The lifestyle changes below are also important in the prevention of fibroids.
These natural treatments may or may not help your fibroid symptoms, since relief depends on how severe your symptoms are and how your fibroids have progressed. You should speak with your doctor before trying any of these options.
Weight loss
A clinical study in China showed that obesity and excess weight increased the risk for uterine fibroids. This happens because fat cells make high amounts of estrogen. Losing weight may help prevent or reduce the size of fibroids.
Nutrition
Your daily diet is a very important factor in treating fibroids. The right nutrition can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk. Certain foods can also help ease symptoms.
Foods to avoid
- Red Meat – According to clinical studies, eating too much red meat increases your risk of uterine fibroids.
- Drinking alcohol also increases your risk.
- Eating excess refined carbohydrates and sugary foods may trigger or worsen fibroids.
- Avoid or restrict simple refined carbohydrates like: white rice, pasta, and flour, soda and other sugary drinks, corn syrup, boxed cereals, baked goods (cakes, cookies, doughnuts), potato chips, crackers.
These foods raise blood sugar levels. This causes your body to produce too much insulin hormone.
Foods to eat
Fibre-rich unprocessed foods help:
- Curb your appetite
- Balance hormones
- Prevent excess weight gain
- Brightly colored foods such as fruits and vegetables also help reduce inflammation and lower your risk for fibroids.
- Add these whole foods to your daily diet:
- raw and cooked vegetables and fruit
- dried fruit
- whole grains
- brown rice
- lentils and beans
- whole grain bread and pasta
- quinoa
- fresh and dried herbs
- Vitamins and supplements
- Milk and dairy may help to reduce fibroids. Dairy products contain high amounts of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These nutrients may help prevent growth of fibroids.
Some types of vitamins may also help reduce the growth and size of fibroids. Research confirms that your risk for fibroids may increase if you have low amounts of vitamin D and vitamin A from animal sources, such as dairy.
Uterine fibroids may worsen menstrual pain, bloating, and cramping. A number of vitamins may help ease these symptoms:
vitamin B-1
vitamin B-6
vitamin E
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
You can find these vitamins in food as well as supplements. If you want to start incorporating supplements into your daily routine, talk with your doctor before you begin.
Blood pressure
A Dutch study found that there may be a link between high blood pressure and fibroids. Manage your blood pressure to help reduce your risk and improve your overall health:
Limit foods with added salt or sodium.
Check your blood pressure regularly and discuss readings with your doctor.
