If your doctor discovers that you have fibroids, you may consider alternative treatment options that do not require medications or invasive procedures. Although research continues to explore the causes of fibroids, little research exists to validate the benefits of dietary interventions to treat fibroids, says MayoClinic.com. Discuss the risks and benefits of using dietary interventions with your doctor.
Fibroids
Uterine fibroids, also known as fibromyomas, leiomyomas or myomas, are muscular tumors that grow in the uterine wall. Womenshealth.gov reports that approximately 20 to 80 percent of women develop fibroids before reaching age 50, but most women remain unaware of the fibroids because of an absence of symptoms. Usually benign, fibroids can be smaller than a raisin or as large as a grapefruit. Women who notice symptoms may suffer heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, pelvic pain and backache. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience the sudden onset of sharp pelvic pain or severe vaginal bleeding.
Role of Red Meat
Limiting the consumption of red meat in your diet may decrease your risk for uterine fibroids. The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation indicates that consuming beef, red meat and ham increases the risk for fibroids. The risk for developing fibroids is 70 percent greater for women who eat more than one serving per day of red meat compared to women who eat less or abstain from eating red meat, according to NutritionMD.org. Surprisingly, the fibroid risk is 50 percent lower for women who consume more than one serving per day of green vegetables.
Role of Alcohol
Avoid the consumption of alcohol if you have problems with uterine fibroids. The effect of alcohol may be cumulative, with the risk of fibroids increasing with the number of years alcohol is consumed, says NutritionMD.org. In a study published in the May 2009 issue of the "British Journal of Nutrition," researchers reported that higher alcohol intake was associated with an increased presence of uterine fibroids. Although the average alcohol intake was significantly higher for women with fibroids than for participants without fibroids, the researchers suggested that the minimal data available warrants additional studies.
Role of Obesity
Obesity is a risk factor for the development of uterine fibroids, with the risk for fibroids increasing two to three times for obese women, notes Womenshealth.gov. Additionally, a diet high in fat, refined sugar, sodium and fried foods increases the risk for fibroids, while consuming green vegetables, fresh fruits and other high-fiber foods protects women. In addition to decreasing the risk for fibroids, an added benefit of avoiding sources of fat, sugar and sodium may decrease the risk factor of obesity.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Uterine Fibroids
- National Uterine Fibroids Foundation: Risk Factors
- NutritionMD: Fibroids: Nutritional Considerations
- Womenshealth.gov: Uterine Fibroids
- Atlanta Clinic of Preventive Medicine: Uterine Fibroids: The Epidemic
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; Association of Intakes of Fat, Dietary Fiber, Soya Isoflavones and Alcohol With Uterine Fibroids in Japanese Women; C. Nagata, et al.; May 2009
