CERVICAL DYSPLASIA
THE WORDS 'CERVICAL DYSPLASIA' mean that the cells lining the cervix, the slender entrance to the uterus, are abnormal. But because the condition can be a precursor to cervical cancer, they're among the most unwelcome words a woman can hear from her doctor or gynaecologist.
The truth is most women diagnosed with cervical dysplasia do not develop cancer. They recover fully. About one-third of mild cases spontaneously regress. Of the other cases, the cervical smear test's early warning offers a chance to prevent the condition from progressing. It usually takes 10 or more years for cancer to develop
from mild dysplasia. The more advanced the abnormality is, the more likely the cells will become cancerous. Once a cervical smear test reveals the dysplasia, what happens next depends on how advanced it is, but even mild dysplasia requires careful monitoring.
You'll see below that herbs that support and repair the liver are an important category in fighting cancer and threatened cancer. Why? Abnormal cell growth is often a response to a continual irritant, such as cigarette smoke, the body's own waste products, waste products of disease-causing bacteria and other organisms, and environmental toxins such as pesticides. The liver produces enzymes that help the body break down and get rid of toxic waste. A decrease in liver function has been linked to an increased chance of developing cervical dysplasia and cancer. The liver is equally important in breaking down and regulating hormones such as oestrogen. Certain herbs and foods may help the liver do its job better.
PREVENTION STRATEGIES
Women can decrease their risk for developing cervical dysplasia by practising safer sex (using condoms) and by not smoking. One study found that women with cervical dysplasia are six times more likely than other women to be infected with the human papillomavirus, the same virus that causes genital warts. Dysplasia is also promoted by herpes simplex type 2, the virus that causes genital herpes. Dysplasia is two to three times more likely to occur in women who smoke cigarettes. When smokers get it, it's often more severe.
Many women with dysplasia have a deficiency of folic acid, a part of the vitamin B complex. Folic acid also tends to be low among women who take oral contraceptives or drink heavily. Excessive oestrogen, whether synthetic or produced by the body, can also increase the chances of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. Although now very rare, DES daughters - women exposed prenatally to the synthetic oestrogen diethylstilboestrol - are at special risk of cervical dysplasia and vaginal cancer.
Whether you have additional risk factors or not, all women should have regular cervical smear tests, because one of the keys to treating and preventing cervical cancer is early detection of abnormal cells.
DRUG TREATMENT
Currently, no pharmaceuticals can reverse cervical dysplasia or prevent
its progression to cancer. Moderate and advanced cases are sometimes treated
with various surgical techniques. Research is under way on the preventive
powers of antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, and of a group of chemicals
called retinoids. Non-steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen
are also being studied. One new oral drug being researched, difluoromenthylornithine
(DFMO), shows some promise. It seems to inhibit the action
of a key enzyme that promotes development of cancerous cells.
SUPPLEMENTS FOR CERVICAL
DYSPLASIA
Often, women with cervical dysplasia are deficient in several nutrients. If you are at risk, check whether you're getting enough of the following daily nutrients, or consult your doctor about fashioning a supplement regimen.
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Vitamin A (5,000 to 10,000 IU)
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Riboflavin (1.6 to 10 milligrams)
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Vitamin C (1,000 to 2,000 milligrams)
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Folic acid (400 to 600 micrograms)
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Vitamin E (400 to 800 IU)
YOU SAY TOMATO
Lycopene, a carotenoid found in both fresh and cooked tomatoes, seems to protect against dysplasia. Of course, in any condition that challenges the immune system, the more chemical toxins you avoid the better, so consider looking for organic tomatoes or growing your own. If you want to take lycopene as a supplement, take 1 to 5 milligrams daily.
HERBAL REMEDIES
Burdock (Arctium lappa, A. minus)
This traditional detoxifying herb has demonstrated anti-tumour effects in animal studies; in other research it has acted as an anticarcinogen. Traditional Western herbalists and practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine consider the dried root of this plant a blood purifier. Some research shows that it stimulates the flow of bile, one of the key digestive substances the liver produces. Typical dosage: up to six 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or three cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried root in % litre of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 10 to 25 drops of tincture three times daily.
Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)
Although no research exists to
validate its use, yellow dock has traditionally been used to treat enlarged lymph nodes, skin conditions and respiratory infections. It is a folk remedy of high repute for cancer. Typical dosage: up to four 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 40 drops of tincture, up to two times per day. Caution: avoid if you are '` - pregnant. If you have kidney stones, consult a health-care practitioner before using.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
This herb is not only one of the oldest remedies for any kind of condition involving liver stress, it's also one of the best researched. More than 300 studies have verified the effectiveness of its main compound, silymarin. It also deactivates harmful free radicals and prevents them from attacking the liver. Typical dosage: 140 milligrams of standardised silymarin capsules, three times per day; after 6 weeks reduce to 90 milligrams, three times per day; or 10 to 25 drops of tincture up to three times per day.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
This spice's active ingredient, curcumin, has been shown to reduce the incidence of cell mutation in smokers. Typical dosage: 250 to 500 milligrams of standardised curcumin capsules up to 3 times per day; or 10 to 30 drops of tincture up to 3 times per day; or up to 1 teaspoon per day of the ground spice in food.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
In traditional Chinese medicine this spice is used as a warming agent that helps remove stagnation. It also helps strengthen digestion and settle the stomach. Typical dosage: up to eight 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day; or several 3-millimetre slices of the fresh root taken in cooked foods; or 1 cup of tea per day (simmer 3 to 4 fresh root slices in '/, litre of water for 10 to 15 minutes).Caution: do not exceed recommended dosage; do not take if you have gallbladder disease.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Although its action to prevent or cure cancer has not been studied, red clover is a rich source of phytoestrogens - plant chemicals similar to human oestrogens. Phytoestrogens may be responsible for the absence of cancer in those who eat a plant-based diet, because these plantbased oestrogens lock on to certain cells, preventing the 'real' oestrogens from overstimulating the body. Red clover flowers are safe and they make a reasonably tasty tea. Typical dosage: up to five 500-milligram capsules per day; or 2 or 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1 tablespoon of dried flowering tops in ''/, litre of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 15 to 30 drops of tincture up to four times per day.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida)
You'll see this immune-system booster in many commercial formulas, mainly for colds and flu. To get best results from echinacea, take it for two weeks, then take a one-week break. Typical dosage: up to nine 300to 400-milligram capsules per day; or 60 drops of tincture up to three times per day. Caution: anyone allergic to other members of the aster family such as ragweed may be allergic to echinacea. Do not use with immune disorders such as lupus or HIV.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
This root has been used as a general tonic by the Chinese for 2,000 years.
Studies show it has helped cancer patients' immune systems regain normal
function. Astragalus sticks, widely available in Chinese pharmacies or health
food shops, can be added to soups during cooking and then removed before
serving, though you won't be sure how much you're getting this way. You may
see astragalus in formulas blended with ligustrum berries (Ligustrum lucidum),
another Chinese remedy. Typical dosage: eight or nine 400- to 500-milligram
capsules daily; or 3 to 4 dropperfuls of tincture, three times per day.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
These edible fungi contain immune-system-boosting compounds. You can simmer a few dried mushrooms to make a broth, add a few fresh mushrooms per day to soups, or take tablets or liquid extracts. Typical dosage of reisbi: up to five 500-milligram capsules per day; or up to three 1,000 milligram tablets up to three times per day. Typical dosage of shiitake: 500 milligrams of standardised extract capsules or tablets twice per day.
Agnus Castus (Vitex agnus-castus)
Also known as chaste berry or chaste tree, agnus castus is considered the herb of choice for treating PMT and other hormone-based conditions affecting women. While it hasn't yet been studied for cervical dysplasia, it may be useful in any condition involving the female reproductive tract. Typical dosage: up to three 650-milligram capsules per day; or 1 cup of tea per day (steep 1 scant teaspoon of dried, ground berries in 4 litre of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 15 to 40 drops of tincture per day. Caution: do not take if you are also taking hormone-replacement drugs. Do not use it if you are pregnant.
A HERBAL TEA FOR CD
This tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days; drink 2 to 3 cups per day before meals.
2 teaspoons agnus castus berries
1 teaspoon burdock root
1 teaspoon red
clover
1 teaspoon astragalus root
1/2 teaspoon stevia leaf (optional)
1/2-1 teaspoon peppermint, spearmint
or wintergreen (optional) 1 litre water
Bring the herbs and water to the boil in a saucepan. Simmer
gently for 5 minutes. Cover the pan and let steep 20 more minutes. Strain
out the herbs.
