Fibroids are harmless/benign growths in the uterus and are also known as uterine fibroids or myomas. These are non-cancerous growths which are not life-threatening; however, they can cause complications and health issues.
They form in and around the walls of the uterus and are consisted of muscles and some other tissues. Their size varies- from tiny as seeds to larger than tennis balls. There may be only one or several fibroids.
Even though the exact reason for these growths is not clear, doctors point out that being overweight or obese increases the risk as well as lack of specific nutrients, as well as genetics- if your mother or sister has fibroids, you are at a higher risk too.
Believe it or not, around 80 percent of women will develop fibroids in their lifetime. In today’s article, we will focus on presenting some of the major diet contributors to uterine fibroids and several useful tips to lower them naturally.
5 Major Triggers of Uterine Fibroids
- Soy products
Eating soy in moderate amounts may be good for the health; however, excessive consumption can trigger fibroids as well as gout. This is because fermented soy is often full of phytoestrogens that can have a negative impact on the female health.
- Processed foods
Processed and refined foods are full of preservatives, flavors, colors, and other additives which put a lot of pressure onto the liver and thus, can worsen the overall health.
- Soy milk
This milk can lead to estrogen dominance characterized by symptoms like infertility, thyroid problems, breast fibroids, weight gain, and irregular menstrual cycles.
- Birth control pills
This is yet another common contributing factor to uterine fibroid growth.
- Pesticides and herbicides
Exposure to these chemicals can negatively affect the hormones and cause hormonal imbalances.
How to Avert & Reduce Uterine Fibroids Naturally
- Manage stress in your life
Excessive stress deprives the body from pivotal nutrients, weakens the adrenal glands, and triggers hormonal imbalance. Therefore, make sure you learn and practice stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, reading, breathing exercises, exercise, etc.
- Eat your legumes and beans
A diet rich in legumes and beans, as well as avocados and eggs, can help lower the fibroid size and keep you safe from breast and cervical cancer.
- Consume foods that are good for the liver
You should up your intake of foods that are good for your liver, for example, grapefruit, beetroot, milk thistle, and dandelion.
- Hydrate the body
Water is pivotal for an optimal overall health. However, it needs to be clean water! Avoid one which is full of chlorine, fluoride, and heavy metals.
- Take some supplements
Today, there are beneficial supplements that may help shrink the size of fibroids. Some of them are omega-3s, vitamin C, zinc, spirulina, L-arginine, and L-lysine. There are also potent herbs you can supplement with, that is, nettle tea, turmeric, dandelion root, and black cohosh.
- Stay away from specific drinks
Coffee and other caffeinated drinks like sodas have a dehydrating effect on the body. Plus, they reduce the proper absorption of important minerals such as iron. Moreover, excessive consumption of these drinks will put you at a higher risk of anemia and other health issues.
- Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity in combination with a healthy and nutritious diet is a great method to regulate the ovulation and potentially decrease the fibroids’ size.
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