Healing Fibroid Foods & Diet

At some point in their lives, three out of four women will have uterine fibroid tumors, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fortunately, you may be able to reduce your risk of fibroid tumors by eating foods such as whole grains and vegetables, according to the Life Extension website. Though certain foods are believed beneficial, you should consult your doctor before attempting to treat fibroid tumors.

Definition

Fibroid tumors are noncancerous, uterine growths that commonly appear in women during childbearing years, according to the Mayo Clinic. These benign tumors also are called fibromyomas, leiomyomas or myomas. The Mayo Clinic says fibroid tumors rarely become cancerous and usually do not require any treatment. In fact, most women do not experience any symptoms and are unaware that they even have fibroid tumors.

Symptoms

Although uncommon, some women do experience symptoms, such as heavy and prolonged menstrual periods, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent and difficult urination, constipation and back and leg pains, reports the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms may be based on the location of your tumor. Submucosal fibroids grow in the inner cavity of the uterus and are believed responsible for long and heavy menstrual cycles. Fibroids occurring outside the uterus, or subserosal fibroids, may result in urinary problems, constipation and back pains, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Diet

According to the Life Extension website, a diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds as well as the whole grains such as flax, rye, millet, oats and wheat may benefit uterine fibroid tumors. A high-fiber diet is thought to absorb excessive amounts of estrogen in the body --- which may be linked to fibroid tumors. Dairy products, red meat, sugar, salt, caffeine, alcohol and fried foods should be avoided, recommends the Life Extension website.

Soy

Science has yet to prove the effect of soy, a phytoestrogen or estrogenlike plant compound, on fibroid tumors. However, research published in the May 2008 edition of "The British Journal of Nutrition" discusses the link between soy and the occurrence of hysterectomies. The investigators discovered that the intake of soy was associated with a decreased risk of hysterectomy, suggesting that soy may have the potential to protect against fibroids.

Lignans

Lignans are phytoestrogens found in all whole grains that may inhibit fibroid tumors. A study published in the September 2006 edition of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" evaluated the effects of phytoestrogen exposure on the risk of fibroid tumors. A team led by Charlotte Atkinson determined that there was a modest association between lignans and the reduction of fibroids. However, researchers reported that if additional studies confirm their findings, lignans may be a viable dietary solution for the reduced risk of uterine fibroids.