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.
