Fibroid tumors are noncancerous growths that form in the uterus. Symptoms of fibroid tumors may include abdominal enlargement, pain, vaginal bleeding, pelvic pressure and pain during intercourse. Menstruating women can be plagued with fibroid tumors, but they also occur in menopausal women. Medical treatment is not always necessary unless the problem is severe. Remedies such as dietary changes relieve symptoms and reduce estrogen levels, an effective way to shrink fibroid tumors.
Whole Grains
Whole grains such as buckwheat, oats and brown rice are excellent sources of vitamin B and vitamin E, which help with hormonal balance and lowering estrogen. Whole grains are also a good source of fiber, which helps reduce estrogen levels in the body through bowel movements. Fiber essentially pushes estrogen out of the body, along with waste and toxins.
Other Fiber Sources
Broccoli, raspberries, pears with skin, apples with skin, air-popped popcorn, cooked artichokes and cooked peas contain a lot of grams of fiber per serving. Eating a diet rich in these foods will help reduce estrogen levels, thus shrinking fibroid tumors.
Soybeans
Soybeans are an excellent source of natural plant estrogen called bioflavonoids. While similar in structure to estrogen, bioflavonoids have less potency than estrogen. The bioflavonoids consumed also bind to the body's cells, replacing estrogen in areas such as the uterus where fibroid tumors form. Increase soybean, soy milk and tofu consumption to get the maximum benefits of bioflavonoids.
Other legumes such as black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, lima beans and lentils can be consumed. Legumes are rich in fiber, but also contain copper and zinc, which is helpful to women with fibroids who suffer from heavy bleeding.
Fresh Fruits
Bananas, blueberries, strawberries and oranges are rich in fiber. They are also rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium, which can help reduce symptoms such as bloating and fatigue.
Foods to avoid
Meats such as beef, pork and lamb should be avoided as their consumption can trigger muscle contraction, constriction of blood vessels and inflammation. Consuming meat during fibroid tumors formation can worsen the symptoms.
Fish consumption is a good alternative as it contains fatty acids that help relax muscles. Salmon, tuna, mackerel and trout are recommended to women with fibroid tumors.
Dairy products such as cheese and milk should be avoided as they can increase estrogen levels.
Avoid excessive saturated fats as they can weaken the liver's ability to break down estrogen. Salt should also be avoided as it can cause bloating and fluid retention, exaggerating fibroid tumors symptoms.
Tags: fibroid tumors, estrogen levels, reduce estrogen, reduce estrogen levels, estrogen bioflavonoids, fibroid tumors
