Fibroids are tumors that are non-cancerous that grow in the uterus of women. Alternative names for fibroids include uterine fibroids, myomas or fibromyomas. Symptoms of fibroids may include abdominal fullness, increased frequency of urination, long-lasting menstrual cramps, pelvic cramping and pain. Fibroids may respond to the hormone estrogen by increasing in growth. A 2006 study in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" stated that uterine fibroids respond to hormones, including estradiol and progesterone, that stimulate their growth. If you suffer from fibroids, certain foods and drinks with estrogen-like properties may need to be avoided in order to avoid aggravating symptoms.
Alcohol
If you are suffering with fibroids, avoid drinking alcohol. A 2009 study in the British Journal of Nutrition found that a high intake of alcohol is linked to greater incidence of uterine fibroids. According to "The Herbal Encyclopedia," alcohol may aggravate the condition of fibroids or contribute to their recurrence.
Flaxseed
Avoid or limit your intake of flaxseed. The National Institutes of Health report that flaxseed may act like estrogen, a hormone in the body. The Institute states that there is concern that flaxseed, an estrogen-acting food, may worsen or aggravate hormone-related conditions such as uterine fibroids. However, it also reports that some animal research shows flaxseed might have a protective effect against hormone-related conditions. More studies are needed. The National Institutes of Health advises that you do not include excessive amounts of flaxseed in your diet if you suffer from hormone-related conditions.
Foods Containing Boron
Consuming boron-rich foods may aggravate the condition of fibroids. According to the National Institutes of Health, boron is an element that may act like estrogen in your body. It advises that if you suffer with hormonally-sensitive conditions, such as uterine fibroids, that may be worsened by estrogen, then you should avoid high amounts of boron. Boron can be found in many dietary sources including dried fruits, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, legumes and nuts.
References
- Nagata C, Nakamura K, Oba S, Hayashi M, Takeda N, Yasuda K.(2009). The British Journal Of Nutrition: Association Of Intakes Of Fat, Dietary Fibre, Soya Isolflavones And Alcohol With Uterine Fibroids In Japanese Women. May;101(10).
- Medical News Today: What Are Fibroids?
- Natural Lark.com: Treating Ovarian Cysts and Uterine Fibroids
- National Institutes of Health: Flaxseed
- Atkinson C, Lampe JW, Scholes D, Chen C, Wähälä K, Schwartz SM.(2006).The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Lignan and isoflavone excretion in relation to uterine fibroids: a case-control study of young to middle-aged women in the United States.Sep;84(3).
- National Insitutes of Health: Boron
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