Fibroids Diet and other Natural Remedies for Fibroids

Living with fibroids can be painful, but the good news is that there are plenty of natural remedies for fibroids that do not include invasive surgery. If you are looking to shrink fibroids naturally there are a few things you need to consider. Number one on the list is an absolute MUST and that is taking a look at your diet.

Before we cover the best diet plan and natural remedies for fibroids, we need to first understand what causes them.

 

What are fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous, tumor-like growths that can form on the lining of the uterus.

About mid-cycle, the uterine lining thickens in response to hormone fluctuations to prepare the body for pregnancy. If hormones are imbalanced and estrogen and progesterone levels are higher than they should be, fibroids can begin to form.

Toxins in our environment and food have us consuming more synthetic estrogens today than ever before. This has led to a dramatic increase in conditions related to hormonal imbalances including fibroids. 70% to 80% of women are expected to develop fibroids at some point in their lives, that’s most of us!  

 

Are you currently suffering from symptoms of fibroids?

Symptoms of fibroids may include:

Bleeding between periods

Heavy menstrual flow

Blood clots

Pelvic pain and/or lower back pain

Increased menstrual cramps

Frequent urination

Pain during sex

Periods that last longer than usual

Feelings of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen

The appearance of abdominal swelling or unexplained bloating

For decades we have been seeing the impact excess hormones have on our health. From breast cancer and infertility to early-onset puberty and fibroids. Luckily, we have control over the foods we eat as well as some of our environmental factors.

By cutting back on our exposure to phytoestrogens (estrogen-mimicking compounds in foods) and xenoestrogens (synthetic estrogens in our environment), we can reduce the occurrence of fibroids along with other uncomfortable symptoms of hormone imbalance.

 

Fibroids Diet Plan

Your diet is not something you can neglect when trying to shrink fibroids naturally. Diet is the BIGGEST player when it comes to rebalancing hormone levels.

I think we are all well aware that the foods we eat have a direct impact on our health. Whether you notice it in your energy levels or the appearance of your skin. However, our bodies don’t always respond immediately, making the effects of some foods less obvious than others.

High estrogenic foods fuel hormonal imbalances and result in conditions like fibroids. The first step is being able to identify which foods will help you and which ones are making your situation worse.

With the right foods, you can reduce your consumption of phytoestrogens and detox from excess hormones naturally. Most women that make these changes notice drastic improvements in a short period of time.

 

Foods to avoid

When looking at a fibroids diet plan, you need to avoid the biggest culprits that fuel hormone imbalances. Get ready to take notes, some of these foods might surprise you.

Meat

Cutting out meat can give your body a break from a high source of hormones. Meat manufacturers inject animals with growth hormones so that they grow bigger, faster. When consumed, these added hormones and antibiotics can send your hormones spiraling out of control.

While it is best to avoid ALL meat, at least temporarily, some women may find it more challenging than others. If cutting out all meat seems unrealistic to you, start by cutting back to having it only a couple times a week. Make sure to also opt for grass-fed, organic meats, and above all, stay away from companies that use antibiotics and added hormones.

Dairy

For the same reasons that are mentioned for avoiding meat, dairy products should also be avoided. Milk from animals already has high amounts of naturally occurring hormones, but when they are injected with growth hormones, the content in their milk goes through the roof! On the bright side, avoiding milk is much easier than it used to be with so many plant-based alternatives. Just make sure you avoid soy.

Soy

Soy products are more commonly known for their natural ability to increase estrogen levels. All soy products, whether fresh or processed, should be avoided while you rebalance your hormone levels. This means edamame is just as provoking as tofu, even though one is considered a whole food, and the other is processed.

Dried Fruit

It might surprise you to learn that certain dried fruits also increase estrogen levels. Dried fruits especially dates, prunes, and apricots can have a higher phytoestrogen content than fresh fruits, negatively influencing hormone levels. Aside from worsening PMS symptoms, they can make fibroids worse resulting in more painful periods.

Sugar and refined carbohydrates

Added sugar and refined carbs impact insulin levels and can cause hormonal fluctuations. Keeping insulin levels in check through blood sugar management is key in balancing hormone levels. One of the best ways to support blood sugar levels naturally is to make sure your sugar is ONLY coming from natural sources, like fresh fruit and berries.

