Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow inside the uterus and can be as small as a pea or as large as a cantaloupe. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 75 percent of women develop uterine fibroids, but most are unaware of them because they have no symptoms.
Furthermore, Black women’s chances of having the tumors, of having larger tumors, and having them at a younger age are greater than women of other racial groups. While there is a variety of treatment available, most of them involve medications or invasive procedures.
However, some women with uterine fibroids turn to more holistic remedies to help with their condition. In fact, some have found that changing their diet may be the secret to reducing the size of their fibroids.
Diet can play a key role in balancing out the hormones in the body that could be growing these fibroids. Below are some changes to diet that may be able to help manage uterine fibroids.
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Cut out caffeine and alcohol
Studies have shown that caffeine and alcohol can play a role in growing fibroids. This due to the fact these substances can increase blood pressure. Heightened blood pressure has a strong link to fibroids.
If caffeine is difficult to cut out of your diet, try getting caffeine from green tea instead of coffee or energy drinks. Green tea contains antioxidants that can help with inflammation and lower estrogen levels.
Eat a low-fat, vegetarian diet
Consuming red meat and processed foods can make fibroids worse, according to recent studies. For this reason, health professionals recommend a low-fat vegetarian diet. If making a change to a vegetarian diet is challenging, try starting to incorporate more fruits and vegetables incrementally, while simultaneously lowering your intake of meat.
Meatless Mondays, or avoiding consumption for a few days a week, are a good first step in transitioning into a vegetarian diet.
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Eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables
Along with a vegetarian diet, studies have shown that a diet full of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) can help reduce risk of developing fibroids.
Additionally, choosing healthier options like organic fresh fruit can also be beneficial. Pesticides on fruit and vegetables can affect hormone levels in the body.
Limit sugar consumption
Sugar consumption can spike blood sugar levels and increase insulin in the body. This can cause weight gain and also trigger growth of fibroids. Avoiding refined simple carbohydrates and refined sugars found in many foods can be essential in helping to treat fibroids. Avoiding white breads, rice, pasta, and flour can cut down sugar consumption.
Additionally, avoiding fruit juices, soda, energy drinks, and processed energy bars can limit amounts of sugar.
Maintain an active lifestyle
While diet is a huge part of holistic treatment, it is also important to maintain an active lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight and lowering blood pressure have been linked to a reduced risk of uterine fibroids.
Try to incorporate 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercises at least three times a week. This can include walking, cycling, running, or weight training. Along with a balanced diet, staying active is a key element of managing uterine fibroids.
Finally, finding community can be beneficial when living with uterine fibroids. The Instagram page, @BlackGirlsWithFibroids, has created a community of Black women who share the same condition.
The IG page is a platform for Black women to share their experiences, challenges, and successes with other women living with the same condition. While living with uterine fibroids can be challenging, finding community, changing your diet, and maintaining an active lifestyle can be key in treating the condition in a more holistic manner.
