Showing posts with label cervical dysplasia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cervical dysplasia. Show all posts

Monday, June 23, 2014

Vitamins That Can Help Treat Cervical Dysplasia

Vitamins That Can Help Treat Cervical Dysplasia
When abnormal cells are found on the cervix this condition is called
dysplasia. Cervical dysplasia is considered to be a precancerous
condition. Mild dysplasia can disappear on its own or it can be the
first step towards cervical cancer. Having annual Pap smear tests
is crucial for detecting and monitoring cervical dysplasia. Dysplasia
can occur at any age from puberty onward. It's usually found in women
between the ages of 25 and 35.



When a Pap smear test reveals cervical dysplasia, another Pap smear
is usually ordered to confirm the first test result. If abnormal cells
are still present, a procedure called a colposcopy may be performed.
The colposcope magnifies and focuses an intense light on the cervix,
this allows the doctor to observe the cervix in greater detail. The
doctor can then take a biopsy, a piece of the cervix to be analyzed. If
the biopsy shows that abnormal cell growth extends into the cervical
canal, a cone biopsy may be performed. This is when a cone-shaped
tissue sample is removed for analysis. This procedure may be done in a
hospital using general anesthesia or in a doctor's office.



Removal of the dysplastic cells is usually recommended since the
presence of this abnormal tissue seems to increase a woman's risk of
developing cervical cancer. This is done by cauterization, cryosurgery
or laser surgery. Cauterization uses heat, electricity or chemicals to
burn the abnormal tissue off the cervix. Cryosurgery freezes the cells
and laser surgery destroys the cells with a laser. Frequent pap smears
are usually recommended to evaluate if the treatment was successful.



Factors that predispose females to risk are as follows:





  • Early age of first intercourse or multiple sexual partners.


  • Herpes simplex II and papilloma virus infections.


  • Low
    serum Beta-carotene levels and Vitamin A levels. These nutrients
    improve the integrity and function of epithelial cells - act as an
    antioxidant and improves immune functions.


  • Oral
    contraceptive use decreases numerous nutrient levels (Vitamin C, B12,
    B6, Folic acid, B2 and Zinc) which are involved in immunity.




  • Folate deficiency appears to increase the ease with which cervical
    cancer can develop. The dosage of folate used for treatment purposes is
    often as much as 10 mg daily. Because folate can mask vitamin B12
    deficiency, dosages at this level must be prescribed by a physician. It
    is known that cervical cytological abnormalities related to folic acid
    deficiency precede haematological abnormalities by many weeks. Oral
    contraceptive users are usually low in tissue levels of folic acid due
    to inhibition of tissue folate uptake, particularly in the cervix, thus
    an abnormal cytological smear may reflect folate deficiency rather then
    dysplasia.



    Studies have found that women with cervical dysplasia tend to show a
    high frequency of general nutritional deficiencies. Because of this
    they should take a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Particular
    vitamins most commonly associated with cervical dysplasia when
    deficient include beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and selenium.



    Treatment





  • Fat intake to 25% of calories.




  • Stop or reduce smoking.


  • Eliminate oral contraceptive use.


  • Increase intake of green leafy vegetables.


  • Increase fiber content in diet.




  • Nutritional Supplement Options





































































    Heme 100

    3 - 6/day (Folic acid supplement)

    BACE

    3/day (Antioxidant/A and Beta carotene supplement)

    Lymphodran

    3/day (Anti viral)

    Flavonol C

    3/day (Vitamin C supplement)

    Zymin

    5 - 15 mls/day (Zinc Supplement)

    Kelamin

    1 - 3/day (Multi B and mineral complex)

    GLA/EFA

    3 tsp/day (Anti viral and anti-inflammatory)
    Betacarotene

    10mg 3/day (Betacarotene supplement)



    The
    herbs and nutrients mentioned above reflect the major nutritional
    supplements that may help the condition. Please do remember however
    that nutritional supplementation is an adjunct to medical treatment and
    in no way replaces medical treatment.