Can Omega 3 Shrink Fibroids?

Fibroids are benign, noncancerous tumors made of fibrous connective tissue and smooth muscle cells. They are the most common benign growth within American women and usually grow on the walls of the uterus. The cause of fibroid growth is not well understood, but assumed to be multifactorial and involve genetics, hormone imbalance and dietary toxins. Omega-3 fatty acids display a variety of beneficial properties and are sometimes recommended for shrinking fibroids, but there are no scientific studies to support the idea.

Fibroids

Due to their predilection for the walls of the uterus, fibroids are often called uterine fibroids or leiomyomas. Fibroids are considered common benign tumors in females and typically start to develop during the middle and later reproductive years. ; 2008'). Fibroids often grow in multiples and are a primary cause of partial and complete hysterectomy surgeries.

Causes

Bloating & Fibroids

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The cause of fibroid growth is not well understood and frequently debated. Fibroids do need estrogen to grow, which is why menopause stops their growth or shrinks them. It has been noted that African Americans, smokers and the obese have higher incidence of fibroid growth.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential unsaturated fats that are found in abundance in fish oils and flaxseed oil. There are some different types that are referred to as ALA, DHA and EPA, but all are polyunsaturated fats. The idea that omega-3 fatty acids can affect fibroids may be related to other ingredients in flaxseed.

Flaxseed

Signs of Fibroid Shrinkage

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In addition to essential fatty acids, the seeds of the flax plant also contain lignan. A number of studies have shown that flaxseed consumption slows benign prostate growth, so it is possible that it may have a positive affect on fibroids even though the two conditions are quite different.