9 of the Worst Foods for Fibroids to Avoid

If you want to manage uterine growth symptoms naturally, you have to avoid the worst foods for fibroids. At the same time, you can add new foods that may help limit fibroid growth, or at least improve your symptoms. But how can your diet help you deal with these benign tumors?

While we don’t know why fibroids grow, we do not that your hormones can affect their growth. In fact, since changes in estrogen levels seems to impact fibroid growth, balancing your hormones through diet could reduce your tumor size.  Now, you could control hormones with birth control. But, if you want a more natural option, dietary changes are the way to go. And, you can start by steering clear of the worst foods for fibroids!   

What are the Worst Foods for Fibroids?

Each of the nine types of foods listed below can make fibroid symptoms worse. So, if you’re hoping to manage your symptoms naturally, try to eliminate the following from your diet:

Red Meats – Especially when it’s processed, red meat is packed with hormones such as estrogen. So, every time you eat this food item, you’re exposing yourself to the risk of worse fibroid symptoms

Fatty Dairy Products – Unless they’re organic, most dairy products contain hormones, steroids and other pro-inflammatory compounds.

Salty Foods – When you take in too much sodium, you make your liver work harder. And that distracts your liver from its most important job—eliminating toxins from your body, and helping you balance your hormones in the process.

White Carbs – White bread and rice, along with packaged cookies and cakes, can impact your estrogen levels. And that can make your fibroids grow. Additionally, any packaged foods containing high fructose corn syrup can cause problems by making your body produce more insulin.  

Foods with MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) – This flavor enhancer commonly found in restaurant food has been linked to weight gain. And, when you gain weight, your estrogen levels can increase, making your fibroids grow and potentially worsening your symptoms.

Soy – Packed with phytoestrogens, compounds that mimic estrogen when they enter your body, consuming too much soy can encourage fibroid growth. Plus, eating excess soy can also harm your fertility. And, since fibroids make also make it difficult to conceive or carry a fetus to term, this is one of the worst foods for fibroids—and for family planning.

Refined Sugar – Consuming too much sugar can make you gain weight and can trigger inflammation. And both of those factors can throw your hormones out of whack.

Caffeine – Like sodium, excess caffeine stresses out your liver, indirectly impacting your hormones.

Alcohol – Like sugar, alcohol is a pro-inflammatory beverage. As such, it can trigger inflammation and hormonal imbalances.

Now that you know the worst foods for fibroids, we know you may be feeling like there’s nothing left to eat. But don’t worry—try replacing these items with foods that could help you feel better!

Foods to Reduce Fibroid Symptoms

Want to manage your fibroids with lifestyle changes? In addition to regular exercise, here are the best foods for fibroids to add to your diet.  They may improve your fibroid symptoms, and your general health as well!

Organic foods, since they’re devoid of chemical that may throw off your hormonal balance

Foods that are high in fiber, especially crunchy veggies like broccoli that can keep you full and may help you lose weight

Leafy green veggies

Food packed with beta-carotene, including sweet potatoes and carrots. While they can help you manage your fibroid symptoms, they can also support improved fertility.

Iron-rich foods like legumes or organic, grass-fed beef

Whole grains, especially flaxseeds or quinoa

Apples, oranges, and other citrus fruits. Research suggests that eating at least two servings a day of this foot category can lower your fibroid risk.

Supplements such as fish oil and B-complex vitamins, both linked to balancing hormone levels. Plus, they could tamp down inflammation, further improving your overall health.

Banish the Worst Foods for Fibroids with an Easy-to-Follow Recipe

While you’re clearing out your pantry to get rid of items that make your symptoms worse, you may need some cooking inspiration. Here’s a great Food Network recipe to try. It’s packed with some of the best foods for fibroids—and for your general health!

Ingredients

Olive oil

Kosher salt

Rainbow carrots

Chives

Directions
Toss 3 bunches of baby rainbow carrots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer, then roast at 450 degrees F until tender and slightly browned. Turn once at the halfway mark, and cook about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped chives and salt, then serve warm.

Fibroid Care That Goes Beyond Lifestyle Changes

While eliminating the worst foods for fibroids can help you a little, they can’t cure your condition. So, if you want lasting relief from fibroid symptoms such as painful sex, heavy menstrual cycles, bloating, pelvic pain, frequent urination, you’ll need to explore more permanent treatment options. And one of the best fibroid treatment options in Atlanta is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).

What is UFE? This is a low-risk, minimally-invasive uterine fibroid treatment. Many women choose thus non-surgical treatment because it can help you avoid surgery, while preserving your uterus, reducing your symptoms, and making every day life easier and more enjoyable. Ready to find out if you’re a good candidate for this treatment option? Contact our fibroid specialists in Atlanta for an immediate consultation.