Uterine fibroids may be asymptomatic or may cause excessive bleeding and pain. If these uterine growths are causing significant problems, your physician may recommend some form of surgery to manage this condition. However, dietary changes may have an impact on fibroids by making them smaller or by preventing them altogether. Certain foods may contain substances that increase the growth of uterine fibroids and may cause problems. Your health care provider can help you decide how much--if any--of these foods you should eat.
Red Meat
Eating red meat has been associated with the development of uterine fibroids, as noted by the National Uterine Fibroids Foundation. Women who eat more than one serving of red meat each day have a 70 percent higher chance of developing fibroids, according to NutritionMD. Some clinicians believe this occurs because of the hormones that may be present in the meat; these hormones may increase fibroid growth, as noted by Atlanta Clinic of Preventive Medicine. The fats in red meat may also interfere with the breakdown of estrogens that are already present in your body--leading to increased estrogen levels, according to Tori Hudson, N.D. in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients Online Magazine. If you have problems with fibroids, limiting red meat intake may be beneficial.
Foods and Drinks Containing Methylxanthines
Research has suggested that foods and drinks that contain methylxanthines may increase the risk of fibroids, according to the National Uterine Fibroids Foundation. The rationale for this association is not fully understood at this time. Common methylxanthines include caffeine and some medications. Examples of foods and drinks to avoid are coffees, teas and caffeinated sodas; chocolate also contains some caffeine.
Foods Made with Refined Flour
Foods made with refined flour have been associated with fibroids. Higher consumption of these types of foods, such as cookies and cakes, can alter the way that estrogen is metabolized and may increase your risk, according to Dr. Christiane Northrup. Eating a lot of refined foods may also influence your weight if you do not exercise enough; as women gain weight, their risk of fibroids increase, as noted on NutritionMD.
Alcohol
Another substance that should be limited or eliminated if you have issues with fibroids is alcohol, according to NutritionMD. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver and may slow down the metabolism of estrogen, which leads to higher estrogen levels in the body, as noted by Tori Hudson, ND in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients Online Magazine. The risk increases in relation with the number of years that a woman has been drinking alcoholic beverages. Discuss your alcohol intake with your physician; your health care provider may have suggestions.
References
- Atlanta Clinic of Preventive Medicine; Uterine Fibroids: The Epidemic; William E. Richardson, M.D. and John D. Richardson, MBA;
- Christiane Northrup, M.D.: Fibroids
- National Uterine Fibroids Foundation: Risk Factors
- NutritionMD: Fibroids: Nutritional Considerations
- "Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients Online Magazine"; Uterine Fibroids: An Integrative Approach; Tori Hudson, N.D.
