Can I change my diet to help with fibroids?

A number of people are searching for information on “diet and fibroids” so the topic deserves a post of its own. The discussion started through visitor comments from another thread.

From the original fibroid diet comment:

Nikki: I wondered if anyone else tried altering their diet ….and had any relief, if anything?

Quotes from the thread: (click the links to see the whole comment)

Nikki: The diet change I did helped alleviate a lot of those symptoms. I make every effort to avoid processed foods and eat less meat, particularly red meats.

Nikki: These days, I focus on eating whole foods (non-processed, whole grains). I now can’t stand the taste of white bread/pasta/rice, etc. But the fiber is important in our diet, so I am sure to get it from whole foods. Additionally, I try to eat plenty of raw foods for the enzymes (fruits, veggies). I eat meat, but I try to eat more fish and very occassionally some red meat. Chicken every now and then (I’m just not crazy about it so much). But I shop at Harry’s or Whole Foods when I can so I can get the hormone-free meats and organic foods. When most of my diet is based on these foods, I feel great.

From my response:

EclecticGeek: I will comment on the issue of food. I do believe that there are too many added hormones and antibiotics in the meat supply. Can’t believe these factors wouldn’t affect people over time. The good news: Once again, I am making changes. Paying more attention to what goes in but taking into consideration my dietary needs. Less meat, more soy. Trying to eat more organically. Definitely, fresh over processed. Too much junk out there in stores. I know it’s taking a toll. How can it not? I think there is a connection between meat (esp. meat not organically raised) and fibroid growth.

Did find an interesting paper that discusses risk factors associated with uterine fibroid tumors. Scroll down to the “Diet” section. It talks about red meat consumption and compares vegetarian and nonvegetarian premenopausal women. There is information about how changing your diet can alter estrogen metabolism. Studies show that a high fiber/low fat diet reduces estrogen levels. Also, relates digestion to this whole process.

[Edited to add: I uploaded the PDF file of this paper. If the link listed above does not work for you, try here: Etiology and Pathogenesis of Uterine Leiomyomas: A Review (.pdf). Also, here’s a link to download the free Adobe Reader software to view PDF files.]

Here’s a WebMD link on what to eat if you have fibroids (scroll near the bottom). Talks about a low-estrogen diet and has vitamin information.

Please post what dietary changes you have made, any information gathered, or questions about fibroids and diet.

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Related Posts:
Is there a natural alternative therapy or treatment for uterine fibroids?
If soy contributes to fibroid growth, I’m in trouble…