Immune system functions:  

• Fight disease-causing germs (pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi), eliminating them from the body
• Identify and neutralize harmful environmentally-derived substances 
• Combat disease-causing changes in the body, including cancer cells

With a powerful built-in vital organ system available to every person, ensuring the body’s optimal working condition is especially important. 

Researchers analyzing the effects of diet, exercise, age, psychological stress, and other factors on human immune response concluded that harmonious balance is required when naturally-combating harmful germs that negatively impact health.

Common factors that can positively affect immune system function:  

• Smoking cessation
• Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Regular movement and exercise
• Healthy weight maintenance
• Reducing alcohol consumption (drinking in moderation)
• Getting adequate sleep
• Avoiding infection – hand hygiene, cooking food thoroughly 
• Minimizing stress
• Adequate hydration

The immune system depends on the nutrients in the bloodstream, which is mainly composed of water. Hydration is key to detoxifying pathways and increasing lymphatic draining when clearing out foreign intruders from the body, while improper hydration contributes to headaches, digestive issues, muscle tension, and low serotonin production. Serotonin interacts with brain function and modulates circadian rhythm – the cycle of being asleep or awake. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a “magic bullet” that boosts immunity immediately. Maintaining optimal wellbeing requires a conscious effort and focused attention on diet and nutrition, motion, rest, and hydration.

Cervical Cancer and Boosting Immunity

Did you know? When it comes to cervical cancer, one virus is responsible for more than 95% of cervical cancer cases, according to the World Health Organization: human papillomavirus (HPV).

 A healthy immune system can naturally eliminate the human papillomavirus, the cause of nearly all cervical cancer, within approximately 18 months, health experts confirm. 

Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers. While research has linked diet with disease and the human body’s potential for developing some cancers, natural immunity for disease prevention requires more than just a healthy diet.

Another line of defense or increasing “immunity” with cervical cancer, is early detection through regular screening. Alarmingly, that past two years have seen cervical cancer screenings drop amid COVID-19 pandemic. 

Women of reproductive age who want to know if their body once harbored HPV and if the virus eventually became cervical cancer, can receive an immediate answer with early detection through preventive screening.

There are multiple screening methods for cervical cancer, although there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some countries can afford a high standard of care with the traditional Pap smear test, along with the accompanying highly-trained personnel, and extensive diagnostic equipment, while others cannot.

With a vision of healthcare equality for all women, an affordable and accessible way of immediate detection is through the visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) test. This detection method also validates and confirms other test procedures, including the Pap smear that can take weeks to determine results.

Holistically approaching women’s reproductive health means balancing a healthy immune system, reducing risk factors for cancer, and early detection for prevention.