January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and while this topic may not be at the forefront of your mind, it’s not a subject you should ignore. Without proper supplements, nutrition, screenings, and vaccinations, sexually active adults can contract the Human papillomavirus (otherwise known as HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer. Believe it or not, cervical cancer is one of the few completely preventable cancers, so keep reading to learn more about simple ways you can help support cervical health.
5 Ways to Support Cervical Health
Protection
If you are sexually active, be sure to use proper protection during intimacy. The use of condoms helps prevent sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. So be sure to talk to your partner about condom use and safer sex. There are male and female condoms, so educate yourself and your partner on which one to use and how to wear it properly.
Screenings
HPV may be the leading cause of cervical cancer, but it doesn’t always cause cervical dysplasia, or the growth of cancerous or precancerous cells. It is important for women to get regular annual exams, Pap tests, and HPV tests. These tests will detect abnormal growth or precancerous cells, and you and your doctor can take measures to detect or prevent the spread of HPV before it becomes more serious.
HPV Vaccination
Many doctors and health care professionals recommend that sexually active teens and young adults get the HPV vaccination. In fact, the CDC “recommends all boys and girls get HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. The vaccine produces a stronger immune response when taken during the preteen years.” Statistics show that the vaccine is an important step in the prevention of cervical cancer.
Foods that Support Cervical Health
Another way to avoid cervical dysplasia or similar issues is to load your diet with foods designed to support cervical health. Ensure your diet is full of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and folate, which can be found in many fruits and vegetables. When preparing sides or snacks, reach for cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli (as it contains DIM). Additionally the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flax, and walnuts are an essential part of a healthy diet. If you’re a fan of tea, you’ll be happy to know that the compounds found in green tea have also been shown to aid in cervical health support.
Supplements that Support Cervical Health
It’s not always possible to get all the vitamins and minerals you need to support cervical health with diet alone. These supplements and vitamins can help you meet your recommended daily intake of key nutrients.
Omega 3 Supplements
Omega 3s are called “essential fatty acids” for a reason, they are crucial to your health on many levels. Nordic Naturals is a trusted brand that has been committed to purity, freshness, taste and sustainability for almost 40 years. Their Omega 3 Lemon Softgels are a great way to ensure you body has the omega-3s needed to thrive.
DIM Supplements
Not a fan of cruciferous veggies? DIM Estro from NuMedica supports healthy estrogen metabolism for men and women and can ensure you are getting enough DIM, an important part of a diet that supports cervical health.
Green Tea Supplements
Get all of the antioxidant benefits of a cup of green tea in convenient capsules with Green Tea from Oregon’s Wild Harvest. This green tea supplement contains 1200 mg organic green tea leaf plus 125 mg organic green tea leaf extract, providing the antioxidant support needed to support cervical health.
How will you use this information to support cervical health? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
About Theresa Groskopp, CN
Certified Nutritionist in Appleton, Wisconsin, Founder of Natural Healthy Concepts. Natural health and nutrition advocate. Enjoys gardening, biking, fitness, boating, animals (especially cats), and cooking. Theresa Groskopp