|
June 17, 2004 |
|
Fibroids & Endometriosis Supplements and Herbs for Endometriosis and Fibroids Nutritional supplements can help balance hormones and reduce estrogen levels. When used properly, they can dramatically reduce bleeding, pain, and cramps that may accompany fibroids and endometriosis. Taking supplements, however, does not mean that you can ignore your diet. The best approach for fibroids, endometriosis, and optimal health is to eat healthy foods and take nutritional supplements. Vitamin A. Studies have shown that women with excessive menstrual bleeding have significantly lower blood levels of vitamin A than the normal population. And that many women will return to a normal bleeding pattern after two weeks of vitamin A treatment. I recommend 1,000-5,000 IU per day of vitamin A. B-complex vitamins help regulate estrogen levels and reduce menstrual pain and cramps. In clinical studies, Vitamin B6 has led to a reduction in PMS-related cramping, fluid retention, weight gain, and fatigue. I recommend 50-100 mg of B-complex vitamins daily, with an additional dose of up to 300 mg of vitamin B6 for women with fibroids or endometriosis. Vitamin E. I have found vitamin E to be useful in treating women with heavy menstrual bleeding from fibroids and endometriosis. I recommend 400-800 IU per day. Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, has been used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. It strengthens capillaries and reduces risk of iron deficiency and anemia in women who bleed excessively by helping absorb dietary iron. I recommend 1,000-5,000 mg of vitamin C per day. Bioflavonoids also help regulate excessive estrogen levels in the body. Therapeutic dosages are 750-2,000 mg per day. Ground whole flaxseeds and cold-pressed organic, rich, golden flaxseed oil are also excellent sources of the two essential oils, linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acids) and linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acids). These prostaglandins help to reduce menstrual cramps, breast tenderness, bloating and the effects of PMS. Flax is weakly estrogenic, and the lignans in flax reduce production of estrogen and compete with more potent estrogen for tissue receptors. I recommend 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil, or 4-6 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds. Iron. Women who suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids and endometriosis tend to be iron deficient. In fact, some medical studies have found that inadequate iron intake may even cause excessive bleeding. Women who suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding should have their red blood count checked to see if they need supplemental iron in addition to a high-iron-content diet. Heme iron, the iron from meat sources like liver, is much better absorbed and assimilated than non-heme iron, the iron from vegetarian sources. To be absorbed properly, iron must be taken with vitamin C. I recommend 25 mg per day of iron with 30 mg of vitamin C per day. Calcium and Magnesium. The uterus is susceptible to calcium deficiency. It is made up of muscle, and muscles that are deficient in these two minerals tend to be hyperactive and more likely to cramp. Calcium maintains muscle tone, and magnesium optimizes calcium in your system by increasing its absorption. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium in menstruating women is 800 mg per day, rising to as much as 1,500 mg per day in postmenopausal women. Calcium can interfere with magnesium absorption. The recommended dosage for magnesium is half as much magnesium as calcium or approximately 400-750 mg per day. Herbs Herbs can help balance hormones, lower excessive estrogen levels, and lessen heavy bleeding. Some can provide additional essential nutrients that help relieve menstrual pain and cramps, while others have mild relaxant, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Vitex, or chaste tree berry, (225 mg daily from chaste tree extract) increases the production of the luteinizing hormone that triggers ovulation at midcycle, promoting progesterone production. It also inhibits release of the follicle-stimulating hormone that stimulates estrogen production in the first half of the menstrual cycle. So it normalizes the secretion of hormones and helps to bring estrogen and progesterone into balance during perimenopause. Goldenseal contains berberine, which relaxes uterine muscles. Shepherd’s purse has been used to help stop menstrual bleeding. (If your bleeding is excessive or irregular, consult your physician as it can be dangerous and should never be allowed to continue without medical help.) Yellow dock is a good source of iron. White willow contains salicin. Salicylic acid, the precursor of aspirin, was purified from this plant. White willow bark reduces inflammation, pain and fever, and helps treat primary menstrual cramps and headaches. Like aspirin, it can produce unwanted side effects of gastric indigestion, nausea and diarrhea, so use the herbs carefully.
Read More on Fibroids & Endometriosis: Getting Started
Checklist of Risk Factors and Symptoms for Fibroids 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
|
|
home | contact
us | disclaimer| privacy policy | terms and conditions | press room
|
