Uterine fibroids represent a women’s health condition that cannot be seen on the surface but can still cause pain and distress. The issue is quite common, affecting up to 80% of women at some point in their lifetimes, but fibroids are not cancerous or life-threatening. They can still cause health problems and complications, however.
The good news is that holistic uterine fibroids treatment is available that can help treat the uncomfortable symptoms associated with fibroids. This guide will help you understand what uterine fibroids are, common symptoms to look out for, potential causes, and effective naturopathic treatments and remedies.
Understanding Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths in the uterus made from muscle and other tissues that form in and around the uterine walls. They can be small, like a tiny seed, or grow as large as a softball. You can have just one or several at once.
Women with uterine fibroid symptoms can find relief through natural remedies and solutions. This condition affects women differently, so it is important to pay attention to any unusual symptoms or sensations that may indicate their presence. Just 20%-50% of women with fibroids experience symptoms, including:
- Periods lasting longer than a week
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Bleeding between periods
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Anemia
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Miscarriages
- Back pain or leg pain
- Difficulty emptying your bladder
There is not one solid cause of uterine fibroids. There are several risk factors that can make women more susceptible to this condition, though, such as:
- Being 30 to 50 years old
- Being overweight or obese
- Being African-American
- Having a family history of fibroids
- Maintaining a poor diet
- Consuming alcohol
- Using certain types of birth control
It is important to keep these symptoms and potential risk factors in mind if you think you may have uterine fibroids. Women who are experiencing signs and symptoms should seek professional medical help so the condition does not persist and become worse with a uterine fibroids treatment plan in place.
Naturopathic Treatments for Uterine Fibroids
Holistic medicine can treat painful symptoms brought on by uterine fibroids. The naturopathic medicine approach to health works to relieve the pain and symptoms associated with many different conditions, such as digestive disorders, joint pain, thyroid disorders, and uterine fibroids. Some naturopathic treatments that can help reduce your pain and prevent your fibroids from worsening are:
1. Eating Less Red Meat
Eating large amounts of red meat can contribute to uterine fibroid development. Avoid eating red meat in excess and stick with lean meats, such as chicken and fish, if you think you may be at risk of developing fibroids.
2. Avoiding Refined Carbs and Sugar
Foods such as white rice, pasta, cereal, chips, or foods that contain corn syrup are typically high in sugar and refined carbs. Eating too much of these foods can raise your blood sugar levels and potentially cause uterine fibroids. Sticking with raw vegetables, fruit, and whole grains can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels and prevent uterine fibroids from developing.
3. Managing Stress
Stress can be the culprit behind many dangerous diseases and conditions. Managing your stress will not only help you prevent uterine fibroids but it will positively impact your health in several other ways as well. Take some time for yourself every day to relax and partake in stress-reducing activities, such as:
- Yoga
- Deep breathing exercises
- Taking a warm bath
- Getting a proper amount of sleep
- Going for walks
- Reading
Do whatever relaxes you and helps you unwind and de-stress. This will help prevent fibroids from developing or worsening, as well as provide health benefits for your body as a whole.
4. Cutting Back on Alcohol
Alcohol can raise the level of hormones needed for fibroid growth and can trigger inflammation. Studies have shown that women who consume one or more beers daily increased their risk of developing uterine fibroids by 50%. Cutting back on alcohol can help reduce the risk of developing this condition.
At-home natural remedies such as these are an effective, long-lasting way to better your health and decrease uterine fibroid symptoms. Eating a healthy, balanced diet free of excess alcohol will not only decrease the risk of their development but will also improve your health overall.
How a Well-Balanced Diet Impacts Uterine Fibroid Relief
A good start to uterine fibroids treatment is to start eating a well-balanced diet to help reduce the symptoms of uterine fibroids by easing the pain and providing relief. Some foods and nutrients you can include in your diet that may help slow fibroid growth and reduce your painful symptoms include:
Fiber
Increasing your fiber intake can help promote weight loss and balance your hormones, both of which can reduce the risk of developing fibroids. Eating more cruciferous vegetables, fruits with skin, whole grains, oats, lentils, barley, and beans can all help contribute to an increase in fiber intake.
Potassium
Potassium helps to balance your blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of uterine fibroid development. Avocados, bananas, citrus fruits, dates, potatoes, and tomatoes are all excellent foods to include in your diet that can reduce your blood pressure and ultimately the risk of fibroids.
Green, leafy vegetables
Green, leafy vegetables contain calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which can help prevent fibroids and slow their growth. They also help us convert our more aggressive estrogens into safer and more protective ones.
Vitamin D
Your skin makes this vitamin when you are in the sun, but those who spend a lot of time indoors, have darker skin, or live in cooler climates are more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency. Eating foods such as egg yolks, fatty fish, and cod liver oil can all help increase your vitamin D levels to prevent uterine fibroids.
Green Tea
Green tea contains antioxidants including epigallocatechin gallate, which studies found may help slow the growth of fibroids by reducing inflammation and estrogen levels. It can also help reduce heavy bleeding, a common symptom of uterine fibroids.
Taking a holistic approach to health care addresses the underlying source of your conditions for effective healing and relief. For uterine fibroids treatment, holistic medicine options and natural solutions can help to reduce your pain and prevent your fibroids from worsening.
Contact a Holistic Health Care Professional for More About Uterine Fibroids Treatment
Women who are at high risk for uterine fibroids — or who are already experiencing symptoms that could indicate their presence — should reach out to a naturopathic physician to learn more about holistic solutions for uterine fibroids treatment. Contact Dr. Karen Threlkel today to schedule a personalized naturopathic medical assessment and discuss your treatment options to find effective solutions and relief.
