Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths on the uterus that are common in women during their 40’s and 50’s. There are various risk factors for developing these fibroids, including age, family history, ethnicity, obesity, and diet. Fibroids can cause unwanted symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, abdominal distension, frequent urination, pain during sex, infertility, and pregnancy complications. So, it is in your best interest to reduce your risk! Though you cannot change your age, family history, and ethnicity, you do have the power to eliminate obesity and poor diet as risk factors.
- certain types of meat intake are linked to fibroids
- hormonal imbalances can contribute to fibroids, and diet can play a role in such imbalances
- some foods are protective against fibroids
- nutrients such as calcium and Vitamin D may be protective against uterine fibroids
- the glycemic index and what foods you consume may say something about your risk for uterine fibroids
Altering your diet to include foods that are protective and minimize foods that are harmful for uterine fibroids – especially if you are a woman in your 40’s and 50’s – is a good way to reduce your risk for developing these growths. (This may be even more important if you already have a family history of fibroids.)
