children by 14%) and the severity of the common cold.
Zinc
Zinc deficiency is rampant, and it's such an integral player in immunity, Recommended dosing is 15 mg daily and also upping zinc-rich foods, such as oysters, crab, pumpkin seeds, and dark chicken meat. Considering zinc, the supplementation may shorten the duration of colds by approximately 33%. Patients with the common cold may be instructed to try zinc within 24 hours of onset of symptoms.
Vitamin D
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is vital to supporting biochemical reactions in the immune system.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body fight off infection. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds and spinach.
Vitamin A
Iron
Selenium
Echinacea
Echinacea prophylactic treatment with this extract (2400 mg/day) over 4 months appeared to be beneficial for preventing/treating common cold.
Echinacea is a genus of nine herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae; Compositae), commonly called coneflowers, originating from eastern and central North America. Echinacea species, parts and preparations have different uses. In particular, three species of Echinacea, namely E. purpurea, E. angustifolia and E. pallida, have been used in Native Americans medicine for centuries as a treatment for respiratory tract infections and inflammatory conditions, including common cold, coughs, bronchitis, and inflammation of mouth and pharynx.
Echinacea is best known as an immunostimulant, and there are a series of studies that support these immunomodulatory effects, with both increases in innate and specific immunity. However, anti-inflammatory activities are also reported, and anti-viral and anti-microbial effects have also been demonstrated, supporting its use in traditional medicine.
There are still open questions related to long-term use of Echinacea. Although primarily considered for therapeutic purposes, some authors suggest Echinacea for prophylactic use during the winter time. The consequences of Echinacea long-term use (years) are unknown. There were no toxic effects associated with continuous ingestion of different Echinacea preparations for up to 6 months. Caution with immunostimulants is also warrant, as their use has been associated with development or exacerbation of autoimmunity in genetically predisposed individuals.
Different wide-spectrum bioactive components have been identified, which on the one hand indicate that Echinacea extracts have medical potential to be effective for the treatment and prevention of cold and other upper respiratory tract infections and possibly other diseases, while on the other side, the inconsistent results published indicate that effective doses and preparations need to be clearly identified and standardized for a proper therapeutic or prophylactic use. Further studies are required to determine the immunological and pharmacologic potential of Echinacea preparations.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms contain a rich source of various biologically active compounds. During the past decades, thousands of compounds with diverse biological activities have been recognized and continue to be investigated. Fungal compounds with antiviral activities are less extensively studied, but also number of these investigations is on the increase. They have powerful constituents called beta-D-glucans, beta-glycosides, and other substances that have been determined in research to significantly stimulate the innate immune system. In addition, our immune system is bolstered by the minerals found in many mushroom species. In fact, some mushrooms are a rich source of selenium, magnesium, and zinc, all of which may play a direct or indirect role in their anti-influenza properties.
In addition to their nutritional value, folk medicine has long recognized mushrooms for their wide spectrum of therapeutic and prophylactic uses. Many medicinal mushrooms are important ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine, such as Flammulina velutipes (enokitake), Lentinus edodes (shiitake), and Grifola frondosa (maitake). While their properties remained unknown to the scientific community for a long time, in recent decades, there has been significant research focused on the sources, medicinal properties and applications of mushrooms
Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years to support so many aspects of health, including a healthy immune response. They contain a number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components that we need to stay healthy.
Science suspects that the main active ingredients in mushrooms are the alpha-glucans and beta-glucans, which can affect the immune system in a number of positive ways. For example, the mushrooms in the Myco-Immune supplement I mention below have been shown to increase NK-cell activity, phagocytosis, and B- and T-lymphocytes—all measures of immune activity.
Maitake (Hen-of-the-Woods)
In a Japanese study, maitake mushroom extract was found to inhibit the influenza A virus from replicating and it stimulated the production of antiviral cytokines such as TNF-alpha. Interestingly, it was made even more powerful when combined with shiitake mushroom extract.
Shiitake
Whole shiitake, as well as its purified fractions, have been shown to have antiviral activities against the hepatitis C virus, herpes simplex virus, and human immunodeficiency virus as well as influenza. When specifically studied on influenza, shiitake was found to inhibit the growth of the virus by preventing the entry and uncoating process of viral infection.
Reishi mushrooms
Reishi has been recognized as a medicinal mushroom for thousands of years. Reishi has the ability to combat many viruses, such as herpes, Epstein-Barr, and hepatitis. It has also been found to be effective in killing influenza A virus which causes many outbreaks of flu throughout the season. Substances called triterpenes are one of the main beneficial compounds in reishi alongside the beta-glucans.
