Close to 70% of women will be impacted by fibroids in their lifetime, yet we still don’t know the exact reasons why these benign tumors form. As such, we can’t guarantee the ability to prevent fibroids. However, the tips we’re sharing in today’s post can reduce your fibroid risk by targeting factors such as diet, lifestyle and environment that have been linked to uterine tumor development.
Some of the known fibroid risk factors include genetics and family history, two factors you can’t control. However, your diet; hormones; weight; and environment also influence your fibroid risk. And we can control many of these risk factors.
Research suggests that consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants, including leafy green and cruciferous vegetables, as well as berries, can lower inflammation in your body, thereby reducing your fibroid risk as well. Whole grain foods that are rich in fiber can also help reduce your risk by helping reduce estrogen levels in your body, maintaining a hormonal balance and reducing a known tumor risk factor. Finally, you can further reduce inflammation while balancing your hormones by adding foods that are rich in essential fatty acids, including walnuts, flax seeds and fatty fish.
At the same time, avoiding certain foods can help prevent fibroids from forming. Steer clear of foods that are high in saturated fat or packed with preservatives. Try limiting added sugars and caffeine intake. And minimize your consumption of alcohol, since it can throw off your body’s hormonal balance.
Maintaining a healthy body weight can also reduce your fibroid risk, since body fat increases estrogen levels, and excess estrogen has been linked to tumor development and growth. Following the diet suggested above can help with weight management. But regular exercise will also be important. Plus, it can help you manage stress; sleep better; and balance your hormones naturally, helping reduce your fibroid risk on multiple levels.
Recently we learned that endocrine-disrupting chemicals—like the ones found in many hair products marketed to black women—so limiting your use of these items can help prevent fibroids. To further limit your exposure, you can also choose to eat organically when possible; use natural cleaning products; and drink filtered water whenever possible. Furthermore, you can limit your exposure to plastics and microplastics by using metal water bottles and storing and heating up food in glass containers.
While there are no guarantees, certain supplements should help reduce your risk for fibroid development. Start with Vitamin D, since women who have a Vitamin D deficiency appear to have an increased fibroid risk. You may also wish to add green tea supplements to your diet, as they have been linked to a reduced risk for fibroid growth.
As we continue to learn more about the root causes of fibroid development, prevention is likely to become more effective in the future. For now, however, these strategies can help reduce your fibroid risk while offering generalized health benefits. Furthermore, if you’re already living with uterine tumors, they can help manage fibroid symptoms. Then, if you need further relief, you can request a consultation with our Houston area fibroid specialists to explore treatment options such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).
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