Recently I have been plagued by the numbers of women coming to me with uterine fibroids. It is distressing to me and to the women patients that must deal with them. Why are so many women increasingly suffering with this? Research shows that up to 70% of women may be affected by fibroids at some time in their lives.
Doctors and researchers have no definitive answer other than to say it is hormone related. However studies are showing that fibroids:
- seem to run in families
- are more likely to occur in overweight and especially obese women
- are affected by your diet and can increase your risk or protect you.
If you are overweight, it may be in your best interest to lose weight to avoid fibroids.
Some studies show that a diet high in red meat, beef, and ham are linked with a higher risk of getting fibroids and that a diet high in green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, collards, and other dark green veggies lower your risk. Making these dietary changes may help you avoid fibroids and will improve your overall health!
Other research shows that these supplements may be of benefit in reducing fibroids.
Vitamin D – seems to decrease fibroid cell size and disrupts the formation of fibroid muscle cells.
Resveratrol -(found in red grapes) decreases growth and increases death of fibroid cells in a test tube.
Curcumin – decreases growth and increases death of fibroid cells in a test tube.
Licorice – decreases growth and increases death of fibroid cells in a test tube. Please be cautions here as licorice
can also raise blood pressure.
Green Tea – decreases growth of fibroid cells in a test tube.
Research on fibroids is ongoing. If you have heavy periods from fibroids make sure you have plenty of iron rich food in your diet to avoid anemia. I can also provide treatments to help you deal with the side effects of fibroids if you already have them.
If you need help in setting up a health program for yourself to avoid, limit and potentially decrease your risk of fibroids call for a free 15 minute consult. 310-367-1564.