Cordyceps
Although cordyceps mushrooms are technically not a mushroom but a parasitic fungus, they have been touted as a "cure-all" in many ancient cultures. The antiviral extract is thought to be driven by increased natural killer cell activity along with other virus-killing cytokines.
Chaga is used as an antiviral agent and may help support the immune system.
Spirulina
Several scientific publications have reported on the effectiveness of spirulina in strengthening the immune system. Spirulina has a powerful nutrient known as polysaccharides, polysaccharides are widely known to be powerful immune system booster and also assisting in the prevention of several maladies.
Elderberry
A 2016 study in Nutrients found that air travelers who took elderberry extract spent less time sick with a cold and had lower symptom scores than a placebo group.
Astragalus
Astragalus is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine that has many health benefits and has been used for thousands of years to help keep the immune system healthy. The herb controls T-helper cells 1 and 2, which help regulate the immune system. Astragalus appears to have antioxidant effects that can help prevent free-radical damage.
Panax Ginseng Root
Panax ginsing may help reduce symptoms such as a sore throat and sneezing. Some research suggests that ginseng may also help to shorten the duration of colds. Taking 200 milligrams a day of North American ginseng may help prevent a cold.
Tumeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa), also known as “Indian saffron” due to its brilliant yellow color is a spice herb, member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, having more than a two centuries old scientific history. The worldwide main producer of turmeric is India, which has been used as Ayurvedic remedy and flavoring agent since ancient times (more than 4000 years). Beyond curcumin, other bioactive components of Curcuma longa have been investigated for their abilities to modulate the immune system. α-turmerone and ar-turmerone, two compounds isolated from the lipophilic fraction Curcuma longa, were demonstrated to induce PBMC proliferation and cytokine production.
Immune Boosting Foods
Eat more fruits and vegetables, eat the rainbow of colors. These are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and E, plus beta-carotene and zinc. Include berries, citrus fruits, kiwi, apples, red grapes, kale, onions, spinach, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
Other foods particularly good for your immune system include fresh garlic, which may help fight viruses and bacteria.
A healthful, balanced diet plays a vital role in staying well. Eating or drinking too much sugar curbs immune system cells that attack bacteria. This effect lasts for at least a few hours after downing a couple of sugary drinks.
The following foods may help to boost the immune system.
Blueberries
Blueberries have antioxidant properties that may boost the immune system. They contain a type of flavonoid called anthocyanin, which has antioxidant properties that can help boost a person’s immune system. A 2016 study noted that flavonoids play an essential role in the respiratory tract’s immune defense system. Researchers found that people who ate foods rich in flavonoids were less likely to get an upper respiratory tract infection, or common cold, than those who did not.
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate contains an antioxidant called theobromine, which may help to boost the immune system by protecting the body’s cells from free radicals.
Free radicals are molecules that the body produces when it breaks down food or comes into contact with pollutants. Free radicals can damage the body’s cells and may contribute to disease.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a yellow spice that many people use in cooking. It is also present in some alternative medicines. Consuming turmeric may improve a person’s immune response. This is due to the qualities of curcumin, a compound in turmeric. Curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Oily fish
Salmon, tuna, pilchards, and other oily fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Broccoli
Broccoli is another source of vitamin C. It also contains potent antioxidants, such as sulforaphane. For these reasons, it is a good choice of vegetable to eat regularly to support immune system health.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene a type of antioxidant that gives the skin of the potatoes its orange color. Beta carotene is a source of vitamin A.
Spinach
Spinach may boost the immune system, as it contains many essential nutrients and antioxidants including:
Flavonoids
Carotenoids
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamins C and E
Flavonoids may help to prevent the common cold in otherwise healthy people.
Ginger
According to a review, ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties and is likely to offer health benefits. However, more research is necessary to confirm whether or not it can effectively prevent illness.
Garlic
Garlic may help to prevent colds.
Garlic is a common home remedy for the prevention of colds and other illness. One study looked at whether taking garlic supplements containing allicin reduced the risk of getting a cold. The group of participants taking a placebo had more than double the number of colds between them than those taking the garlic supplements. However, the researchers concluded that more research is necessary to determine whether or not garlic can help to prevent colds.
Green tea
As with blueberries, green tea contains flavonoids, which may reduce the risk of a cold.
