Uterine fibroids, or benign tumors in the uterus, affect a vast majority of American women. In fact, it’s estimated that 70 percent of Caucasian women in the US will have fibroids by the time they’re 50. It’s even worse for African American women, with 80 to 90 percent of them said to develop uterine fibroids by the age of 50. If you or someone you know suffers with uterine fibroids, there are simple foods to treat this condition. Here are just five of them.
Because one leading cause of uterine fibroids is hormonal imbalance, it’s important to consume foods that help to balance hormones. And according to Alisa Vitti, a functional nutritionist and women’s hormone expert, these are five hormone balancing foods to try:
Pears and apples
These fruits are practically available all year long, and thanks a flavonoid called phloretin, these two fruits can help to slow tumor growth.
Soy
Not all soy is made equal, and when it comes to treating uterine fibroids, you want to make sure you’re eating specific types of soy, namely organic tempeh and miso, both of which are fermented forms of soy. Why is this type of soy better for you? Vitti recommends it thanks to it’s “anti-estrogenic effect on the uterus.”
Whole grains
Processed carbs like white bread and pasta will wreak havoc on blood sugar levels and encourage fibroid growth. So, enjoy whole grain carbohydrates which also help to flush out extra estrogen from the body, too.
Flax seeds
Like whole grains, flax seeds help to detox the body of excess estrogen. But they also help prevent the uterine from absorbing the extra estrogen in your system, which can lead to fibroid growth.
Beans
Because beans are a low glycemic food, they keep blood sugar levels stable, which helps to stunt uterine fibroid growth. The best beans to try? Vitti recommends kidney beans, lentils and mung beans.
