Fibroids grow abnormally in the uterus. Also known as uterine fibroids, myomas, and leiomyomas, Fibroids aren’t cancerous or life-threatening, but they can sometimes cause complications and health problems. They usually form in and around the uterine walls. Fibroids are made of muscle and other tissues. They may be as tiny as a seed or grow larger than a tennis ball. A person may have multiple fibroids or just one. Its symptoms and complications include:
- Pain
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Constipation
- Anaemia
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Miscarriages
While foods don’t treat or prevent fibroids, a person’s daily diet and lifestyle plays a role in reducing your risk. Diet can help balance hormones that may trigger these growths. Certain foods may also help ease fibroid symptoms. These include:
1. Stick to a Mediterranean diet
Add plenty of fresh and cooked green vegetables, fresh fruit, legumes, and fish to your plate. A Mediterranean diet is one way to do this. Research shows that eating these foods regularly may help lower your risk for fibroids. On the other hand, eating beef, ham, lamb, and other red meat may raise your risk.
2. Reduce alcohol intake
Drinking any type of alcohol may increase your risk for fibroids. This can happen because alcohol raises the level of hormones needed for fibroids to grow. Alcohol may also trigger inflammation.
3. Balance oestrogen
Estrogen is a hormone important for healthy fertility in both women and men. However, too much estrogen can increase your risk for fibroids or worsen them. Many treatments for fibroids work by lowering estrogen levels. Other ways to balance estrogen levels include:
Losing weight. Obesity and excess weight increases the risk for fibroids. Fat cells make more estrogen, so losing weight may help prevent or slow the growth of fibroids.
Avoiding hormone-disrupting chemicals. Natural and synthetic chemicals can throw off your endocrine balance, raising estrogen levels. These chemicals can leach into your body through skin and food. Avoid or limit coming into contact with chemicals found in:
- fertilizers
- pesticides
- plastics such as BPA
- nonstick coatings on cookware
- fire retardants
- dyes
- paints
- some personal care products
4. Lower blood pressure
Research shows that a high number of women with severe fibroids also have high blood pressure. More research is needed to find out if there’s a link. Balancing blood pressure is vital for your overall health. Try these tips:
- Avoid added salt. Flavor food with herbs and other spices instead.
- Limit high-sodium processed and packaged foods.
- Check your blood pressure daily with a home monitor.
- Exercise regularly.
- Lose weight, especially around the waist.
- Avoid or limit alcohol.
- Increase potassium by eating a majority of plants at each meal.
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
- If you have high blood pressure, take medication as prescribed.
- See your doctor for regular checkups.
5. Get enough Vitamin D
Vitamin D may help reduce your risk of fibroids by almost 32 percent. Your body makes this “sunshine vitamin” naturally when your skin’s exposed to sunlight. If you have darker skin or live in cooler climates, you are more likely to be deficient.
Supplements can help raise your levels, along with foods such as:
- Egg yolks
- Fortified milk, cheese, and dairy products
- Fortified cereals
- Fortified orange juice
- Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel
- Cod liver oil