Uterine fibroids are common, noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus. Some people use natural treatments and dietary changes to relieve the symptoms associated with fibroids. But do these treatments work?

Not all uterine fibroids cause symptoms, and they do not always need treatment. Fibroids can shrink and disappear, especially after menopause. A person may have fibroids without knowing it.

Doctors can recommend some medical treatments for fibroids, but some people may also try dietary methods and herbal medicines to relieve symptoms. However, there is very little research to say that they are effective.

In this article, we explore the evidence behind natural treatments for fibroids, including herbal remedies, and dietary and lifestyle changes.

Definition

Fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are noncancerous tumors that sometimes develop in the uterus. They are the most common noncancerous gynecological tumor in premenopausal people. fibroids may affect between 20 and 80% of people before age 50.

Around 1 in 3 females with fibroids may experience symptoms that can include:

• heavy or painful periods
• abdominal or lower back pain
• frequent urination
• constipation
• dyspareunia, or pain during sex

CAUSES

many different factors that could cause uterine fibroids. Some of these factors include weight, age, ethnicity, lifestyle, and genetics.

Can natural treatments help with fibroids?

In many cases, fibroids shrink and disappear without treatment. However, if a person experiences bothersome or severe symptoms, a doctor may recommend treatment, which includes birth control pills or surgery.

few studies to date that confirm whether changes in diet or using herbal remedies can help treat fibroids or prevent someone from developing them.

However, some experts believe that some lifestyle changes can enhance a person’s quality of life and help improve some of the symptoms associated with fibroids, such as painful periods and depression. These changes include eating a healthful diet, getting regular exercise, and using relaxation techniques.

Dietary changes

Meat

people who eat a diet high in red meat and high energy-dense foods, which are foods that contain lots of calories, fat, and sugar, may be more likely to develop fibroids. Replacing red meat (beef, ham, or lamb) with white meat (chicken or turkey) may help.

Eat white meats or plant based sources of protein, such as beans, could be a good move for health. Meat contains high levels of saturated and trans fats, which can raise cholesterol and worsen heart disease.

Vitamins

people who ate more fruit and more animal-derived vitamin A were less likely to have uterine fibroids. They did not find links with vitamins C or E, folate, or carotenoids.

Animal sources of vitamin A include dairy products, fish, and meat.

Foods that contain certain vitamins may protect against fibroids and also increase the healthfulness of a person’s diet. These include:

• oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna
• foods rich in flavonoids, including berries
• green vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, and lettuce
• citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes
• soya products
• broad beans

Herbal remedies

Green tea

Green tea contains chemicals called flavanols, which are antioxidants. Antioxidants help to reduce cell damage in the body by reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a significant cause of disease.

those who took green tea extract had less severe fibroids symptoms and that their fibroids became smaller.

Drinking green tea may, therefore, help with fibroids.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a chemical that plants produce when they are under environmental stress and infection. Natural foods that contain resveratrol include blueberries, mulberries, raspberries, and grapes.

Research suggests that resveratrol may stop cell growth and reproduction of uterine fibroid cells. However, these studies looked at the effects of resveratrol on cell cultures. Researchers do not know if eating foods that contain resveratrol will affect fibroids.

Curcumin

Curcumin is one of the active ingredients in turmeric. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

curcumin can destroy fibrotic cells or stop them from reproducing.

Avoid refined carbs and sugary foods

Foods like white rice, pasta, cereal, chips, or foods containing corn syrup, are all high in sugar and refined carbs. Consuming too much of these foods raises levels of sugar in the blood. Try opting for bright-colored foods like raw vegetables, fruit, whole grains, or whole grain pasta/bread.

Lifestyle changes

Some people may find that lifestyle factors can help improve symptoms associated with fibroids, such as painful or heavy periods and depression. These include:

• regular exercise
• breathing exercises
• eating a healthful diet
• tai-chi
• yoga

Fibroids are more common in people who are overweight or obese, so maintaining a healthful weight can also protect against fibroids. Getting regular exercise and eating a healthful diet are very effective ways to lose weight.

Medical treatments

Not all fibroids require treatment. If they produce symptoms, a doctor may recommend a range of treatments depending on how severe the symptoms are.

A range of surgical options can also help treat fibroids. People can talk to their doctor about the best treatment options for them.

SUMMARY

Although some research suggests that diet and herbal remedies can help with fibroids, many studies in this area not methodologically strong or not carried out in humans. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings, and people should speak with their doctor about any dietary changes they can make to improve their health.