Are There foods That Heal Uterine Fibroids?
Benign tumors which commonly appear on the uterus are referred to as fibroids. These tumors are often microscopic but some may grow as large as grapefruits. While many women experience few symptoms from fibroids, there are cases where these tumors cause heavy bleeding from the vagina and severe pain. Fibroids do not usually require treatment unless these problems arise. Many times, fibroids shrink in response to menopause due to the amount of estrogen being decreased. Some women find changes in diet helpful in treating fibroids.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Discuss any plans to self-treat fibroids with your physician or health care provider.
Organic Fruits and Vegetables
Women with fibroids should consume plenty of organic fruits and vegetables when cost is not prohibitive. Organic foods are raised without the use of chemical pesticides which can promote growth of fibroid tumors. Choose fresh dark greens, asparagus, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, as well as ripe fruits including berries, bananas, cherries and citrus items.
Whole Foods
Natural Ways to Shrink Fibroids
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Whole foods, such as whole grains, nuts and seeds, are important in a fibroid fighting diet. Life Extension recommends selecting whole foods that are highest in lignins, antiestrogenic compounds available in high quantities in rye, millet, flaxseed, oats, wheat, corn and rice 1.
High Fiber Items
Fiber may be beneficial to those suffering from fibroids because of its potential in drawing out stored estrogen from the body. Beans are a high fiber food that should be eaten frequently. Other foods containing significant amounts of fiber are apples, avocado, bran items such as cereal, carrots and peas.
Fish and Sea Vegetables
Broccoli & Estrogen
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Oily fish, such as tuna, sardines and salmon, are high in prostaglandins that may help alleviate heavy period bleeding. Sea vegetables, including kelp, contain iodine which has beneficial effects on the thyroid and may help keep hormones in balance.
Iron Rich Foods
When you suffer from heavy bleeding due to uterine fibroids, you may need to take special measures to avoid anemia 1. One way you can replenish your body’s iron stores is with foods such as beans, pumpkin, molasses and enriched cereal products. Combine iron rich food with other foods that are high in vitamin C to ensure good iron absorption.
Water
While water is non-nutritive, adequate consumption is mandatory for women fighting fibroids. Water is beneficial for flushing the system of impurities. According to Lifesource Vitamins, water is also helpful in decreasing the pain associated with uterine fibroids 12.
Related Articles
References
- Life Extension: Uterine Fibroids
- Life Source Vitamins: Fibroids, Uterine
- Merck Manual Consumer Version. Fibroids. Updated June 2019.
- Yang Y, He Y, Zeng Q, Li S. Association of body size and body fat distribution with uterine fibroids among Chinese women. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2014;23(7):619-26. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4690.
- Merck Manual Consumer Version. Fibroids. Updated June 2019.
- Dalton-Brewer N. The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Management of Fibroids and Associated Symptomatology. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep. 2016;5:110-118. doi:10.1007/s13669-016-0156-0.
- Yang Y, He Y, Zeng Q, Li S. Association of body size and body fat distribution with uterine fibroids among Chinese women. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2014;23(7):619-26. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4690.
- Roshdy E, Rajaratnam V, Maitra S, Sabry M, Allah AS, Al-hendy A. Treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids with green tea extract: a pilot randomized controlled clinical study. Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:477-86. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S41021.
- Liu T, Yu J, Kuang W, et al. Acupuncture for uterine fibroids: Protocol for a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(8):e14631. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000014631.
Writer Bio
Lisa Mooney has been a professional writer for more than 18 years. She has worked with various clients including many Fortune 500 companies such as Pinkerton Inc. She has written for many publications including Woman's World, Boy's Life and Dark Horizons. Mooney holds bachelor's degrees in both English and biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.