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Foods to Eat to Get Rid of Warts
Warts are the result of a virus and like other viruses, symptoms may improve by eating a healthy diet. Strains of the human papillomavirus cause warts in different places of the body. Common warts typically show up on the hands, though they can be anywhere. Plantar warts are on the soles of the feet.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Flat warts are generally on the face or legs. The last type, genital warts, appear around the area of the crotch, inside the anal canal or inside the vagina.
Vegetables
Vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals that boost your immune system to fight viruses like HPV. Dark, leafy greens and sea vegetables are high in B-vitamins and calcium. Examples include spinach and kale. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that foods like these that boost the immune system can decrease warts by fighting HPV 1.
Vegetables like broccoli are also high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are crucial for neutralizing free radicals that damage tissue and make your cells vulnerable to infection.
- Vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals that boost your immune system to fight viruses like HPV.
- Dark, leafy greens and sea vegetables are high in B-vitamins and calcium.
Fruits
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Fruits are also effective for boosting the immune system and decreasing warts. Fruits like blueberries, tomatoes and cherries are high in antioxidants. Squash and bell peppers have antioxidants too.
Red bell peppers are particularly useful for a healthy immune system because they have twice the vitamin C of most of the fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C. Another useful fruit is pumpkin. Pumpkin is high in vitamin A, which assists in regulating the cell to cell communication that is the foundation of your immune system.
- Fruits are also effective for boosting the immune system and decreasing warts.
- Red bell peppers are particularly useful for a healthy immune system because they have twice the vitamin C of most of the fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C. Another useful fruit is pumpkin.
Herbs
Herbs contain ingredients that improve immune function to stave off viral infections. Garlic contains antioxidants compounds that are effective to fight viruses as well as fungal, bacterial and parasitic infections, according to ABC News. Oregano also has compounds that are antioxidants, namely flavonoids and phenolic acids.
Polyphenols are another kind of plant-based substance with antioxidant properties. Green tea is high in polyphenols. It also contains epigallocatechin gallate, which is a powerful antioxidants.
- Herbs contain ingredients that improve immune function to stave off viral infections.
- It also contains epigallocatechin gallate, which is a powerful antioxidants.
Proteins
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The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends foods like meat, fish, tofu beans and nuts 1. These foods are high in protein, but also contain important nutrients for the immune system. Beans and almonds are high in B-vitamins and calcium.
Whole grains are high in these nutrients as well. Tofu, cold water fish and lean meats are beneficial for warts too, but limit your red meat.
Oysters are beneficial because they are high in zinc. Zinc is important because it functions in the most enzymatic reactions of any mineral, which is crucial for the immune system.
- The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends foods like meat, fish, tofu beans and nuts 1.
- These foods are high in protein, but also contain important nutrients for the immune system.
Avoid
Avoid foods that are processed, contain unhealthy fats, are high in sugar and that contain stimulants if you have warts or HPV, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center 1.
Many baked goods you find in stores or bakeries contain unhealthy trans fats.
Refined foods like white breads and pastas are bad for you, too.
Also, cut out stimulants like caffeine. Do not drink a lot of alcohol or consume tobacco products.
- Avoid foods that are processed, contain unhealthy fats, are high in sugar and that contain stimulants if you have warts or HPV, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center 1.
- Many baked goods you find in stores or bakeries contain unhealthy trans fats.
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References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Warts
- ABC News; Ten Foods to Kick a Cold and Boost Your Immunity; Radha Chitale; October 2008
- Mayo Clinic; Common Warts; February 2010
- Campaner AB, Cardoso FA, Fernandes GL, Veasey JV. Verrucous carcinoma of the vulva: diagnosis and treatment. An Bras Dermatol. 2017;92(2):243-245. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20174929
- TeensHealth. Warts. Updated February 2019.
- Vlahovic TC, Khan MT. The Human Papillomavirus and Its Role in Plantar Warts: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Management. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2016;33(3):337-53. doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2016.02.003
- Yanofsky VR, Patel RV, Goldenberg G. Genital warts: a comprehensive review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(6):25–36.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Warts in children.
- Patidar S. Combination treatment of periungual warts. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2008;1(1):23–24. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.41154
- Al Aboud AM, Nigam PK. Wart (Plantar, Verruca Vulgaris, Verrucae). StatPearls. Sept 27, 2019.
- Yanofsky VR, Patel RV, Goldenberg G. Genital warts: a comprehensive review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012 Jun;5(6):25-36.
Writer Bio
Sarka-Jonae Miller has been a freelance writer and editor since 2003. She was a personal trainer for four years with certifications from AFAA and NASM. Miller also worked at 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness and as a mobile trainer. Her career in the fitness industry begin in 2000 as a martial arts, yoga and group exercise instructor. She graduated cum laude from Syracuse University.