How To Treat Fibroids Naturally
There’s no argument that having a uterus can be complicated. Between periods, menopause and pregnancy and everything in between, it can be a lot to manage. Not to mention there are quite a few things that can go awry with this sensitive, yet incredibly strong reproductive tract.
Uterine fibroids are bundles of connective tissue and smooth muscle that can be very small or large and can develop inside the uterus. Fibroids are not cancerous but can cause heavy bleeding due to blockage of blood vessels and other glands.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids:
Heavy menstural bleeding
Symptoms of Anemia (low iron)
Feelings of fullness or heaviness
Pain during sex
Pelvic pain
Infertility
Miscarriages
Constipation
Reasons why uterine fibroids can occur?
Estrogen is considered a growth hormone. When there is an increase in estrogenic influences, such as chemical exposures, toxins, plastics, smoking, medications, pesticides and other factors, it can result in an excess amount of estrogen in the body causing fibroids to grow and form.
Read this for possible reasons one has high estrogen levels.
Xenoestrogens are foreign estrogens as “xeno” literally means foreign. Not found in nature, man-made toxins are estrogen imposters that make their way into the body, pretending to be our own estrogen. They mimic the effects of the real hormone but over-stimulate cellular activity to an uncontrollable extent. There are 70,000 registered chemicals known as estrogen disruptors.
Xenoestrogens are present in our soil, water, air and food supply as well as in personal care and household products. They accumulate in the fat tissues of our bodies and they have the capability of locking into our own estrogen’s receptor sites. Xenoestrogens are highly toxic and harmful to our body, and are one of the top causes of hormone imbalances.
Beauty Products & Cleaning Products The FDA does not regulate the ingredients in so many household, beauty and cleaning products that directly impact our hormones. Think of: Lysol, Bleach, Detergent, Dryer sheets, Dish soap, hand soap, makeup, deodorants, shampoo, perfumes, and hair relaxers that are commonly used in African American communities.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 60% of what you put on your skin enters your bloodstream and every organ in your body within 26 seconds! The average North American has 148 synthetic/toxic chemicals stored in the body. Only 11% of the 10,500 chemicals in cosmetics have been tested for safety.
Check out my Green Beauty Guide for safer alternatives.
Constipation can cause toxins and estrogens to recirculate and reabsorb in the gut instead of leaving your body. When the bowels are not regularly being evacuated (1-2 times a day is considered normal) you could be dealing with estrogen dominance and other gut health conditions. The more you 💩, the more you are moving toxins out of your body. It’s time to start keeping track of how often you are going.
How can you support detoxification?
When we think about detoxing estrogen, we need to make sure the different pathways of detoxification are open. This can include: elimination through the bowels, Liver (phase 1 +2), and the lymphatic system.
The Liver’s Role
The liver’s job is to filter things in the body. Think of how a water filter removes unwanted chemicals and harmful bacteria from our water system; the liver is meant to cleanse blood, breakdown, create nutrients and balance hormones.
If your liver is sluggish, then it will be difficult to clear estrogen from your body, no matter what. We live in a toxic world, which makes our liver work harder than ever before. The liver processes hormones to get them ready to be eliminated from the body. If the liver is not functioning optimally, estrogen levels can be high because your body is not breaking it down and getting rid of it like it should. It is important to know if there is a specific phase of liver detoxification where estrogen is getting backed up. This information can help figure out what you need to do to address the cause.
If phase 1 of estrogen metabolism is slowed down, a supplement like DIM can help but if that isn’t the problem, then you could be wasting your money on an unnecessary supplement or even cause your estrogen levels to drop too low.
Phase 2 of estrogen detoxification is a process called methylation. Genetically we might not be good at methylating properly, but we also depend on certain nutrients for this process to work correctly. Specifically, we need folate, B12, B6 and magnesium. If you are deficient, this could be a contributing factor to your estrogen dominance. These pathways can’t be tested using blood or saliva, but you can test them with urine, which is why we use the Dutch Hormone Testing by Precision Analytical with my clients. This test provides so much more information!
Castor Oil
A castor oil pack can be applied to the abdominal area/uterus to help ease pain and discomfort but also to shrink fibroids. It should be avoided on days of your period/bleeding. This helps to reduce inflammation, improve circulation in the area, prevent the build of up tissues, and ease cramping. You can use castor oil packs on your liver too. Check out this video for more details.
Drainage
Lymphatic drainage is used to help move the lymphatic system, improving blood circulation which can be compromised when there is a uterine fibroid present. Acupuncture is a great way to get blood flowing to an area and reduce stress.
Dry brushing is another form of lymphatic drainage that can detoxify skin by promoting circulation, increasing blood flow and making it easier for the body to sweat and eliminate toxins.
Movement & Weight
Studies have found that abdominal visceral fat and a high BMI are increased risk factors of uterine fibroids. When we think increased weight, we can suspect inflammation to be present. Improving diet and exercise habits are a great way to reduce the possibility and development of fibroids. To optimize weight and be in overall good health, we must combine healthy eating and appropriate exercise. Living an active lifestyle and reducing the overall amount of visceral fat can help reduce the amount of estrogen the body holds onto.
Nutritional Recommendations:
When it comes to Fibroids remember F is for Fiber. Increasing the dietary intake of fiber can help bind estrogens and remove excess through stool. When it comes to removing estrogen and any other toxins, having daily bowel movements are key.
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale are great at binding estrogens in the gut and helping with elimination. Studies have found when switching from the Standard America Diet which averages 12g of Fiber a day versus a diet with 40g of fiber can reduce fibroids
Tip: One raw carrot a day can help reduce estrogens and decrease the symptoms of estrogen dominance and fibroids.
Avoid: Saturated fats like canola oil, margarine and vegetable oils, high sugar & processed food, be mindful about caffeine intake (consider matcha), reduce/avoid dairy and limit alcohol/avoid alcohol.
Key take aways to support Uterine Fibroids:
Reduce estrogen dominance and endocrine disruptors.
Increase lymphatic drainage (walking, exercise, dry brushing, gua sha, massage)
Reduce overall inflammation (increase whole foods, gut loving foods, bitters)
Support liver health & introduce castor oil packs.
Aim for 40 grams of dietary fibre daily via fruits vegetables and chia, flax and psyllium husk.
IN NEED OF EXTRA SUPPORT?
Have you been dealing with symptoms for so long that you’ve adapted to this being your new normal?
We’re here to tell you that fibroids are not something you need to live with and that it is possible to address the root cause.
You deserve to feel your best.
You can heal.
If you’re interested in further investigating your hormone health with functional testing and a 1:1 personalized approach you can learn about our services & programs here.
