HPV vaccines, the immune system, and an informed choice

The HPV vaccine that is used as protection against cervical cancer has been subject to massive media coverage lately because it has serious side effects. But how do people make an informed choice? And is it possible to use specific essential nutrients to boost the immune system against HPV and possible side effects from this vaccine?

According to chief physician and Head of Research at Frederiksberg Hospital, Jesper Mehlsen, 200 Danish girls are feared to have fallen seriously ill as a result of the HPV vaccine. An increasing number of patients are being referred with symptoms like chronic headaches, abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, fainting, and serious disturbances of the autonomous nervous system and the immune system. As the HPV vaccine has a limited effect that is being questioned by many it is relevant to take a closer look at what options people have when it comes to making an informed choice and how they can avoid the dreaded cancer form and possible side effects caused by the vaccine.

What is HPV and why is it important to continue screening for this disease when there is a vaccine?

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a large group of approximately 100 virus types. Vaccines are given against type 6 and type 11 that cause genital warts, and type 16 and type 18 that account for 70% of all cervical cancers. However, the vaccine fails to protect against the remaining 30% of cervical cancers, which is why screening is vital even though people have been vaccinated. Cell samples are used to detect early stages of cervical cancer that can be treated in time, regardless if you are vaccinated or not

Warning to sport-active girls and those with infections

According to Jesper Mehlsen, there is evidence of a relation between vaccine side effects and extensive sports activity (around 10-20 hours per week). He therefore recommends that girls get their vaccinations during periods where they are less active. It is also important that the immune system functions well, as the risk of side effects is increased in the case of infections and lack of specific nutrients (this will be addressed later).

Q10 and dysfunctions of the cellular powerhouses

In Germany and Switzerland there are specialists who are able to measure and test how the immune system has been derailed by Gardasil, the HPV vaccine. These doctors can specifically detect dysfunctions of the cellular powerhouses (mitochondria). The mitochondria lack coenzyme Q10, the nutrient that is required by all cells to produce energy (ATP - Adenosine Triphosphate). The reduced energy turnover explains the extreme fatigue and exhaustion that many girls suffer from. The malfunctioning mitochondria may even be the reason why girls who are active in sports are more prone to side effects. They depend on Q10 because they have a particularly high energy turnover, but they also need Q10 because it functions as an antioxidant that protects mitochondria. Actually, there is evidence that daily supplementation with Q10 (100 mg) may limit the side effects. However, as we humans have difficulty with absorbing Q10 from supplements it is vital that the supplement is able to document its bio-availability and quality.

Warning to sexually active people who are contaminated

Around 80% of those who are sexually active contract HPV, including type 16 and type 18. Interestingly, the manufacturer of Gardasil (Merck) reports that the vaccine may reinforce the disease in the uterus, as high-risk cellular changes due to HPV strains that are not found in the vaccine have been observed. In a case like this where the manufacturer issues such a warning, all sexually active individuals should ideally undergo screening and control procedures for type 16 and type 18 HPV.
Around 90% of those infected with HPV are able to fight the infection spontaneously within a two-year period. It also looks as if deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals increase the risk of both cellular changes and vaccine side effects.

Smoking, birth control pills, and lack of folic acid and vitamin B12 increase the risk of cellular changes

According to an article that is published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, birth control pill and smoking increase the risk of HPV-induced cellular changes. The author specifically mentions that smoking and birth control pills negatively affect the body's folic acid and vitamin B12 status. In addition, another study that is published in International Journal of Women's Health shows that Indian women with higher blood levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 are less prone to HPV-induced cellular changes. Vegetarians should make sure to get enough vitamin B12.

Natural protection against HPV and immune boosting - just to play it safe

Using a condom gives far better protection against both HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Whether you choose to get vaccinated or not, it is important to have a well-functioning immune system, which requires vitamins, minerals, omega-3, omega-6, and Q10.
Ideally, it is best to get all your nutrients from a healthy diet. However, with some nutrients, getting optimal amounts may pose a challenge. This is because trace elements like selenium have been leeched from the agricultural soil, and we are unable to synthesize vitamin D during the winter period. Therefore, supplements are recommended.

Pay attention to selenium and the immune system

Selenium is an integral part of the immune defense, its white blood cells and their communication, thereby enabling them to direct swift and effective attacks. Selenium prevents virus from mutating (altering their genetic coding), and selenium contributes to five different cancer preventative mechanisms. In 1996, the American cancer researcher and epidemiologist, Professor Larry Clark, documented that supplements of selenium yeast could reduce the risk of several cancer types by 46-63% and reduce cancer mortality by 50%. In addition, selenium is required in order for Q10 to function optimally.

Side effects and the legal requirements for informed consent

Health authorities, cancer organizations, and private practitioners should inform about all the side effects in compliance with the legal requirements for informed consent. The risk of contracting serious side effects from the HPV vaccine are now believed to be five times greater than the risk of dying of cervical cancer. These side effects include anaphylactic shock, loss of vision, breathing difficulty, sclerosis, fibromyalgia, nerve inflammation, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), and other potentially disabling nerve disorders. Science still does not know much about long-term side effects.

Side effects and inflammation

Several of the side effects that are linked to the HPV vaccine are caused by inflammation, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. Studies have shown that selenium supplements counteract inflammation by means of different mechanisms. The same is the case with fish oil (EPA - eicosapentaenoic acid), vitamin D, and zinc. Depleted agricultural soil, unbalanced diets without fish and organ meat combined with lack of sunshine and vitamin D often leads to these nutrient deficiencies.

How effective is the HPV vaccine really?

Gardasil claims to be able to prevent 70% of all cervical cancers. The vaccine has only been on trial for a period of eight years. For the same reason, its effect is uncertain, as it normally takes between 20 and 40 years for this type of cancer to develop. Moreover, the vaccine fails to offer protection against the remaining 30% of cervical cancers.

References:

Maiken Andersen og Mads Wedel-Ibsen. Sandheden om Gardasil

Ritzau: Overlæge: Myndigheder bør gore mere for Vaccineofre

Catherine A. Hendricks: GENITAL JUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS INFECTION: INCIDENCE AND RISK FACTORS IN A COHORT OF FEMALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2003

Chandrika J P. et al. Indian women with higher serum concentrations of folate and vitamin B12 are significantly less likely to be infected with carcinogenic or high-risk (HR) types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs)

Flemming Borregaard Olsen: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinepolitik og evidensbaseret medicin: er der uoverensstemmelser? (Resume af undersøgelsen " Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine policy and evidence-based medicine: are they at odds").VaccinationsForums nyhedsbrev nummer 2, 2012

http://vaccineinfo.dk/artikler/2014/en-kritisk-gennemgang-af-sundhedsvaesenets-haandtering-af-hpv-bivirkninger-og-patientforsikringens-afgoerelsesgrundlag.aspx?PID=724&M=NewsV2&Action=1

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TV2 Dokumentaren: De Vaccinerede piger - Syge og Svigtede. 26.03.2015