Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids, are benign, or non-cancerous, growths that manifest in the muscular wall of the uterus. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the size and location of uterine fibroids may cause excessive bleeding and pain in some women, although this health problem may not cause symptoms at all. Nutritional supplements have long been used to help treat this health problem, although you should always consult your physician before using them.
About Uterine Fibroids
There are three distinct types of uterine fibroid, notes the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, including pedunculated, submucosal and subserosal. Some of the most commonly experienced signs or symptoms associated with uterine fibroids include constipation, pain during sexual intercourse, heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia and fatigue, enlarged abdomen, pelvic pain and urinary urgency. The Center states that 20 to 40 percent of women 35 years or age or older have uterine fibroids and that African-American women may be more susceptible to this health problem.
Nutritional Treatments
Nutritional treatments, especially nutritional supplements, may help treat uterine fibroids. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch recommends the following nutritional supplements for this health purpose: coenzyme Q10, garlic, arginine, lysine, zinc, copper, vitamin C, green tea, red clover, burdock, dandelion root, turmeric, Chinese skullcap and maitake mushroom extract. Some of these treatments may require further scientific testing to determine their true health benefits, however.
Supplement in Focus
Garlic is a powerful immune stimulant and antioxidant that may help inhibit tumor growth. Garlic, states naturopathic physician and herbal medicine expert Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," has been used for treating a wide range of conditions, including fibroids, atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. Garlic may help support your immune function, lower your cholesterol levels and protect your liver. The cloves are used in nutritional supplements.
Warning
Uterine fibroids may cause severe pain, infertility or pregnancy complications. To avoid these and other health complications, uterine fibroids should always be treated by a qualified healthcare professional. Your family physician can refer you to the appropriate specialist, if necessary. A clinical nutrition specialist can discuss the nutritional treatments that may be best for you and your condition. Always use extreme caution when ingesting nutritional supplements, as some supplements may cause unwanted health effects.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Uterine Fibroids
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Uterine Fibroids
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
