Many women have or will experience uterine fibroids at some point in their lives. Fortunately, there are natural preventative measures you can take to prevent or slow the growth of fibroids. One Way? Adopt a uterine fibroid diet that eliminates certain foods and increases intake of other types of foods.
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that form in the uterine wall, whereas endometriosis involves the growth of endometrium-like tissue (tissue that resembles uterine tissue) outside the uterus (where it shouldn’t be). It is important to note that endometriosis and uterine fibroids are two separate medical conditions.
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow within the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus.Any amount 3 out of 4 women You will experience uterine fibroids at some point in your life.
For some people, uterine fibroids cause no symptoms or problems. However, some people experience uterine fibroids as physically painful and debilitating, and can even cause reproductive and other serious health problems.
As many as three out of four women will experience uterine fibroids in their lifetime.
The good news is that lifestyle factors, especially nutrition, may help prevent uterine fibroids and slow their growth. Foods rich in nutrients such as vitamin D, antioxidants, and minerals are associated with a lower risk of uterine fibroids. If you or someone you know has uterine fibroids, consider adopting a fibroid diet to prevent and slow uterine fibroid growth.
This article details what uterine fibroids are, how they are diagnosed, potential symptoms and complications, and foods and nutrients that can reduce your risk or limit their growth.
What are uterine fibroids?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, uterine leiomyomas (commonly known as fibroids) are benign, noncancerous tumors that arise from the muscle tissue of the uterus. These are the most common types of growths found in a woman’s pelvis.
Uterine fibroids can form in a variety of sizes, shapes, and locations within the uterus (e.g., inside the uterus, on the outside surface, or within the wall). Some are small, about the size of a pea, while others are large, round growths at least 5 to 6 inches wide.
As they grow, uterine fibroids can distort the inside and/or outside of the uterus and, in severe cases, can become large enough to fill the pelvis and abdomen.
How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?
Uterine fibroids are commonly detected and diagnosed with a pelvic exam. Techniques such as ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy may be used to confirm the presence of uterine fibroids.
What causes uterine fibroids?
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but some studies have shown that they develop from misplaced cells that were in the body before birth. estrogen and progesterone It appears to play a prominent role in fibroid growth.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Women’s Health report Between 20 and 80 percent of women will develop uterine fibroids by the age of 50.
Certain factors can increase your risk of uterine fibroids, including age, family history, and diet.
Year: Uterine fibroids commonly occur in women in their 30s and 40s during the menopause period. However, uterine fibroids usually shrink after menopause.
Family history: Women are more likely to develop uterine fibroids if they have a relative, such as a mother or sister, with uterine fibroids. moreover, the study Black women show a higher risk of developing fibroids compared to white women.
diet: A diet high in red meat, especially beef and ham, increases the risk of uterine fibroids, while eating fruits and vegetables appears to protect against the development of uterine fibroids.
What are the common symptoms of uterine fibroids?
Symptoms of uterine fibroids vary greatly from person to person and can range from asymptomatic to severe. Although most uterine fibroids are not necessarily harmful, some can cause complications.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
- Menstrual periods are longer, more frequent, or heavier
- Menstrual pain/menstrual pain
- Vaginal bleeding other than during menstruation
- Dull, heavy, aching, and/or sharp pain in the abdomen or lower back
- pain during intercourse
- Difficulty or frequent urination
- Constipation, rectal pain, difficulty defecating
- abdominal pain
- enlargement of the uterus and abdomen
Potential complications from uterine fibroids include:
- pain, nausea, fever
- abdominal swelling
- anemia (due to blood loss)
- abortion
- infertility
Treatment for symptomatic fibroids is individualized and determined by factors such as the size of the fibroids and the severity of symptoms.
Some fibroids can be managed with medication, while others require surgery to remove them, such as myomectomy (sparing the uterus) or hysterectomy (removing the uterus).
What is the recommended diet for uterine fibroids?
