Fibroids advice : Which supplements to take... - Women's Health

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Fibroids advice

joym147 profile image
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Which supplements to take to shrink fibroids as I am constantly bloated

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joym147 profile image
joym147
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Dna4christ profile image
Dna4christ

Hey there,

I dont know any supplements that can help with fibroids, but I've tried and heard that castor oil pack can shrink fibroids. Also, mostly plant-based can help balance the hormones that can help with fibroids. Source: WomanCode by Alisa Vitti.

wobblybee profile image
wobblybeeAdministratorPioneer

🤔 Natural treatment of fibroids

Fibroids typically grow slowly or not at all. In many cases, they shrink on their own, especially after menopause. You may not need treatment unless you’re bothered by symptoms. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment plan. You may need a combination of therapies.

In moderate to severe cases where symptoms are bothersome, worsening, or not improved with medication, fibroids may be treated with surgery or ultrasound therapy. Surgery may involve removing just the fibroids or your entire uterus.

At-home care, diet changes, and natural remedies may help treat fibroids and relieve symptoms. The lifestyle changes below are also important in the prevention of fibroids.

These natural treatments may or may not help your fibroid symptoms, since relief depends on how severe your symptoms are and how your fibroids have progressed. You should speak with your doctor before trying any of these options.

Weight loss

A clinical study in China showed that obesity and excess weight increased the risk for uterine fibroids. This happens because fat cells make high amounts of estrogen. Losing weight may help prevent or reduce the size of fibroids.

Nutrition

Your daily diet is a very important factor in treating fibroids. The right nutrition can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk. Certain foods can also help ease symptoms.

Foods to avoid

According to clinical studies, eating too much red meat increases your risk of uterine fibroids. Drinking alcohol also increases your risk.

Eating excess refined carbohydrates and sugary foods may trigger or worsen fibroids. These foods raise blood sugar levels. This causes your body to produce too much insulin hormone. Avoid or restrict simple refined carbohydrates like:

white rice, pasta, and flour

soda and other sugary drinks

corn syrup

boxed cereals

baked goods (cakes, cookies, doughnuts)

potato chips

crackers

Foods to eat

Fiber-rich unprocessed foods help:

curb your appetite

balance hormones

prevent excess weight gain

Brightly colored foods such as fruits and vegetables also help reduce inflammation and lower your risk for fibroids. Add these whole foods to your daily diet:

raw and cooked vegetables and fruit

dried fruit

whole grains

brown rice

lentils and beans

whole grain bread and pasta

quinoa

fresh and dried herbs

Vitamins and supplements

Milk and dairy may help to reduce fibroids. Dairy products contain high amounts of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These nutrients may help prevent growth of fibroids.

Some types of vitamins may also help reduce the growth and size of fibroids. Research confirms that your risk for fibroids may increase if you have low amounts of vitamin D and vitamin A from animal sources, such as dairy.

Uterine fibroids may worsen menstrual pain, bloating, and cramping. A number of vitamins may help ease these symptoms:

vitamin B-1

vitamin B-6

vitamin E

magnesium

omega-3 fatty acids

You can find these vitamins in food as well as supplements. If you want to start incorporating supplements into your daily routine, talk with your doctor before you begin.

Blood pressure

A Dutch study found that there may be a link between high blood pressure and fibroids. Manage your blood pressure to help reduce your risk and improve your overall health:

Limit foods with added salt or sodium.

Check your blood pressure regularly and discuss readings with your doctor.

Get regular exercise.

Herbal remedies

Herbal remedies may help to treat fibroids or reduce related symptoms. Further research is needed to find out if these remedies work and what the most effective dosage is.

Herbs are potent medicines and can interact with other drugs. They’re also not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Talk with your doctor before taking herbal medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Herbal remedies are used in traditional Chinese Medicine to slow fibroid growth and treat symptoms. One herbal formula is called Guizhi fuling or Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang. This formula contains several herbs that act to shrink uterine fibroids, balance hormone levels, and keep your uterus healthy:

ramulus cinnamomi

poria

semen persicae

radix paeoniae rubra

radix paeoniae alba

cortex moutan

Green tea

A bioflavonoid in green tea called EGCG may help reduce the size and number of fibroids. This may be due to its ability to reduce inflammation and remove toxins from your body.

Chasteberry

Chasteberry, or vitex, is taken for heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, and other symptoms. This herbal remedy helps to balance hormone levels.

Isphagula husk, senna, and castor oil

Fibrous herbs such as isphagula and senna are used as natural laxatives. Add these herbs to water or juice to help relieve constipation.

Castor oil is an herbal oil that can be taken as a supplement to help occasional constipation.

Other remedies

At-home care may help to manage stress, which can worsen fibroids and your overall health. Try these treatment options that can help manage stress:

warm compresses or applying local heat

warm baths

yoga and exercise

massage therapy

Other treatment

In most cases, symptomatic fibroids are treated with hormonal medications, ultrasound therapy, surgery, and other treatment. Medications help to shrink fibroids or ease symptoms. Surgery may involve removing just the fibroids or your entire uterus.

Some treatments your doctor may recommend include:

hormone balancing medications

progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD)

MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery

uterine artery embolization, which works by blocking blood supply to the fibroids and uterus

myolysis, which is removal with a heat source (such as radiofrequency waves); Acessa is an example of this procedure

cryomyolysis, which removes fibroids by freezing

myomectomy, which is surgery to remove just fibroids

hysterectomy, which surgically removes your uterus

expandingways profile image
expandingways

Hi joym147,

Bloating is not a common sign of fibroids, unless they are huge and then it won't be proper 'bloating'. You should check your diet and sex hormone levels.

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