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Natural Alternative for Treating Fibroids
When a woman asks her doctor
what can be done to treat her fibroids, she is often told that she
needs a hysterectomy. Although fibroids occur commonlyapproximately
40 percent of women have fibroids by mid-lifeas a general
rule, they don’t create problems. The fact
is, many fibroids will likely shrink and may even disappear with
menopause. Sadly, fibroid removal accounts for nearly one-third
of all hysterectomies performed annually in the United States. Many
of these are completely unnecessary.
If you happened to be a few years away from menopause, I recommend
using my natural approach to treating fibroid tumors. I have found
that simply adjusting your diet and using nutritional supplements
has worked wonders for most women, and keeps them off the operating
table.
Change Your Diet
No therapy can be fully effective if you have poor eating habits.
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. Increasing
your intake of the foods listed below will provide the necessary
nutrients to produce these effects.
- Whole Grains are excellent sources of B vitamins, as well
as vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Fiber in whole
grains absorbs estrogen, helps remove it from the body, and normalizes
bowel function.
- Legumes contain fiber and are high in calcium, magnesium,
and potassium. I am especially fond of soybeans, which help regulate
estrogen levels.
- Fruits and Vegetables contain a wide range of nutrients
that can relieve menstrual cramps, including vitamin C and bioflavonoids.
- Seeds and nuts, especially flaxseed and pumpkin seeds,
are wonderful sources of essential fatty acids (EFAs), the raw materials
necessary for the production of prostaglandins.
- Fish contains linolenic acid and is an excellent source
of minerals, especially iodine and potassium. Salmon, tuna, mackerel,
and trout are especially good for women with menstrual cramps.
- Oils containing vitamin E help to balance mood, and ease
fatigue and cramps that occur at the onset of menstruation for women
with fibroids. Good oil sources include sesame seeds and wheat germ.
- Avoid saturated fats; dairy products such as yogurt, milk,
cheese, and cottage cheese; salt; refined sugar; caffeine; and alcohol.
Use Supplements
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. In particular, I suggest
using:
- Vitamin A. In one study of 71 women,
those with excessive bleeding had significantly lower blood levels
of vitamin A than the normal population. I recommend 5,000
IU per day of vitamin A, as beta-carotene.
- B-complex vitamins help regulate
estrogen levels and reduce menstrual pain and cramps. I recommend
50 to 100 mg of B-complex vitamins daily, with an additional dose
of 100 to 300 mg of vitamin B6.
- Vitamin E. I have found vitamin
E to be useful in treating women with heavy menstrual bleeding
from fibroids and endometriosis. I recommend 400 to 800 IU
per day.
- Calcium and Magnesium. Your uterus
is made up of muscle, and muscles deficient in these two minerals
are more likely to cramp. Calcium maintains muscle tone, and magnesium
optimizes calcium in your system by increasing its absorption.
I recommend taking 800 mg of calcium and 400 mg of magnesium
a day.
- Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids have
been used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. I recommend 1,000
to 5,000 mg of vitamin C and 750 to 2,000 mg of bioflavonoids
per day.
- Vitex, or chaste tree berry, normalizes
the secretion of hormones and helps to bring estrogen and progesterone
into balance. Take 225 mg per day.
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