Natural Ways to Shrink Fibroids
Fibroids are growths of muscle and connective tissue that form knots. They are considered benign tumors. Fibroids can cause multiple health problems for women. The cause of fibroids can result from several factors, including imbalanced estrogen levels, pregnancy and birth control pills. Fibroids are normally found in the womb, breast, and near the uterine walls. Shrinking a fibroid takes time but herbs, diet and reducing stress are three common ways to naturally reduce the size of a fibroid. These remedies may not only shrink fibroids, but can prevent them from growing bigger. If symptoms become worse, individuals should consult a physician.
Herbs
Vitex Agnus castus is a herbal supplement that has multiple health benefits, particularly in maintaining a healthy reproductive system 1. According to PubMed.gov, Vitex Agnus castus is helpful in dissolving uterine fibroids by normalizing hormonal imbalances 1. Herbs including mullein, ginger and castor oil can also help in the reduction of fibroid by improving circulation. Milk thistle, cramp bark, wild yam rhizome, cleaver leaves and dandelion root are other herbs that can be taken to shrink the size of fibroids. Used regularly, motherwort can not only reduce fibroids, but can also help strengthen the uterine wall tissues and minimize bleeding caused by fibroids. Herbal treatments should be researched, as some individuals may experience side effects.
- Vitex Agnus castus is a herbal supplement that has multiple health benefits, particularly in maintaining a healthy reproductive system 1.
- Herbs including mullein, ginger and castor oil can also help in the reduction of fibroid by improving circulation.
Diet
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According to Reuters, a poor diet that includes high blood sugar and high fat intake can contribute to fibroids. Decreasing consumption of fatty foods and avoiding foods with added hormones, including pork, chicken, and beef, can help shrink fibroids and prevent them from growing back. Since imbalanced estrogen levels have been linked to fibroids, proper liver function is important in shrinking fibroids. Foods that help with liver function, such as artichokes, salads with lemon juice and radicchio, will help to shrink fibroids. Fat cells store estrogen, so it is recommended that sufferers maintain a healthy weight as well.
- According to Reuters, a poor diet that includes high blood sugar and high fat intake can contribute to fibroids.
- Decreasing consumption of fatty foods and avoiding foods with added hormones, including pork, chicken, and beef, can help shrink fibroids and prevent them from growing back.
Managing Stress
Stress has been linked to several ailments within the body. According to the website ReduceStressNow, major life events that cause stress may be associated with a number of fibroid cases in women 3. Stress causes the adrenal glands to release a hormone called cortisol. This hormone has been shown to increase fatty tissues. Since increase of fatty tissue is linked to fibroids, eliminating stress will lessen the degree of fatty tissue being formed. Meditation and yoga can help to reduce stress too, especially if practiced frequently. Other exercises such as walking and jogging can reduce some forms of stress, and counseling may be helpful for some individuals.
- Stress has been linked to several ailments within the body.
- Other exercises such as walking and jogging can reduce some forms of stress, and counseling may be helpful for some individuals.
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References
- PubMed.gov: Vitex Agnus Castus
- Reuters: Diet May Alter Fibroid
- 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.