Fibroids are muscular tumor growth in the wall of the uterus. They are mostly non-cancerous and can be as small as an apple seed to as big as a grapefruit. Almost 20-80% of women develop fibroids by the age of 50.

Symptoms of fibroid growth may include abdominal pain, heavy menstruation and frequent urination. The main cause of fibroid growth is the genetic and hormonal imbalance of estrogen and progesterone.

Conventional treatments for fibroids include waiting to see if they will shrink on their own, medication and surgery. Medication normally comes with undesirable side effects, and surgery to remove the uterine can be extreme and does not necessarily stop further growth.

Here are seven natural ways to treat fibroids:

Step 1: Eat Fruits And Vegetables

In the December 2011 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Lauren A. Wise established the relationship between a diet high in fruits and vegetables and the lower incidence of fibroids in black American women.

A diet high in fiber (20-30g per day) from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps to reduce the circulating estrogen. Soybean has phytoestrogen, which means plant estrogen blocks estrogen’s ability to attach to the receptor sites.

Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, and kale contain indole-3-carbinol, which helps to prevent estrogen-driven tumor formation.

Step 2: Eat Low Glycemic Index (GI) And Glycemic Load (GL) Food

In the May 2010 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Rose Radin showed that a diet high in Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL) potentially promotes the growth of fibroid tumors by increasing the concentration of insulin-like-growth-factor-1 (IGF-1).

GI and GL are a measure of carbohydrates available to raise blood sugar levels. Low GI and GL foods are complex carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. High GI and GL food are processed carbohydrates from white rice, noodles, pasta, potatoes, biscuits, and cakes.

Step 3: Eat More Soy Protein

This is somewhat controversial, but some camps do not recommend soy protein as it is rich in isoflavone. Isoflavone is estrogen-like and increases the risk of fibroids.

Soy protein contains genistein, which is an isoflavone that helps reduce fibroid growth. In the January issue of Experimental Molecular Medicine, Xudong Di demonstrated that the high concentration of genistein regulates the genetic pathway involved in fibroid growth.

Step 4: Detox To Reduce Toxins Load

Reduce the toxins load in the body by detoxing and cleansing the digestive system and liver. This way, the liver is not overloaded and will better metabolize excess estrogen.

You can cleanse your digestive system naturally with herbs such as senna leaves, buckthorn bark, and uva ursi leaves. Strengthen the liver with liver detox herbs such as milk thistle and burdock root, as well as plenty of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables.

Step 5: Eat Omega-3 And Iron-Rich Food

Omega-3 is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that prevents fibroid growth.

Prolonged heavy menstrual flow will cause the loss of iron from the body. Chlorophyll and spirulina are good sources of natural iron for the body.

Step 6: Avoid These Foods

Cut down on meat and dairy, as they are obtained from animals that are induced with hormones for faster growth and milk production. The excess hormone from animal products promotes the growth of fibroids.

Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake, as they put stress on the liver to detox. This causes the liver to be less effective in metabolizing estrogen.

Step 7: Weight Management

Estrogen is stored in body fat. If there is excess weight from body fat, it encourages more estrogen to be stored and causes hormonal imbalance. Obese and overweight women are at risk of developing fibroids.

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