What Foods Can Help Reduce Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are a common but painful health concern among women of childbearing age. These noncancerous tumors cause abdominal discomfort, heavy periods, and problems like frequent urination and constipation.
There are steps you can take to reduce their size and the associated symptoms. Eating a healthy diet may be one of those steps.
If you reside near Queens, Fishkill, Harlem, Brooklyn, West Orange, NJ, or Cincinnati, OH, and have questions about your diet and fibroids, consider making an appointment at American Fibroid Centers. We offer resources and support to women suffering from this condition.
Read below to learn about the connection between diet and fibroids, and how an advanced treatment called uterine fibroid embolization can help.
What causes fibroids to grow?
Fibroids tend to grow in response to excess estrogen in the body. This is why women of childbearing age are more likely to develop fibroids since estrogen levels naturally rise during this time.
For this reason, any food that increases estrogen levels (such as red meat and dairy products) could theoretically promote fibroid growth. Processed meals and foods high in sugar may also contribute to fibroid growth by causing inflammation.
Enlarged fibroids can cause a number of painful issues, including:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Frequent urination
- Constipation or bloating
- Lower back pain
Fibroid symptoms can be disruptive to your daily life. Women who want to avoid fibroid growth may want to try natural methods like diet changes first.
Can certain foods really shrink fibroids?
There is no evidence that a dedicated diet will shrink fibroids or prevent them from forming in the first place. However, eating healthy and well-balanced meals can regulate hormone levels and potentially reduce fibroid growth. Try consuming more of the following fibroid-fighting foods:
- Vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale help the liver detoxify the body and are thought to rid the body of excess estrogen.
- Foods rich in Vitamin E: Vitamin E can play a role in hormone balance. Almonds and hazelnuts are good sources of this essential vitamin.
- Green tea: Green tea contains the antioxidant polyphenol, which is thought to counteract the effects of estrogen.
Making dietary changes is a gradual process. Start by incorporating more of the above foods into your meals and see how you feel. You may also want to speak with a registered dietitian in Queens, Fishkill, Harlem, Brooklyn, West Orange, NJ, or Cincinnati, OH to develop a customized meal plan that helps meet your needs.
About uterine fibroid embolization
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to reduce symptom-causing fibroids. It works by cutting off blood supply to fibroids. UFE is performed by the professionals at American Fibroid Centers, who are specially trained in this cutting-edge treatment.
UFE is a safe and effective alternative when compared to more invasive options such as surgery. Recovery is usually quick, with most women returning to normal activities within a short period of time.
Reduce fibroid growth through diet
Dietary changes are just one step you can take to reduce uterine fibroid growth. If you are looking for an experienced and compassionate team to treat fibroids non-surgically, consider the doctors at American Fibroid Centers. Our specialists have helped countless women residing near Queens, Fishkill, Harlem, Brooklyn, West Orange, NJ, and Cincinnati, OH. We can provide a wealth of resources and support to inform you of all of the treatment options for uterine fibroids.
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