Fibroids are harmless tumors that grow on or inside the uterus. While they are not life-threatening, they can lead to complications, especially in pregnancy. Most women develop fibroids until the age of 50. The formations can be microscopic or large enough to lead to an abdominal bulge.
Doctors don’t know what causes fibroids (1), but their growth is controlled by hormones. Risk factors included genetics, being overweight and lacking specific nutrients. There is no diet which can prevent or cure them, but your lifestyle and eating habits can balance the hormones which control the growth of fibroids, thus, play a role in reducing these formations. Some foods can reduce the symptoms of fibroids.
The Mediterranean diet
According to fibroids experts from Viva Eve a Mediterranean diet can lower your risk of developing fibroids and can limit their growth (2). This diet is based on fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of fish and greens. Avoid red meat, which can promote the growth of fibroids, so reduce your intake of pork, lamb and beef, as they can promote the growth of fibroids.
Food rich in vitamin D
Vitamin D can reduce the risk of developing fibroids by up to 32%, (3) which is a lot, especially if you are prone to develop this condition. The body gets this vitamin from sun exposure, but if you live in a cold climate you are likely to have a low level of vitamin D.
There are many foods which contain it, so you can get it from egg yolks, oranges or orange juice, milk, salmon, tuna and cod liver oil.
Fiber rich foods
According to Dr. Josh Axe the main goal you want to achieve when you have fibroids is to balance your hormone levels (4). Eating fiber rich foods, such as raw or cooked vegetables, fruits, both raw and dried and cereals can keep your hormone levels steady. They also keep the blood sugar level steady, which is another benefit, considering the fact obesity is a risk factor in developing fibroids. Other foods rich in fibers are pasta, oats, lentils, beans and barley.
Potassium
Potassium is a key element in keeping your blood pressure between normal limits and countering the effects of salt. Eat potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, avocado, dates, cantaloupe, tomatoes and potatoes.
Dairy
Fat dairy products are not what you need when you have fibroids, but lighter dairy, like yoghurt, are good for increasing your intake of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. These minerals slow down the growth of fibroids.
Green tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and can reduce the inflammation in your body (5). At the same time, it can lower the level of estrogen and is a source of iron. This means you should be drinking green tea during your period, when you lose a lot of iron.
Other sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components are tomatoes, berries (strawberries, blueberries, cherries), spinach, kale, almonds and nuts.
A healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet are not going to make the fibroids disappear on their own, but they can reduce their growth rate and can reduce the intensity of their symptoms.
(1) Epidemiology of Uterine Myomas: A Review
(2) Personalized Women’s Healthcare That Puts You First
(3) Vitamin D may reduce risk of uterine fibroids, according to NIH study
(4) 6 Steps to Balance Hormones Naturally
(5) Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effects of green tea and black tea: A comparative in vitro study
by Cara Lucas
