Do you have Cervical Dysplasia?

Cervical dysplasia is a term used to describe the appearance of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix, the lowest part of the uterus. These changes in cervical tissue are classified as mild, moderate, or severe. While dysplasia itself does not cause health problems, it is considered to be a precancerous condition. Left untreated, dysplasia sometimes progresses to an early form of cancer known as cervical carcinoma in situ, and eventually to invasive cervical cancer.

If you have been diagnosed with cervical dysplasia, you may have a deficiency of BETA CAROTENE and FOLIC ACID

Beta-carotene

Some research suggests that individuals deficient in beta-carotene may be more likely to develop cancerous or precancerous cervical lesions, but this relationship remains inconclusive. Other studies indicate that oral supplementation with beta-carotene may promote a regression, or decline in the signs of cervical dysplasia. Despite these promising results, the benefit of using beta-carotene supplements to prevent the development of cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer has been disappointing.

There are 600 or so carotenoids that are important for health and are found in yellow, red, and deep green vegetables and fruits. Don't rely on beta carotene colourants in many foods and drinks, that is synthetically manufactured and doesn't have the diversity of natural carotenes in coloured fruits and vegetables. 

Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A. The breakdown of beta-carotene occurs in the walls of the small intestine (intestinal mucosa) and is catalysed by the enzyme beta-carotene dioxygenase.  The retinol formed is stored in the liver as retinyl esters.  This is why cod liver oil used to be taken as a vitamin A supplement.  

Beta-carotene, on the other hand, is a safe source of vitamin A.  The efficiency of conversion of  beta-carotene to retinol depends on the level in the diet.  If you eat more beta-carotene, less is converted, and the rest is stored in fat reserves in the body.  So too much beta-carotene can make you turn yellow, but will not kill you with hypervitaminosis.

Folate (Vitamin B9)

Like beta-carotene, some evidence suggests that folate (also known as vitamin B9) deficiencies may contribute to the development of cancerous or precancerous lesions in the cervix. Researchers also theorize that folate consumed in the diet may improve the cellular changes seen in cervical dysplasia by lowering homocysteine (a substance believed to contribute to the severity of cervical dysplasia) levels. The benefit of using dietary folate to prevent or treat cervical dysplasia has not been sufficiently proven.

Other dietary nutrients that may protect against the development of cervical cancer include:

In addition, some of the risk factors for cervical dysplasia may cause certain nutritional deficiencies. For example, smoking may contribute to a deficiency in vitamin C and long-term use of birth control pills may diminish folate levels. Research has yet to prove whether taking vitamin C and folate supplements can help prevent or treat cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer. At the same time, it seems prudent to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables which contain vitamin C, folate, and beta-carotene, as these nutrients have been shown to have many health benefits.

Take Folic acid with a raw carrot every day.

Find out more about Vitamins and Folic Acid

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