One thing we can both agree on is the fact that fibroids are not ice cubes. Far from that, you cannot shrink or treat them by just drinking hot water. Now that we are clear on that front, you may want to consider the right treatment for fibroid which is to consult your gynecologist who will give the right treatment because you may be pregnant, still want kids, or are done with childbearing.
Treatment for uterine fibroid has different paths depending on;
- Age,
- Pregnancy status,
- location and size(and volume) of the fibroid,
- childbearing options open to you,
- the desire for uterine preservation after treatment.
The best treatment plan for you depends mainly on saving your life and any future childbearing plans you may have.
Treatment for Uterine Fibroids You Should Know
We have mentioned the factors considered when the treatment of uterine fibroid is considered. when you have fibroid and not experiencing any symptoms you may not need treatments. Some women don’t experience any symptoms at all while there’s a small mass of fibroid present, some go for the rest of their lives and have no symptoms or complications. But in this case, the fibroid is closely monitored for any additional development.
If you are experiencing symptoms like;
- excessive vagina bleeding leading to anemia
- pain during sexual intercourse
- pelvic pains
- excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding that can cause anemia
- bladder/urine irregularity and discomfort
Then you need immediate medical attention to be safe, consult your doctor when these symptoms are becoming quite regular or persistent for days or weeks. Treatment of uterine fibroid options include;
- open abdominal surgery( for large fibroids)
- laparoscopic fibroid surgery
- uterine fibroid embolization (invasive procedure)
- Use of medications
NB: there’s a high risk of reoccurrence with medications(fibroid shrinking or reducing drugs) in treating fibroid that’s why surgery is a preferred option. Many prefer this. See more on causes and treatment plans @mayoclinic
See Fibroid Shrinking Foods
Here are fibroid shrinking foods you can incorporate into your diet while combating fibroids, as well as foods you should avoid. Please don’t replace your treatment plan with this. It should work with the treatment plan your doctor prescribes.
Worse Foods for People With Fibroids
- Processed Meats (High-Fat Content) – Red processed meat is known to be high in added hormones, notably estrogen.
- High-Fat Dairy Products – High quantities of steroids, hormones, and other substances that promote inflation can be found in regular dairy.
- Salty meals are difficult on your liver, which is the organ primarily responsible for eliminating toxins and regulating hormones.
- Refined Carbohydrates – White foods such as pasta, white bread, white rice, cakes, and cookies have been linked to an increase in the size of fibroids through altering estrogen levels. Boxed cereals, potato chips, and anything containing corn syrup can also be problematic since they elevate blood sugar levels, causing your body to create more insulin.
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – Some data suggest that this taste enhancer (common in fast food) contributes to obesity and weight gain. Furthermore, because obesity disrupts hormone levels, it might raise your fibroid risk.
- Soy – Phytoestrogens are found in soy. These are estrogen-like substances in your body. While this may be beneficial if you are dealing with low estrogen levels, it is a major problem. This is because high estrogen levels appear to stimulate fibroid development.
- Refined Sugar – Excess sugar consumption can cause inflammation and weight increase; there is a link between weight growth and hormone imbalance.
- Caffeine – Excessive caffeine puts additional strain on your liver, preventing it from functioning properly.
- Alcohol – Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can help create a healthy hormonal balance.
Fibroid Friendly Foods You Can Eat
See fibroid friendly foods you should adopt to help put the fibroids under control.
- Organic foods (agricultural foods grown by farmers) E.g Spinach, Peaches, Celery, Strawberries, Apples, Nectarines, Grapes, Cherries, and so on.
- Foods high in fiber, such as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli (Might suppress your appetite, causing you to eat less and possibly lose weight, which is significant because lowering weight can help with fibroid symptoms).
- Green leafy veggies
- High beta-carotene containing foods (such as carrots and sweet potatoes). These can also help improve your fertility, which might be affected by fibroid development.
- Iron-rich foods (such as grass-fed beef and legumes).
- Flaxseeds
- Quinoa
- Whole grains
- Citrus fruits such as apples and oranges. According to research, women who consume two or more servings of citrus fruit each day had a decreased chance of developing fibroid.
Some herbal supplements may help you manage your symptoms. These herbs may aid with fibroid management:
- cinnamon twig
- poria
- peony root bark and red peony root
Green tea contains chemicals that aid in the reduction of fibroid size. Also, taking castor oil helps you reduce fibroid-related constipation.
Take Home
If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroid, the proper course of action is to see a gynecologist who will examine you and know the best course of treatment to help you get rid of it. This article is not a treatment plan, it is to show you the effect of hot water on fibroids. Also, if this procedure helps one patient, there is no guarantee it will help depending on how far the fibroid has grown though so don’t be misguided.
