Once you have been diagnosed with these benign tumours, there are certain foods that may help. And there are others to avoid, since dietary changes may help keep tumour growth in check.
Why is this the case? Balancing your hormone levels can help manage fibroid development and symptoms since hormones, particularly estrogen, are one of the leading causes of new fibroid development and growth. And one easy, non-invasive way to balance your hormones is through simple changes in your diet.
Types of food to avoid.
If you are trying to manage your fibroids and maintain or shrink their current size, balancing your hormones naturally is a great first step. Your diet has a strong influence on your hormone levels, which is why it’s one of the first (and easiest) areas to apply changes.
For best results in managing your fibroids, try restricting the following food and drinks from your diet:
- High-Fat, Processed Meats – Red processed meat is known to be high in added hormones, particularly estrogen.
- High-Fat Dairy Products – Conventional dairy can contain high levels of steroids, hormones, and other chemicals that promote inflation.
- Foods High in Salt – Highly salted foods are hard on your liver, which is the organ that is most responsible for removing toxins and balancing hormones.
- Refined Carbohydrates – White foods such as pasta, white bread, white rice, cakes, and cookies have been known to alter estrogen levels, causing fibroids to increase in size.
- Soy. Soy contains phytoestrogens. These are compounds that act like estrogen in your body. While this may be helpful if you battle low estrogen levels, they are a fibroid challenge. That’s because high estrogen levels seem to boost fibroid growth.
- Refined Sugar – High consumption of sugar can result in inflammation and weight gain; there is an association between weight gain and hormone imbalance.
- Caffeine – Too much caffeine puts additional stress on your liver, discouraging the organ from working the way it should (think: balancing hormones!)
- Alcohol – Over-consumption of alcohol can lead to inflammation of the body and reduced immune function. Reducing or eliminating alcohol can help promote a healthy balance of hormones.
Best Foods to Eat With Fibroids
If you’re already feeling restricted just by looking at the list above, don’t panic: there are so many options that can help you fill the gaps you’re eliminating. Added bonus? They may just help improve your general health while helping keep fibroids in check:
Foods for fibroids
- Organic foods
- High fibre foods, including cruciferous veggies like broccoli
- Green leafy vegetables
- Beta-carotene rich foods (such as carrots and sweet potatoes). These can also help boost your fertility, something that can be impacted by fibroid growth.
- Food high in iron (such as grass-fed beef and legumes)
- Flaxseeds
- Whole grains
- Citrus like apples and oranges. Studies show that women who eat two or more servings of citrus fruit each day lower their fibroid risk.
- Supplements may also help shrink or maintain fibroid size. Vitex, fish oil, and B-complex are a few supplements that have been known for creating a better hormone balance. Additionally, the fatty acids in fish oil (or cold water fish) may help fight inflammation that could contribute to fibroid growth. Be sure to speak with your physician before introducing new supplements into your diet.
