Build a Healthy Immune System

Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus. As with any virus, it’s important to have a healthy immune system to be able to fight off any attack. The body has a natural built-in immune system in all normally healthy individuals from birth. As babies, we didn’t have to think about nutrition. If our mothers were able to breast feed, our nutrition was supercharged with lots of immune building nutrients. From then on, however, it is up to us as individuals to take care of ourselves and make good choices like adopting a healthy diet and getting enough exercise. There is nothing new with this formula, but there continues to be an increasing body of knowledge supporting why these two components are so critical to fending off disease.

Diet and Nutrition

Build a Healthy Immune System Through Good NutritionIn the field of naturopathic (natural) medicine it is understood that as much as 80% of the body’s immune system is in the digestive tract. Because of this, it is most important to feed the body foods that are proven rich in antioxidants and other immune boosting nutrients.

Also found in huge numbers in the digestive system are all kinds of beneficial bacteria, which need good nutrition to do their work. Further, compounds found in fruits and properly prepared tea enhance the immune system. Fruits and fruit-based foods that are rich in these inflammatory-reducing polyphenols (natural chemicals in plants that, in theory, block certain enzymes from fostering the growth of cancers) and other plant-based nutrients include: Figs, Pomegranates, Raspberries, Black grapes, Blackberries, Black currants, Blueberries, Prunes, and dark raisins.

Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that maintain the integrity of your immune system. Pre-biotics are the nutrition for these “good guys.” The main source of food to feed these bacteria is found in soluble plant fibers, found in most fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes (beans). Examples of such foods are: Cilantro and parsley, whole wheat, oats, oat bran, carrots, broccoli, tomato paste, artichokes, pinto, kidney, soy beans, lentils, figs, prunes, flax and sunflower seeds.

You can simply view this as a battle between the good bacteria that keep you well and the bad bacteria that can lead to poor health conditions. However, in this case you are in control of the ammunition!

Clearly, for most people, these are not the foods we commonly eat. It takes a concerted decision to add more of these foods to the diet. This does not have to be a sudden change, but rather one that can be made over time. As you add these items to your diet and take away or reduce things like alcohol, sugar, salt, white flour, and saturated fat you will find you will not miss the things you are giving up and you will develop a taste for these beneficial foods.

Also, smoking is a huge contributor to most diseases as well as consuming too many alcoholic products. Do your best to stop smoking and to limit your alcohol consumption.


Proper nutrition is only part of the story. Exercise can play a significant role in maintaining goodBuild a Healthy Immune System Through Exercise health. Exercise not only helps your immune system fight off simple bacterial and viral infections, but it may actually decrease the incidence of illnesses such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. The relationship between exercise and health is intuitively clear, but proving it is still in the theory and study stage. The beauty of getting exercise is that there are so many choices and the benefits of just a little exercise over no exercise are tremendous. So, the key is to select one or more (varying the routine is better for the body and more fun) things you like to do and make it a habit. One day a walk, the next a bike ride, play or learn to play golf or tennis.

The list is endless, but you have to make it a regular part of your daily or weekly routine. Just like anything, as a word of caution, too much is not good either. Moderation is the key. Another side benefit for some people is the reduction or elimination of taking prescription drugs. Some people find they no longer need or need less pharmaceutical support for some ailments.

So, it’s simple: good food and exercise – you’ve heard it before, because it is true. Start now and see your doctor if you have any questions especially if you are just starting out on an exercise program for the first time (or in a long time).