A uterine fibroid is a non-cancerous growth that occurs during your childbearing years. They are caused by a single cell that reproduces repeatedly in your uterus muscle tissue. Fibroids symptoms include urine incontinence, abdominal pain, constipation and irregular menstrual cycles. Consuming unhealthy foods is bad for fibroids. Changing your dietary regimen may help prevent or reduce fibroids.
Trans Fat Sources
Trans fats are produced when hydrogen substances are added to vegetable oil, which results in a more durable fat. Trans fats are damaging to your heart and cholesterol health. Avoiding trans-fats may improve your symptoms and prevent complications with fibroids. Common sources of trans fats include shortening, fried foods, margarine and all commercially prepared sources that display hydrogenated vegetable oil as an ingredient.
Saturated Fat Sources
When consumed in excess amounts, saturated fat sources increase your risk for obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and hypertension. When you eat foods with high saturated fat content, you are more likely to gain excess body fat, which greatly increases your risk for fibroid development, according to "The First Year Fibroids." High saturated fat diets leave little room for omega-3 nutrients, such as tuna and salmon, which may decrease fibroid inflammation symptoms. Saturated fat sources include animal-derived foods such as sausage, sirloin steak, hot dogs, deli meats, organ meats, heavy cream, whole milk, high-fat cheeses, butter and egg yolks. Plant sources include tropical oils, coconut milk and coconut butter.
Enriched Flour Sources
Enriched flour is derived from whole grains that are processed and stripped of important nutrients to increase shelf life. Although it is included in a variety of common foods, it can offset your hormonal balance and affect your blood sugar levels. For fibroid symptoms, Dr. Christiane Northrup suggests consuming a low-glycemic diet to improve your fibroid condition. To reap the healthy benefits of a low-glycemic regimen replace bagels, crackers, breads, baked goods, pasta and cereal with whole-grain alternatives.
Sugar Sources
Added sugars, such as honey, cane sugar, corn syrup and brown sugar contribute calories and sweet flavor but few nutritional food benefits. Like enriched flour, added sugars can negatively affect your blood sugar levels. Sugar can also exert pressure on your liver, which is responsible for decreasing excess estrogen from your system. For this reason "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" suggests opting for vegetables, fruits and minimizing added sugars. Beverages and foods high in added sugars include sweetened coffee drinks, soft drinks, milk chocolate, candy, jelly, pancake syrup and frozen desserts. This also includes commercially prepared brownies, pies, cakes and cookies.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Uterine Fibroids
- Atlanta Clinic of Preventative Medicine: Uterine Fibroids: The Epidemic
- "The First Year Fibroids: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed"; Johanna Skilling, Nelson H. Stringer; 2002
- Christiane Northrup, M.D.: Fibroids Facts and Treatment Options
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
