A Lifestyle Change can Put Uterine Fibroids Under Control

Fibroids are common non-cancerous growths in women’s bodies. They appear in or on the uterus or womb. A fibroid can be as large as a grapefruit or as a small as a seed. Uterine tumors can be of three types: intramural, submucosal, and subserosal tumors. Intramural growths develop inside the walls of the uterus, submucosal fibroids grow in the hollow cavity of the uterus, while subserosal growths develop on the outer uterine wall. Fibroids are also known as benign tumors and are not known to increase the chances of one getting cancer in addition to being majorly harmless. 

Sometimes, however, fibroids cause serious health conditions. These include prolonged periods that go on for over a week, heavy bleeding during your periods, pelvic pain, back pain, constipation, frequent urination, and infertility. In such cases, you may want to get treatment. One of the modes of treatment, especially for severe cases of fibroids, is surgery. Surgery may sometimes involve removing the entire uterus and not just the fibroids. However, there are many other options for uterine fibroid treatment without surgery if you prefer not to go under the knife. Adopting a better lifestyle can also help ease symptoms of fibroids. Below are several tips to help kick uterine fibroids out of your life.

Lose weight

Having excess weight or being obese increases your chances of having uterine fibroids. Fat cells in the body produce a high amount of estrogen, which increases the risk of developing fibroids. Once you lose weight, the size of your fibroids will also decrease.

Proper nutrition

Eating the right diet will help you to maintain the correct bodyweight and take in the right kinds of nutrients that will help to treat fibroids. Some foods that can ease the symptoms of fibroids include colored fruits and vegetables, brown rice, beans and lentils, and whole-grain bread. Add milk and dairy products in your diet as well as they contain high levels of phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium; which prevent the growth of fibroids. You can also take vitamin A and D supplements.

There are also foods that you need to avoid to fight fibroids. Number one on the list is excessive consumption of red meat and alcohol. Another risk factor is processed carbohydrates and sugary foods. Carbohydrates and sugars increase the sugar levels in your body, which triggers the production of insulin, a risk factor for the development of fibroids.

Types of refined carbohydrates to avoid are white rice and flour, sugary drinks, potato chips and crackers, baked cakes and cookies, and boxed cereals.

• Use vitamins to ease menstrual pain and bloating

If you have uterine fibroids, your periods may be painful, and you will also experience a lot of bloating. Intake of vitamins will help ease the pain. These include vitamin B-1, B-6,Magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. You can either take supplements or intake them in food products. You can find Vitamin B-6, for example, in milk, cheese, sweet potatoes, spinach, salmon, tuna, eggs, beef, carrot, avocado, banana, and chicken liver. 

• Control your blood pressure

Studies conclude that there is a link between blood pressure and fibroids. Several ways to lower blood pressure include limiting your salt and sodium intake, exercise regularly, and check your readings regularly with your doctor.

• Use herbal remedies

Herbal medicines may also be useful in helping you treat fibroids naturally. Talk to your doctor first before trying any herbal remedy as some herbs might interact with other medications in your body. Green tea is one herbal remedy that can help reduce fibroids by reducing inflammation and toxins in the body. Castor oil can ease occasional constipation while chaste berry balances hormones and helps reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and other symptoms. 

Other remedies

You may also try warm compression by applying local heat in your pelvis area to try and ease the pain. Taking warm baths as opposed to cold baths will also make you feel better. Try some yoga exercises as well, and a lot of massage therapy. If the symptoms do not go down or disappear completely after all your efforts, seek the advice of a qualified professional.