Unfortunately, diet alone may not be enough to prevent or treat uterine fibroids. However, nutrition can supplement the therapies developed by medical professionals to treat and manage uterine fibroids.
the study found a consistent association between vitamin D deficiency and the development of uterine fibroids. Vitamin D is found in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, eggs, fortified and non-dairy milk, and wild mushrooms.
Additionally, many phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables have been shown to have the ability to shrink uterine fibroids and stop their growth.
Read: Phytochemicals: A guide to eating the rainbow with a plant-based diet
Eat a diet that prevents uterine fibroids – These are the top 7 foods that are effective against uterine fibroids.
Below is a list of the top seven foods that research has found to be effective in managing uterine fibroids. Some of these fibroid-fighting foods are listed together below because they contain the same compounds.
1.Green tea
Green tea contains a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors such as uterine fibroids.
a study In a study published in the International Journal of Women’s Health, giving 800 mg of green tea extract daily to women of reproductive age with uterine fibroids for four months significantly reduced the total amount of uterine fibroids and the severity of fibroid symptoms. It was revealed that there was a decrease in
2. Berries and apples
Fruits contain many bioactive compounds that can prevent or slow the growth of uterine fibroids. These contain anthocyanins, found in berries and apples, which help prevent the growth of uterine fibroids.
Laboratory in 2017 study found that strawberry extract caused the destruction of uterine fibroid cells, but a cohort study Wise et al. showed that women who consumed more fruit were less likely to develop uterine fibroids.
3. Broccoli, cabbage, and tomatoes
Vegetables also contain powerful phytochemicals that have been shown to potentially prevent or shrink uterine fibroids.
a studying chinese They found that foods such as broccoli and cabbage had a protective effect against uterine fibroids, and women with fibroids were less likely to report consuming these foods. Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, also plays an important preventive role.
Therefore, the diet that prevents uterine fibroids is one that is rich in these fruits and vegetables.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has several health benefits, including reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.according to study According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, curcumin may also be effective in slowing the growth of uterine fibroids.
Read: 9 Incredible Health Benefits of Turmeric
Avoid the following foods to reduce the chance of uterine fibroids:
There are also foods that can increase your chances of developing uterine fibroids. Consider the following foods. do not have Please take it as a preventive food for uterine fibroids.
1. Alcohol
of california teacher study found that consuming more than 20 grams of alcohol per day increased the likelihood of needing surgery for uterine fibroids.
2. Red meat
Uterine fibroids appear to be more common in high-intake populations. red meatespecially beef and ham.
3. Refined carbohydrates
Foods with a high glycemic index (such as white bread, pasta, and soft drinks) may increase the risk of uterine fibroids for some women with the following symptoms: hormone-responsive tumors.
4. Soybeans
Although the relationship between soy and the development of tumors (including uterine fibroids) remains controversial, the study Researchers have found that frequent consumption of soy increases the risk of uterine fibroids.
5. Contaminant chemicals in certain foods and household products
A few things are also worth noting. pollutants Substances found in fertilizers, pesticides, BPA, nonstick coatings on cookware, flame retardants, dyes, and paints can disrupt hormonal balance and increase your risk of uterine fibroids.
Read: Glyphosate in food: What you need to know about this chemical and your health
Uterine fibroid diet is the key to prevention
Many women will encounter uterine fibroids at some point in their lives, but the experience is often different. Regular pelvic exams are highly recommended, especially if you have a family history of uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids usually require treatment only if they are causing symptoms. Treatment for uterine fibroids includes medications and surgery and is individualized to suit your medical condition and reproductive goals.
Research has shown that incorporating a uterine fibroid diet, especially foods rich in vitamin D and antioxidants, may play a role in preventing and/or reducing uterine fibroid growth. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, green tea, turmeric, and dairy products can reduce your risk of uterine fibroids, while alcohol, red meat, refined carbohydrates, and/or soy can increase your risk.
If you suspect you have uterine fibroids, it’s important to contact your health care provider or gynecologist as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis and follow professional advice.
All information contained is not intended for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. All views expressed within this article are those of the author. Always consult your health care provider if you have medical questions and before starting or changing any diet, supplements, or exercise regimen.
