Diet and Nutrition for Fibroids The fiber in whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables binds with estrogen in you digestive tract...

Value of Exercise for Fibroids Women who are physically active and are athletic are less prone to have fibroids as compared to less active women...

Relaxation and Fibroids Anxiety may disrupt the body's delicate balance and may cause fibroids to grow faster...

 

While female hormones seem to make the fibroids grow, there are foods that may help reduce estrogen level in the blood. The fiber in whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables binds with estrogen in you digestive tract, speeding the hormones elimination. On the other hand, foods such are rich in fat such as meat and dairy products increases the level of estrogen in your blood and may spur the growth of fibroids.

Soy has been found to have the ability to lower the estrogen level in women. Soy contains ample amount of genistein and daidzein, a plant estrogen, or phytoestrogens that prevents the body's estrogen from reaching the cells. These phytoestrogens can also be found in tofu, tempeh, and soymilk, soybeans, and bean sprouts.

Include in your diet some cold-water fish including salmon, tuna and mackerel. These foods contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties and may help relieve fibroid symptoms.

It has been found in a clinical study that women who are physically active and are athletic are less prone to have fibroids as compared to less active women.

Exercise reduces the estrogen level and it stimulates the release of body's own pain-relieving, mood alleviating compounds, called endorphins.

The ideal exercise program is to incrementally increase physical activity without producing undue fatigue. You may begin with 10 to 15 minute several times a week. This should gradually be increased to 30 minutes of moderate exercise everyday.

Find something that you enjoy and remember to continue your program. Brisk walking is a favorite activity of many people. Other exercise to consider is swimming, aerobics, and cycling. If you are physically limited consult with your doctor on other activities.

Moderate exercise improves your cardiovascular system, helps keep off extra pounds, lowers cholesterol and reduces high blood pressure. Exercise also helps to improve your mental outlook and reduces stress.

Being aware that you have fibroids may make you anxious. Anxiety may disrupt the body's delicate balance and may cause fibroids to grow faster.

To reduce anxiety, there are a few relaxation techniques that are available. One is the use of visualization.

Practice this visualization exercise as suggested by Dr. Lark (From the book: Blended Medicine, by Michael Castleman):

Sit comfortable with your eyes closed, Breathe deeply and imagine looking deep inside your reproductive tract. See a giant blackboard eraser wiping away your fibroids. Watch as your uterus shrinks to its normal size and shape. Notice how wonderful you feel. Enjoy the sense of peace and well-being. Open your eyes.

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2. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
3. M. Castleman "Blended Medicine, The best choices in healing, Fibroids "
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