Fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in your uterus. Up to 75 percent of women have uterine fibroids at some point, according to MayoClinic.com, many of whom experience no symptoms. If your fibroids cause discomfort, sharp pain or heavy menstrual bleeding, you may require medical treatment. Changing your dietary lifestyle may also help reduce symptoms of fibroids and enhance your overall wellness. For best results, seek specified guidance from a qualified health care professional.
Enriched Flour
Enriched flour derives from a whole grain. During food processing, the grain is stripped of vital nutrients, protein and fiber as its ground into a fine powder. While enriched flour is long-lasting and incorporated into a variety of popular foods, it can have a damaging impact on your blood sugar levels and can offset women's hormonal balance. Women's health expert Dr. Christiane Northrup recommends a diet based upon low-glycemic foods as a valuable natural alternative or supplementary lifestyle treatment for fibroid symptoms. To reap potential benefits of a low-glycemic diet, replace breads, bagels, crackers, pasta, cereal and baked goods that list enriched flour as a main ingredient with whole grain equivalents most often.
Added Sugars
Added sugars, such as cane sugar, brown sugar, honey and corn syrup, contribute sweet flavor and calories, but few nutritional benefits, to foods. Similar to enriched flour products, added sugars can have a negative impact on your blood sugar. Sugar can also put pressure on your liver, the organ responsible for eliminating excess estrogen from your body. For this reason, Johanna Skilling and Nelson H. Stringer, authors of "The First Year -- Fibroids:An Essential Guide For the Newly Diagnosed," recommend minimizing added sugars in your diet and opting for whole foods, such as fresh fruit, instead. Foods and beverages particularly high in added sugars include regular soft drinks, sweetened coffee drinks, candy, milk chocolate, frosting, pancake syrup, jelly, frozen desserts and commercially prepared cakes, cookies, brownies, pastries and pies.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats, when consumed in excess, increase your risk for high blood pressure, hypertension, obesity and heart disease. The more saturated fat you consume, the more likely you are to gain excess body fat, which heightens your risk for fibroids, according to Skilling and Stringer. A diet rich in saturated fat also leaves little room for omega-3 fatty acid sources, such as salmon and tuna, which may reduce inflammation linked with fibroids. Saturated fats are found primarily in animal-derived foods, such as organ meats, porterhouse and top sirloin steak, sausage, deli meats, hot dogs, whole milk, heavy cream, butter, egg yolks and high-fat cheeses. Plant-derived sources include coconut milk, coconut butter and tropical oils.
Trans-Fats
Trans-fats, also called trans-fatty acids, are fats produced through a process in which hydrogen is added to vegetable oil, resulting in a solid-form, long-lasting fat source. Trans-fats may be particularly damaging to your cholesterol levels and heart health. Avoiding trans-fats may help prevent these complications and improve symptoms of fibroids, according to Northrup. Common sources of trans-fats include margarine, shortening, fried foods and all commercially-prepared foods that list hydrogenated vegetable oil as an ingredient.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Uterine Fibroids Overview
- Dr. Northrup: Fibroids Facts and Treatment Options
- "The FIrst Year -- Fibroids: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed"; Johanna Skilling, Nelson H. Stringer; 2002
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