Uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumours, may occur in the uterus and often cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure symptoms. While fibroids cannot be cured with diet, it does play a supportive role in stabilising and managing symptoms, balancing hormones, and, at times, slowing growth. Some foods may help the body reduce inflammation or estrogen dominance, while others may exacerbate issues related to fibroids. Treatments such as laparoscopic surgery or laparoscopic myomectomy are now advanced and available to help remove larger or symptomatic fibroids. Most women can also benefit from appropriate dietary recommendations, which not only complement medical care but also help improve health and overall well-being, and encourage natural reproductive health. Women should understand what foods to include and avoid.
How Diet Affects Fibroids: The Science Explained
Fibroids are dependent on estrogen, which means increased levels of estrogen contribute to their growth. That’s why diet is essential for hormone regulation, as some foods can help to stabilise estrogen and support your body’s detoxification process in the liver. In addition, chronic inflammation and insulin resistance can also contribute to fibroid symptom worsening and growth. Anti-inflammatory foods and high-fibre foods can help restore hormonal balance, whereas heavily processed or sugary foods contribute to the imbalance. Foods that stabilise hormones, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation can all help women manage symptoms naturally. Let’s discuss seven foods that may help reduce fibroid size, and six foods that can exacerbate fibroid symptoms.
7 Foods for Shrinking Fibroids Naturally
Incorporating the 7 foods for shrinking fibroids into your diet can alleviate symptoms and promote hormonal balance. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, contain indole-3-carbinol, which can help regulate estrogen levels. Fresh fruits, especially berries and citrus, are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities. Whole grains like brown rice, oats, or quinoa promote gut health and hormonal balance. Legumes, including lentils and chickpeas, are a source of fibre and plant protein that will decrease the reabsorption of estrogen. Nuts and seeds, such as flaxseeds, walnuts, and almonds, along with fatty fish like salmon, provide omega-3 fatty acids necessary for reducing inflammation. Green tea, which contains EGCG, has been shown to inhibit the growth of fibroids.
6 Worst Foods for Fibroids You Should Avoid
Steering clear of the worst foods for fibroids can help control your symptoms and hormone levels. Red meats and processed meats may be high in added hormones and preservatives, which may raise one’s risk of developing fibroids. Sugary foods and refined carbohydrates dramatically raise insulin levels and worsen hormone imbalances. Fried foods and junk foods can increase inflammation, and a diet high in salt, especially from snacks like pickles and processed foods, and bloating will only make it worse. Alcohol can hamper liver function, which can prevent the body from regulating estrogen. Dairy products incorporate hormones, and they may also cause fibroid growth. Diet can aid in the management of fibroids, but medical help may be needed in the form of medical intervention (i.e., laparoscopic surgery) if symptoms stay the same.
Can Diet Alone Shrink Fibroids? The Real Answer
Although diet can help treat fibroid symptoms and even slow the growth of fibroids, it is not capable of eliminating large or symptomatic fibroids on its own. Foods rich in fibre, antioxidants, and omega-3s can help regulate hormones, lower inflammation, and improve the overall health of the uterus. Fibroids that are causing severe pain, heavy bleeding, or fertility problems usually require medical treatment, ranging from laparoscopic myomectomy, hysteroscopic removal, or other minimally invasive procedures. A treatment should be viewed as a complementary tool to medical management for fibroids, not as a treatment of fibroids alone.
Conclusion
Diet can have a significant effect on helping manage fibroids. Adding the seven best foods for fibroids (cruciferous vegetables, berries, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fatty fish, and green tea) can support hormone balance, reduce inflammation, and promote uterine health. Additionally, eliminating the six worst foods for fibroids (processed meats, sugar, fried foods, salty snacks, alcohol, and dairy from a hormone-treated cow) can prevent your symptoms from getting worse. Although you will benefit from making these dietary changes, long-term relief takes proper medical care. Make your fibroid consultation appointment today at Dr Charu’s Clinic, the Best Gynaecologist in Jaipur, to help you determine the right course of action and the right combined treatment plan for you.