How to Build Your Immune System to Fight HPV

If you have been infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), the chances are good that you will clear the virus spontaneously. In fact, 90% of HPV infections are cleared by the immune system within two years, and many people who were asymptomatic (without symptoms) and cleared the virus may never even realize they had it.

While there isn't anything specific you can do to help your body clear the virus, staying healthy and maintaining a strong immune system may help to prevent disease. There is no guarantee you won't still experience a chronic HPV infection, and as yet there's no cure for that, but there are no risks to maintaining a strong immune response.

This article discusses practical ways to boost your immune system to help your body fight infections like HPV.

Can You Get HPV Out of Your System?

Having a strong immune system is essential to fighting any infection, and HPV is no exception. While research is ongoing, some studies have shown that people under 35, who generally have a stronger immune response, have better odds of clearing HPV than those older than 35.

There are four simple ways to boost your immune system if you have HPV:

• Quit smoking
• Reduce stress
• Eat a healthy diet
• Find support
  

Quit Smoking

If you are a current cigarette smoker and you have HPV, you should do your best to quit smoking.

Smoking is thought to decrease your immunity, which impacts your body's ability to fight off illnesses, including the HPV infection. Those who smoke are also at a higher risk for getting multiple HPV infections.

Decrease Stress

When your body's stress hormone levels increase, your immune system doesn't work as well as it should. This means you can't fight off infections, like HPV, very effectively.

Making changes in your life to reduce your stress level is very important. Activities like yoga, connecting with friends, and meditation can help decrease the effects of stress on your body.

Review Your Diet

There is some disagreement among experts on whether or not diet plays a role in helping your body get rid of HPV.

There is some thought that certain B-complex vitamins are effective in boosting your immune system. These include riboflavin (B2), thiamine (B1), vitamin B12, and folate. Making sure your diet includes foods rich in these B vitamins is certainly not harmful, and there's some evidence that folate (vitamin B9) may have anti-HPV properties.

Some good dietary sources of these vitamins include:

• Milk and cheese
• Vegetables, especially leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale
• Chicken, pork, and beef
• Eggs
• Fish and shellfish
• Whole grains
  

Find Support

Being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection can be very stressful, but you should not be embarrassed about having HPV. You might be surprised that once you open up to trusted family or friends about your diagnosis, you will find that many people have dealt with this infection.

Talk with your healthcare provider about local resources for individuals diagnosed with HPV. For online support groups, you can check out the American Sexual Health Association website.

Remember that HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and you are not alone.

HPV Doctor Discussion Guide

Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions.

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Protect Against Other STIs

Being diagnosed with HPV is not a fatal blow to your sex life. You may just need to sit out a few weeks if you are being treated for genital warts. If you are sexually active, though, you should be aware of the fact that you could contract another type of STI, which could also weaken your immune system. Be aware of how to protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Having one sexual partner and using protection can help lower your risk of getting another sexually transmitted infection.

Because genital warts are so easily transmitted from skin-to-skin contact, your current sex partner may also want to get checked for them.

Work With Your Healthcare Provider

While self-care and immunity-building steps can help you fight HPV, it's important to see your healthcare provider for specific medical treatment such as topical creams that may be needed. You should also plan to see your provider regularly and get follow-up care based on your symptoms as needed.

You may also want to speak with your doctor about getting the HPV vaccine. Even if you already have HPV, getting the vaccine can help prevent you from getting other types of it, including ones that can lead to cancer.

Is There a Natural Treatment for HPV?

Researchers are evaluating plant-based treatments for HPV and related cancers that can follow chronic HPV infection. For example, results from a small clinical trial of a medication derived from edible mushroom extract shows promise in boosting the immune response to HPV.

There isn't yet a natural treatment per se, but studies point to compounds like basant (a blend that includes aloe vera gel and turmeric-based curcumin) that have shown anti-HPV properties.

Other possibilities in the fight against HPV are plant-based elements found to offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other immune benefits to human health. They include:

• Polyphenols found in citrus fruits, green tea, and a number of berries
• Saponins found in asparagus, chickpeas, and soybeans, as well as some herbs
• Plant extracts like fruit latex (including mixtures like basant)
• Marine-based products, including seaweeds and algae

Other studies focus on the anti-HPV activities of Bryophyllum pinnata extract (used in traditional medicine), Brucea javanica oil, and others with the potential to fight HPV-related cancers.

Vitamin intake, including vitamins A, C, D, and E, also may be good for clearing HPV and offer benefits in fighting HPV infection.

Summary

If you've been diagnosed with HPV, you should know that most cases of the condition clear up on their own within two years. To help you fight HPV and stay healthy, you can take steps to build your immune system by quitting smoking, decreasing your stress level, and altering your diet.

Your doctor may also recommend treatment for your specific symptoms, as well as support resources.

Keep in mind that HPV is very common and you are not alone.