This means avoiding some of the most tempting treats like soda, pastries, bread and pasta, and store-bought juices. It’s also important to note that hidden sugars are usually in condiments like ketchup and BBQ sauce and salad dressings. Make sure to check the label before you buy to steer clear of added sugars and high-fructose corn syrup.

High sugar intake does more than fuel painful fibroids. Studies have found that women who consumed high sugar beverages increased their risk of developing type-1 endometrial cancer by 78%. The more sugar consumed, the higher the risk. 

Other estrogenic foods that you should avoid to reduce fibroids include: 

• Fennel

• Wholegrains*

• Sesame seeds

• Soy products

• Chickpeas (hummus spread)

• Flax meal and flax seeds*

Estrogenic herbs should be avoided as well. Many of these are used in attempt to support hormone levels, but they can actually make matters worse.

• Milk thistle
• Black cohosh
• Red clover

Exceptions*
Foods like flaxseed and some whole grains can interact differently depending on the individual. For instance, some people find that flax worsens their symptoms while others have shown some improvement when incorporating them into a fibroid diet plan. This is dependent on how a person’s body reacts to some phytoestrogens. The same goes for some whole grains.

Now that you have a better understanding of what foods you need to avoid, let’s look at the ones that can help shrink fibroids naturally.

Foods to help reduce fibroids

Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli, can help your body break down excess estrogen. Cabbage, cauliflower, and kale also help by supporting your detox organs. Phytochemicals in these types of veggies help to metabolize, block, and cleanse your system to reduce symptoms of estrogen dominance.

Artichoke

Your liver is one of the main organs responsible for keeping hormone levels in check. So, foods like artichoke that support liver function are especially helpful when correcting imbalances. Prebiotics in this vegetable also supports gut health, another contributing factor for healthy hormone levels.

Fish

Fresh caught, cold-water fish, like tuna and salmon, are great alternatives to red meat and poultry. The high omegas can help support hormone balance, improve mood, and provide a good source of energy.

Healthy fats

A couple of healthy servings of fat every day is good medicine, as long as it is the right type! Avocados, walnuts, and coconut oil are great sources of healthy fats that can help keep hormone levels balanced. Vegetable oils, however, should be avoided.

 

Other natural remedies for fibroids

Herbal Supplements

Herbal remedies can offer additional help in supporting hormonal balance and reducing the occurrence of fibroids.

Liver support is one of the best things you can pursue to help your hormones level out. An herbal tincture like Organic Tea Leaves supports liver health to keep hormone levels from building up and recirculating. Many women taking Organic Tea Leaves have also noticed improvements in blood sugar levels, reduced hot flashes, and improved mood.

Proteolytic enzymes like Protease can help break down excess proteins and tissues that build up over time. Along with a healthy diet, supplementing with enzymes may also have the potential to slow and break up the formation of future tissue build-up.

Reduce stress levels

Stress can be the trigger that causes hormones to spring out of control. The simple practice of daily stress reduction can influence the rebalancing or hormones and prevent future chaos. Yoga, prayer, and nature walks are all excellent stress reduction practices.

Get enough sleep

7 to 8 hours is recommended for most people to allow the body to reset and recover. Interrupted sleep can lead to higher levels of stress and burden your body further. For deeper sleep, put your phone away an hour before bed. The blue light from phones and computers has been shown to reduce melatonin levels and interfere with your R&R.

Detox your home

Cleaning products including dishwasher detergent, laundry soap, and even your shampoo and conditioners can contain xenoestrogens that contribute to hormonal imbalance. Look for brands that refrain from using harmful ingredients and make sure you check the ingredients list to make sure your shampoo and conditioners are free from parabens and sulfates.

Break a sweat

Exercise encourages detoxification for all systems of your body so you can regain hormone balance. Your body releases excess hormones through your sweat, taking some of the burden off of your organs. If you are unable to safely exercise, saunas can assist your body in detoxing by reducing excess hormones in the blood.

When restoring balance to your hormones, it is important to pinpoint what areas of your health you need to focus on. Diet should be the very first thing you consider. This is true for all health concerns, but it’s not the only factor. Living a healthy lifestyle by getting plenty of sleep, managing stress levels, and exercising regularly all play a role in helping your body find balance again.