Top 5 Ways to Take Action Against HPV
COURTNEY MILLER
HPV, or the human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States with more than 79 million Americans infected and 14 million more being infected each year. There are more than 150 strains of HPV, some causing genital warts and others that have the potential to cause cancer.
When I was first diagnosed with HPV I was overwhelmed, scared and confused. My doctor told me to “wait and see” and come back in 6 months. The hope was that the virus would clear itself. But it felt more like the “wait and worry” method as I spent the next 6 months stressing out and feeling like I did not have any control over the situation. When I returned to the doctor the HPV had created cervical dysplasia or precancerous cells in the lining of my cervix. Which got me wondering, was there something I could have done in that time to prevent the cervical dysplasia or help my body clear the virus?
I spent the next several years researching this subject and finally found my way to healing. It took seven years of hard work and dedication yet I was able to reverse the cervical dysplasia and clear the virus naturally. At times it was a difficult journey but I am forever grateful for the chance I got to learn more about how my body works and its amazing power to heal itself, given the right tools.
What I learned was there is a lot that you can do in that 6 months to help your body clear the virus. It requires taking charge of your health and deciding that you aren’t just going to wait and see but that you are going to do something with that time to boost your immune system and increase your chances of clearing the virus.
Here are 5 things you can start doing today to help clear the virus:
1. Sleep Well
The body’s ability to heal depends on the body’s ability to function properly and that requires that you get a good night’s sleep. Turn off the electronics at night, curl up with your favorite blanket and try using lavender essential oil to help you drift off into a deep and healing slumber.
2. Eat Well
The food you eat influences your body’s ability to heal. Eating a plant-based, whole-foods diet will help to boost the immune system and give your body the best chance of clearing the virus. Include lots of dark leafy greens, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds and veggies of every color. Food does Matter!
3. Move More
Exercise increases your body’s ability to heal. It also helps you get in touch with your body so that you can listen to what your body needs and make adjustments on your healing journey. Get outside, take a walk, try yoga, or get out your bike. Just find something that makes you happy and gets you moving.
4. Stress Less
I know this one is hard, especially when you have just been diagnosed with HPV, but try not to stress out about it. When we stress out we are actually sending our body into fight or flight mode, weakening our immune system and reducing our chances of healing. The key is to accept the situation and not let your mind run away with all of the worst-case scenarios. Just take it one step at a time and don’t waste time worrying about something that hasn’t happened yet. Try meditation to calm the mind. A consistent meditation practice helped me to quiet down the negative thoughts in my mind and focus on my healing.
5. Supplement Wisely
While I try to get most of my vitamins and nutrients from a healthy diet, supplements can really help increase your chances of clearing the virus. It’s not just a little cold we are trying to beat here, but a sneaky and invasive virus. So, we need to supercharge our immune system. Try boosting your immune system with Vitamin C, Turmeric, Mushrooms, Green Tea and Methylated Folate. Read the Food Matters Supplement Buying Guide here.
Keep in mind that it isn’t going to be just one pill or a certain diet that will help you heal. It’s an overall lifestyle change, a combination of healing methods, and a determination to take charge of your own health that will help you find healing. Just start where you are and keep making little changes. Be consistent. Everyone is different and not one method will work for everyone. You just have to find what works for you. With persistent action you can have an influence on your health. If you’ve been faced with an HPV diagnosis, don’t just wait and see, take action today to give your body the best chance of clearing the virus.
Courtney Miller is the owner of Shine Light Health where she is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Yoga Instructor and doTERRA Essential Oil Wellness Advocate. She enjoys all things health and wellness and loves sharing her passion for healing naturally. Most days you can find her outside with her dog, Kiva, or traveling in her camper.