Fibroids are benign tumors that affect as much as 20 percent of all women of childbearing age, according to Pubmed Health. Symptoms vary for each woman with fibroids, but can include changes in menstruation, pain in and around the pelvic area and increased frequency of urination. MayoClinic.com explains that the cause of uterine fibroids is still unknown, although they do appear to have a genetic component and their growth is associated with the normal fluctuation of hormones. Because obesity is associated with the development of fibroids, diet may also play a role in reducing them. Check with your doctor before making significant changes to your eating habits.
Increase Your Consumption of Lignans
Lignans, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, are substances found in plants that act like estrogen in your body. A 2006 study published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that women who consumed, and then excreted more dietary lignans, had a decreased risk of developing uterine fibroids. Lignans and their precursors are primarily found in plant-based foods including whole grain products, fruits and vegetables. Lignans may also provide benefit to you after menopause by increasing the density of your bones, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Increase Dietary Fiber
Dietary fiber, which can be consumed by eating more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, may help protect your body from the development of uterine fibroids. The National Uterine Fibroids Association explains that green vegetables and fruit may have a particularly high influence, providing a protection against fibroids. A diet that is high in dietary fiber is also inversely associated with obesity, which is a risk factor for developing fibroids. Additionally, psychologist Dr. Mary Glenville adds that eating foods high in dietary fiber can help balance hormones. This too, may help decrease the incidence and size of your fibroids.
Avoid Highly Processed Foods
Highly processed foods generally contain significant amounts of salt, sugar and fat. According to Glenville, these foods should be avoided in order to restore hormonal balance that may help decrease fibroids. Avoiding these types of foods can also help you eat a healthier diet overall. This can contribute to weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. An easy way to avoid highly processed foods is to emphasize foods such as fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, whole grain products and low-fat dairy foods.
Emphasize Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids are substances found in foods like flaxseeds, fatty fish and walnuts. Your body can't make these fats but Glenville explains that they may help decrease heavy menstrual periods that can occur with uterine fibroids. Red meat, she continues, contains arachidonic acid, which increase prostaglandins that cause heavier menstrual flow. Animal-based proteins, particularly red meat, are high in arachidonic acid and instead of consuming these foods frequently, substitute a meat-free protein that is high in essential fats as a substitute.
References
- Pubmed Health: Uterine Fibroids
- MayoClinic.com: Uterine Fibroids
- Mary Glenville; Fibroids; Dr. Mary Glenville; 2011
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Lignan and Isoflavone Excretion in Relation to Uterine Fibroids: A Case-Control Study of Young to Middle-Aged Women in the United States.; Charlotte Atkinson, et al.; 2006 Metabolic Effects of Caffeine in Humans: Lipid Oxidation or Futile Cycling?
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Lignans
- National Uterine Fibroids Foundation: Risk Factors