Kefir
Kefir is a fermented drink that contains live cultures of bacteria that are beneficial for health. Initial research suggests that drinking kefir may boost the immune system. Various studies have shown that regular consumption of kefir can help with: fighting bacteria, reducing inflammation, increasing antioxidant activity
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds can make a tasty addition to salads or breakfast bowls. They are a rich source of vitmamin E, an antioxidant.
Almonds
Almonds are another excellent source of vitamin E They also contain manganese, magnesium and fiber. A small handful or a quarter of a cup of almonds is a healthful snack that may benefit the immune system.
Oranges or kiwifruit (kiwis)
Oranges and kiwis are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is the vitamin that many people turn to when they feel a cold developing.
Red bell pepper
For people trying to avoid the sugar in fruit, red bell peppers are an excellent alternative source of vitamin C.
Probiotics
Probiotics are affable bacteria that typically inhabit the gut and are optimize the immune system. About 70 percent of the immune system is controlled by what happens in the gut, and friendly bacteria are the essential part of the immune system. The bacteria adjust the immune system by increasing the number of definite white blood cells.
Probiotics are quite effective for boosting the immune system. A 2009 study published in Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, reported that probiotic supplements had a deep effect on the immune system function in animal models. The researchers arrived at the conclusion that probiotic supplementation could fuel the immune system without adverse effects.
Probiotics are friendly bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, that are naturally found in the intestinal tract as well as in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
Prebiotics
Research, including a review of studies published in 2017 in Medical Microbiology and Immunology, suggests that prebiotics also play a role in immune health. A diet rich in fiber from a variety of plant-based sources can help provide prebiotics—the food the good bacteria in your gut needs. Aim for at least 25 to 38 grams of fiber per day. Good sources of prebiotic fiber include prunes (three grams of fiber per serving), beans, and legumes (about eight grams of fiber per serving).
Other Methods
Infrared Sauna
Several studies show that getting in a sauna once or twice a week can decrease ones chance of getting sick, most likely from the elevations in body temperature.
Moisturize dry air
Because dry winter air may have something to do with how easily we get sick, up the moisture level of indoor air with a humidifier. A review of studies published in 2018 in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health suggests that humidifying air can help. Healthy mucous membranes are naturally moist and hydrated and help act as an initial barrier to pathogens.
Keep your nasal passages healthy
In addition, you can add moisture to your nose itself. Dry air “causes small cracks or breaks in this [mucous membrane] barrier, allowing the viruses to more easily invade the body. This can be prevented by using nasal saline drops to re-hydrate the nasal passages
Assure adequate protein intake
It’s important to get protein to keep your body strong against viral infections. Protein is needed to build and repair body cells, including white blood cells which fight off infections. A diet deficient in protein may weaken the immune system.
Essential Oils
Although scientific research is still emerging on these natural remedies, diffusing essential oils might actually help ward off sickness. There is limited research on the efficacy of essential oils in preventing or treating the common cold; in general, they appear to be safe and anecdotally can help boost the immune system and perhaps help prevent developing a cold. For example, some essential oils like eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil have some natural anti-viral properties, and others like peppermint oil can be commonly used to help relieve congestion.
Summary
Don’t smoke.
Limit alcohol exposure.
Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Get adequate sleep.
Try to manage stress
Develop Relationships and Connections
Maintain a healthy weight
Supplements to consider
High quality multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations PureResponse™ Multivitamin
Contains enhanced levels of fat-soluble vitamins, including pre-formed vitamin A, 5,000 IU vitamin D, vitamin E with mixed tocopherols, and both vitamin K1 and K2
Provides activated B vitamins, including pyridoxal-5-phosphate, riboflavin-5-phosphate, and Metafolin® L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), the naturally occurring, universally metabolized form of folate.
Includes 25 mg of zinc to support healthy lymphocyte response.
Contains no iron, copper, iodine or manganese, to accommodate sensitive individuals
Designed to support key pivot points in immune function, including neutrophil and NK cell response, and cytokine production
Supports healthy cell-mediated immunity with a comprehensive blend of nutrients and reishi mushroom extract
Includes the adaptogen eleuthero to promote physiological balance and moderate occasional stress, including corticosterone activity, cytokine balance and nutrient metabolism
Vitamin C
Pure Encapsulations Ascorbic Acid Powder
Echinacea
Probiotic
Pure Encapsulations Probiotic 5
Mushroom supplement
Myco-Immune is a blend of six mushroom extracts shown to provide significant immune support.
Elderberry
Astragalus and reishi extract