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Category: Diet and Exercise

#WCW: Growing Up Hip Hop’s Toya Wright

Posted on by Houston Fibroids in

Welcome back to another installment of our Woman Crush Wednesday features. This week we’re highlighting Toya Wright, from We TV’s Growing Up Hip Hop, among other reality appearances the star has made. 

Back in 2017, Wright was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. At the time, she opened up to People Magazine about dealing with the effects of her conditions, which included heavy periods, bad cramping and the expansion of her uterus along with weight gain. She said: “I had to switch it up because I used to eat all types of stuff and I would just get bigger. I had to scale back and eat healthier things like fish and salads.” She also committed to working out four times a week, explaining: “I found exercising has been more helpful in relieving the symptoms. I do a lot of cardio, like walking and cycling. At that time of the month, the fibroids flare up, and when I exercise it helps me not feel so much pain.”

Then, in February of last year, Wright welcomed her daughter Reign (the star’s second child), and this routine became harder to follow. Last July, Wright admitted on Instagram, “I found myself hitting a plateau and getting bored with the gym.” 

Fast forward seven months, to Feb 2019, and Wright has recommitted to her fitness routine. She shared an Instagram video of her new workout routine, saying: “My first day back. … My goal is to lose 15 pounds…. I can do it!” While many fans commented that Wright looked great at her current weight, the star remains on her physical fitness journey, sharing her progress to help other fibroid sufferers stay strong. 

And reading responses like “This is inspirational I need to go too,” from the comments section of her feed is enough to earn Toya her spot in our #WCW hall of fame. Thank you for helping inspire women to manage their fibroid pain and stay fit and healthy! 

Should I Change My Diet Because of Fibroids?

Posted on by Houston Fibroids in

While there is no foolproof way to avoid fibroids, once you have been diagnosed with these benign tumors, certain dietary changes may help keep their growth in check. Balancing your hormone levels can help manage fibroid development and symptoms since hormones, particularly estrogen, are one of the leading causes of new fibroid development and growth. And one easy, non-invasive way to balance your hormones is through simple changes in your diet.

 

Foods to Avoid with Fibroids

Foods for fibroids

If you are trying to manage your fibroids and maintain or shrink their current size, balancing your hormones naturally is a great first step. Your diet has a strong influence on your hormone levels, which is why it’s one of the first (and easiest) areas to apply changes.

For best results in managing your fibroids, try restricting the following food and drinks from your diet:

  • High-Fat, Processed Meats – Red processed meat is known to be high in added hormones, particularly estrogen.
  • High-fat Dairy Products – Conventional dairy can contain high levels of steroids, hormones, and other chemicals that promote inflation.
  • Foods High in Salt – Highly salted foods are hard on your liver, which is the organ that is most responsible for removing toxins and balancing hormones.
  • Refined Carbohydrates – White foods such as pasta, white bread, white rice, cakes, and cookies have been known to alter estrogen levels, causing fibroids to increase in size.
  • Refined Sugar – High consumption of sugar can result in inflammation and weight gain; there is an association between weight gain and hormone imbalance.
  • Caffeine – Too much caffeine puts additional stress on your liver, discouraging the organ from working the way it should (think: balancing hormones!)
  • Alcohol – Over-consumption of alcohol can lead to inflammation of the body and reduced immune function. Reducing or eliminating alcohol can help promote a healthy balance of hormones.

Best Foods to Eat With Fibroids

If you’re already feeling restricted just looking at the list above, don’t panic: there are so many options that can help you fill the gaps you’re eliminating. Added bonus? They may just help improve your general health while helping keep fibroids in check: 

  • Organic foods
  • Green leafy vegetables
  • Beta-carotene rich foods (such as carrots and sweet potatoes)
  • Food high in iron (such as grass-fed beef and legumes)
  • Flaxseeds
  • Whole grains

Supplements may also help shrink or maintain fibroid size. Vitex, fish oil, and B-complex are a few supplements that have been known for creating a better hormone balance. Be sure to speak with your physician before introducing new supplements into your diet.

When Your Diet Isn’t Enough to Control Your Fibroids

Your diet and lifestyle can only do so much in your attempt to manage your fibroids. If you suffer from common fibroid symptoms such as heavy periods, bloating, frequent urination, constipation, and pelvic pain, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) may be the next best option.

Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Houston

UFE is a low-risk, minimally-invasive procedure for the treatment of uterine fibroids. Women commonly choose UFE over a hysterectomy for fibroid removal as it avoids surgery, preserves the uterus, controls symptoms, and improves quality of life.

Contact us at (713) 575-3686 for more information, or to schedule an appointment with our interventional radiologists at Houston Fibroids.

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3 Realistic New Year’s Resolutions Your Mind and Body Will Thank You For

Posted on by Houston Fibroids in

It’s that time of year again where we all promise ourselves to make more frequent visits to the gym, eat healthier, and shed a few pounds. But how successful is this overdone New Year’s Resolution? Sure, it sounds great on paper but is it really enough motivation to get us to the gym at the crack of dawn?

Continue reading “3 Realistic New Year’s Resolutions Your Mind and Body Will Thank You For” →