Shrinking Fibroids with Diet: Is It Possible?
Can your diet influence the size and management of fibroids?
Fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus, can present various challenges, and understanding the potential impact of diet on their growth is a topic of growing interest.
In this blog, we explore the potential of shrinking fibroids with diet. While diet isn’t a guaranteed solution, understanding its impact may offer valuable insights for those seeking natural approaches to fibroid management.
What Diet and Lifestyle Changes Can Lower the Risk of Fibroids?
To reduce the risk of fibroids, consider implementing the following changes:
Adopt a Mediterranean diet for fibroids
Regularly incorporating a diet abundant in fresh and cooked green vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fish—resembling the Mediterranean diet—has been linked to a reduced risk of fibroids. Research suggests that regularly including these fibroid-friendly foods in your diet, such as those found in the Mediterranean diet for fibroids, may be particularly beneficial. Conversely, consuming red meats like beef, ham, and lamb may increase the risk of fibroids, making it essential to focus on a diet rich in vegetables and healthy fats as promoted by the Mediterranean diet for fibroids
Cut Back on Alcohol
Drinking alcohol may elevate the risk of fibroids as it raises hormone levels required for their growth and triggers inflammation. Research indicates that even moderate alcohol consumption, such as one or more beers a day, can increase the risk by over 50%.
To help reduce your risk, consider avoiding or limiting alcohol intake.
Balance Estrogen
Excessive estrogen increases the risk of fibroids. Treatments often involve reducing estrogen levels. To balance estrogen:
- Weight Loss: Shedding excess weight lowers estrogen production, potentially preventing or slowing fibroid growth.
- Avoiding Hormone-disrupting Chemicals: Limit exposure to chemicals in fertilizers, pesticides, plastics (like BPA), nonstick cookware coatings, fire retardants, dyes, paints, and certain personal care products. These can disrupt endocrine balance and elevate estrogen levels.
Get Enough Vitamin D
Vitamin D, linked to a nearly 32% reduction in fibroid risk, is naturally produced through sunlight exposure.
Supplements can help raise your vitamin D levels, along with foods such as:
Egg yolks | Fortified milk, cheese, and dairy products |
Fortified cereals | Fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel |
Fortified orange juice | Cod liver oil |
Which Food is Good for Fibroid Patients?
Diet alone can’t treat fibroids. However, a balanced diet may help ease some fibroid symptoms and complications.
Certain food for fibroid patients include:
Incorporate these fiber-rich whole foods into your diet to support weight loss and hormonal balance:
Cooked, raw, and dried fruit | Whole grain bread and pasta |
Cooked and raw vegetables | Cruciferous vegetables |
Lentils | Barley |
Oats | Beans |
Counter the effects of salt and maintain blood pressure balance by incorporating these potassium-rich foods into your daily diet:
Avocado | Bananas |
Citrus | Cantaloupe |
Collard greens | Dates |
Lentils | Oat bran |
Potatoes | Tomatoes |
Include dairy products like yogurt and full-fat cheese in your diet.
Rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, dairy products may aid in preventing and slowing fibroid growth. Fortified milk adds an extra dose of vitamin D.
With antioxidants like epigallocatechin gallate, green tea may slow fibroid growth by reducing inflammation and high estrogen levels.
It may also alleviate symptoms like heavy bleeding and low iron levels associated with fibroids.
What Food to Avoid in Uterine Fibroid?
Certain foods with elevated estrogen levels may increase the risk of fibroids. Eliminating these foods can aid in better regulating estrogen levels, although no single food has been directly linked to causing fibroids.
Food to avoid in fibroid
Red meat | Alcohol |
Animal fats | Cheese |
Ice cream | Chocolate |
Cream | Butter |
Can Fibroids Shrink with Diet?
Adopting a well-balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is beneficial for overall health and weight management. While it may not prevent fibroids, lifestyle changes and a healthy diet can assist in managing symptoms.
The next step, if a patient is experiencing symptoms of fibroids, is to undergo treatment like Uterine Fibroid Embolization. This non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure involves removing fibroids through a small incision, preserving the uterus. Recovery typically takes 1-2 days with no hospital stay.
The main advantage of UFE is not only a swift recovery but also the preservation of the uterus, allowing women the option to conceive naturally if they choose.
Book An Appointment With Dr. Sandeep For UFE Dubai
If you’re ready to take control of your well-being and explore the transformative potential of Uterine Fibroid Embolization in Dubai, consult Dr. Sandeep, a dedicated expert specializing in this innovative and minimally invasive procedure.
