5 FOODS THAT MAY HELP YOU SHRINK FIBROIDS

Fibroids are tumours that form in the uterus and affect one in three black women. While the word “tumour” can seem scary, fibroids are benign, or noncancerous. They can cause bothersome symptoms, such as heavy or painful periods, uncomfortable fullness in your abdomen, frequent urination, pain during sexual intercourse and lower-back pain.
 
By seeking any necessary treatment, you can prevent complications, such as reproductive problems and early labour. Also in your struggle to overcome fibroid challenges, certain foods in a healthy diet may help keep fibroid from growing further and minimize your symptoms and some of such foods are listed for you below…

1. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES –
 
Fruits and vegetables provide rich amounts of disease-and inflammation-fighting nutrients and fiber, which help promote appetite and weight control.
These factors are important because inflammation and excess pounds can contribute to fibroids. In a study published in “Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition” in 2013, researchers analyzed the diets of premenopausal women and found that eating rich amounts of fruits and vegetables lowered the women’s risk of developing fibroids. A high body mass index, on the other hand, increased the risk.

2. BEANS AND LENTILS –
 
Legumes, such as beans and lentils, are top fiber sources, making them prime choices for weight control. They also have a low glycemic index, or a mild impact on your blood sugar.
High-glycemic carbohydrate sources, such as sweets, can cause inflammation and increase fibroid growth, according to Dr. Christiane Northrup, a physician and women’s health expert. Replacing these foods with nutritious, low-glycemic carbohydrate sources, such as legumes, can help minimize your symptoms. As plant-based protein sources, beans and lentils also provide nutritious alternatives to fatty meats, which increase inflammation.

3. UNPROCESSED GRAINS –
 
White foods, such as starchy white bread, increase insulin production in your body and influence the way estrogen is metabolized, thereby increasing your risk for fibroid symptoms.
Skip refined starches and stick to whole, unprocessed grains for improved uterine health and protection from fibroid growth. Whole grains are also low-glycemic and richer in antioxidants, fiber and protein than their processed counterparts. Nutritious examples include oats, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa and barley.

4. LOW-FAT DAIRY PRODUCTS –
 
Uterine fibroids are up to three times more prevalent in black women than white women, according to a “Today’s Dietician” article by registered dietician Megan Tempest, published in May 2012.
Some evidence suggests this is likely because black women consume significantly fewer dairy products than whites. The protective properties of dairy, according to researchers who’ve investigated this link, lie in the ability of calcium to inhibit cell growth that leads to the tumours. If you tolerate dairy products well, incorporate low-fat varieties, such as milk, yogurt and cottage cheese, into your diet. If not, choose lactose-free fortified milk or a non-dairy equivalent, such as almond milk. Limit high-fat items, such as whole milk and fatty cheeses, which contribute to inflammation.

5. FLAXSEEDS –
 
Flaxseeds contain phytoestrogens — natural substances with estrogen-like properties.
Experts say most women can benefit from phytoestrogens, which block the estrogen receptors on the cells in fibroids, potentially minimizing symptoms and lowering your risk for fibroid growth. Flaxseeds also provide fiber and omega-3 fats, which guard against inflammation and tumour growth and help rid your body of excess estrogen.

We hope you will take this advice on choosing the right choice of food and food combination in your diet daily seriously. This, more than anything else, will improve your chances of getting result from whatever form of fibroid treatment you are taking.