The uterus is a muscular female reproductive organ that protects and nourishes the developing fetus before birth. Ovaries are almond-shaped glands responsible for producing female hormones, and also contain the eggs before fertilization. Several conditions ranging from endometriosis, fibroids, uterine prolapse and polycystic ovarian syndrome to uterine and ovarian cancers can affect the uterus and ovaries and lead to infertility, excessive menstrual bleeding, urinary incontinence and even death. Diet plays a major role in maintaining the overall health and function of the uterus and ovaries.
High-fiber Diet
Dietary fiber or roughage is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and cereals. Apart from improving blood glucose and cholesterol levels, high-fiber diets may also help eliminate excessive estrogen stored in the body, thereby preventing conditions such as uterine fibroids. An article published in "Life Extension" magazine reports that lignins found in high-fiber foods such as flaxseeds, rye, barley, oats and wheat have anti-estrogenic properties and help prevent fibroid growth in the uterus.
Flavonoids
According to an article by Karen Collins, R.D., at msnbc.com, flavonoid compounds such as kaempferol, found in teas, broccoli and spinach, and luteolin, found in peppers, celery, cabbage and carrots, may help prevent ovarian cancer and promote a healthy female reproductive system. The biological benefits of flavonoids are due to their antioxidant activity and their ability to modulate cellular response to stress. The Linus Pauling Institute states that synthetic flavonoid supplements may not be as beneficial as the natural, plant-based ones.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are natural sources of minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals essential to maintain a healthy uterus and ovaries. Magnesium is an important mineral for women of reproductive age, reducing the symptoms of menstruation, including cramps and excessive bleeding. The mineral zinc helps maintain healthy eggs and ovaries. Women's Health magazine also recommends a healthy intake of fruits and vegetables. These plants are rich sources of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins C and E, which protect uterine and ovarian cells from the harmful effects of free radicals that interact with DNA and membranes and may cause uterine and ovarian cancers. According to Dr. David Jockers, a vegetable-rich diet consisting of sprouts, berries and grapefruit can balance the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone in the body.
Dairy Products
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter and yogurt are rich sources of calcium and vitamin D. While calcium and vitamin D are both essential for maintaining bone health in women, vitamin D can also help prevent uterine fibroids.
Vitamin Supplements
You can also obtain needed vitamins from supplements. A study published in the June 2005 edition of "Human Reproduction" states that B-complex supplementation may help maintain homocysteine levels in patients undergoing polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, treatment. Vitamin supplements also help improve the functioning of the immune system and prevent infections of the female reproductive organs. Vitamin supplements may have some side effects, so talk to a doctor before taking them.
References
- Life Extension: Uterine Fibroids
- msnbc.com: Could foods help prevent ovarian cancer?
- Women's Health: Diet and Reproductive System
- Natural News.com: Natural Solutions Help Uterine Fibroids
- "Human Reproduction"; Administration of B-group vitamins reduces circulating homocysteine in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients treated with metformin: a randomized trial; Esra Bulgan Kilicdag et al; June 2005
- Linus Pauling Institute: Flavonoids
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