Diet for Endometriosis and Fibroids

June 13, 2004

Fibroids & Endometriosis

Diet for Endometriosis and Fibroids

High estrogen levels can stimulate growth of endometrial

implants; lower levels can help limit their growth. You need a wide

range of nutrients to help balance your hormones and reduce your

estrogen levels, decrease cramping and inflammation, and generally

improve your physical and mental well-being. The foods listed below

will provide the necessary nutrients to produce these effects.

Foods that are beneficial

Whole grains are excellent sources of many

nutrients, including vitamin E and the B vitamins, which are critical

for balancing hormones and lowering estrogen levels; magnesium,

which helps ease menstrual cramps; calcium, which relaxes muscle

contraction; and potassium, which has a diuretic effect on body

tissues and helps reduce bloating. Fiber in whole grains absorbs

estrogen, helps remove it from the body, and normalizes bowel function.

Whole grains also eliminate dietary fat from the body and lower

cholesterol.

Vegetables and legumes. Vitamin C in vegetables

facilitates the flow of nutrients into muscles, and helps transport

waste products out of the body. It also strengthens capillaries,

which helps reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. Beans and peas contain

fiber and are high in calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Soybeans

help regulate estrogen levels and are a rich source of natural plant

estrogens called bioflavonoids, which help reduce bleeding in premenopausal

women with fibroid tumors.

Fruits contain a wide range of nutrients

that benefit menstrual cramps, including vitamin C and bioflavonoids.

Seeds and nuts are wonderful sources of

essential fatty acids.

Meat, poultry, and fish. Avoid meat and

eat fish, which contains linolenic acid and is an excellent source

of minerals, especially iodine and potassium. Salmon, tuna, mackerel,

and trout are especially beneficial.

Oils that contain vitamin E are good because

vitamin E helps balance mood and ease fatigue and cramps that occur

at the onset of menstruation for women with fibroids or endometriosis.

Foods to Avoid

Saturated fats contain arachidonic acid

that stimulates production of muscle-producing prostaglandins that

increase pelvic pain and inflammation characteristic of endometriosis.

Dairy products such as yogurt, milk, cheese,

and cottage cheese are the main dietary source of arachidonic acid.

Too much salt increases bloating and fluid

retention.

Sugar depletes the body of B vitamins and

minerals. This can worsen muscle tension, irritability, and anxiety.

Alcohol stresses the liver and can affect its ability to

metabolize hormones efficiently.

Read More on Fibroids & Endometriosis:

Getting Started

What Are Fibroids?

Symptoms of Fibroids

Checklist of Risk Factors and Symptoms

for Fibroids

What is Endometriosis?

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Keep it SIMPLE tip — Herbal Tea for Fibroids and

Endometriosis

Nutritional Therapies

Diet for Fibroids and Endometriosis

Supplements and Herbs for Fibroids and Endometriosis

Complementary Therapies

Healing Meditation

Affirmations for Healing