7 Foods That May Shrink Fibroids

Whether you have fibroids or not, every woman needs to know foods that can increase their risk of developing fibroid and the foods you should eat to suppress the symptoms and stop them from growing. Uterine fibroids are tumors that form in the uterus, normally fibroids do not cause any symptoms. And 70% of women will develop fibroids but if you start experiencing symptoms like heavy or painful periods, uncomfortable fullness in your abdomen, frequent urination, pain during sexual intercourse and lower-back pain, consult your doctor.

And even though, there are no foods that can shrink fibroids, but certain foods can stop them from continuous growth and help reduce your symptoms. Including these meals in your diet will help;

2. Beans and Lentils

Eat more of beans and lentils as they are high in fiber and therefore good choices if you're trying to maintain a healthy weight. They are also a low glycemic index, or a mild impact on your blood sugar.  Foods with high glycemic such as sugar, honey, white bread, flaked cereals(corn flakes and other flakes) can cause inflammation and increase fibroid growth, according to Dr. Christiane Northrup, a physician and women's health expert. And that is why you have to replace these foods with nutritious, low-glycemic carbohydrate sources such as legumes(beans, lentils etc)

3. Unrefined Grains

Refined foods such as white rice, white bread, and other white foods that have been processed have a way of increasing insulin production in your body and influencing the way estrogen is metabolized thereby increasing your risk for fibroid symptoms says Northrup. Nutritious examples include oats, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa and barley.

4. Low-Fat Dairy Products

According to a "Today's Dietitian" article by registered dietitian Megan Tempest, published in May 2012, uterine fibroids are up to three times more prevalent in black women than white women. Some evidence suggests that this may be because blacks consume less dairy products than whites. How many times in a week do you take yoghurt, milk, or cottage cheese? It's time to incorporate low-diary products into your diet. However, limit your intake of high-fat items, such as whole milk and fatty cheeses, which contribute to inflammation.

5. Soya and Flaxseeds

Soy and flaxseeds contain phytoestrogens -- natural substances with estrogen like properties. Phytoestrogens help to block the estrogen receptors on the cells in fibroids, thereby minimizing symptoms and lowering your risk for fibroid growth. Flaxseeds also provide fiber and omega-3 fats, which guard against inflammation and tumor growth and help get rid of excess estrogen in your body. Consume soya milk, steamed or podded soyabeans as they are a good alternative to fatty meats. You can add grinded flaxseeds to smoothies, yogurt and cereals.