Human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection. The virus can cause genital warts and increase the risk of certain types of cancers, including cervical, anal, and throat cancer.

While there is no cure for HPV, there are steps you can take to prevent contracting the virus. One of those steps is following a healthy diet. Here is a closer look at the role of diet in preventing HPV.

What is HPV?

HPV is a virus that is spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. There are many different types of HPV, but some are more significant than others. High-risk types of HPV can lead to cancer, while low-risk types can cause genital warts.

How Can a Healthy Diet Help Prevent HPV?

A healthy diet can help support your immune system, which plays a key role in preventing HPV from developing into cancer.

Certain nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc, selenium, and folate, can boost your immune system and help your body fight off HPV.

What Foods Should You Eat to Prevent HPV?

Here are some foods that are rich in the nutrients that can help prevent HPV:.

Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, collard greens, and other leafy greens are packed with vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for your immune system.
Berries: Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps support your immune system and may also reduce the risk of cervical cancer in women with HPV.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help protect the cells in your body from damage.
Garlic: Garlic is packed with sulfur compounds that can help boost your immune system. It also has antiviral and anticancer properties that may help prevent HPV from developing into cancer.
Yogurt: Yogurt is a good source of probiotics, which can help support a healthy immune system. Probiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers in people with a history of HPV infection.

What Foods Should You Avoid to Prevent HPV?

In addition to eating a diet rich in immune-boosting nutrients, there are some foods you should avoid or limit to help prevent HPV:.

Sugar: High amounts of sugar can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off HPV.
Processed Foods: Processed foods are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and other additives that can weaken your immune system.
Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of HPV-related cancers.

Conclusion

While following a healthy diet alone cannot prevent HPV, it can help support your immune system and reduce your risk of developing HPV-related cancers.

Eating a diet rich in immune-boosting nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc, selenium, and folate, can help your body fight off HPV. Avoiding or limiting foods that weaken your immune system, such as sugar, processed foods, and alcohol, can also help.