Shrink Fibroids Naturally – 13 Do-It-Yourself Ways to Manage Fibroids

In this article I’ll introduce some of the ways in which it is possible to shrink fibroids naturally.

What are Fibroids?

Fibroids are benign growths in the uterus, usually in the muscle wall. They can be asymptomatic (one is not aware that there is one or more) or they can cause heavy bleeding and pain. Depending on where they are located they may or may not interfere with implantation and pregnancy. However they can grow as a result of hormonal surges during pregnancy and can cause miscarriages or “be in the way” during birth. Fibroids tend to have a large number of estrogen receptors and tend to proliferate when estrogen levels are high.

Because they tend to shrink and disappear in menopausal woman it is believed that excess oestrogen and hormonal imbalances can cause them.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

-          A lump in the lower abdomen.

-          Painful, frequent and heavy periods (menometrorrhagia)

-          Bleeding /spotting between periods

-          Anemia

-          Painful intercourse

-          A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the back

Are fibroids common?

Fibroids affect approximately 1 in 4 women under 50 years of age.

What exactly causes fibroids?

The exact cause is unknown, although excess estrogen and inadequate proportion to progesterone has been suggested as the cause.

Can fibroids make you infertile?

They don’t necessarily lead to infertility but they can ‘be in the way’ of a fertilized egg wanting to implant, complicate the pregnancy and cause a miscarriage.

What to do:

Here are a few tips you can apply to shrink fibroids naturally. I cover this and other natural fertility topics in my fertility program.

1. Be rigorous about exposure to pesticides and plastics. Once ingested these so called ‘Xenoestrogens’ (substances which are not hormones but act as estrogen in the body). Dock on your estrogen receptors and act as real estrogen. As mentioned previously fibroids are covered with estrogen receptors, which once activated make the fibroids grow, so you really want to make sure that you minimize your exposure to pesticides and plastics.
2. Minimize your intake of dairy and meat as animal products are the highest source of estrogen in the human diet.
3. Use a water filter and a shower filter to purify your water from environmental pollutants which act as ‘reprotoxins’ (substances which disrupt hormonal balance).
4. Use castor oil packs* a couple of times per week.
5. Take good quality fish or krill oil daily to minimize pain and inflammation associated with fibroids.
6. Boost your progesterone levels.
7. Support estrogen clearance from your liver: increase your intake of bitter foods (endive, artichokes, Romaine lettuce, lemons, and grapefruits) and drink St. Mary’s thistle tea.
8. Increase your fibre intake to bind to excessive estrogen in the gut (apples, psyllium husks, celery stalks and broccoli).
9. Do pelvic floor exercises to improve circulation to the area.
10. Eat organically grown food to minimize your intake of ‘Xenoestrogens’ (substances which are not hormones but act as estrogen in the body).
11. Avoid coffee and alcohol.
12. Increase your intake of spicy foods such as ginger, chilli and cinnamon.
13. Seek out help from a qualified naturopath as there are many herbal preparations which can assist with reduction of fibroid size, and heavy periods.

*How to make a castor oil pack

To make a castor oil pack use an old cotton t-shirt or an old wool jumper you will not wear again. You need to be able to cover your lower abdomen with the fabric when folded a few times. Soak the fabric in cold-pressed castor oil and squeeze the excess. Place a towel on the floor or the sofa or bed where you’ll be laying. Place the castor oil on your abdomen and cover with plastic. A plastic bag will be sufficient. Place a warm water bottle or a heating pad on top of the plastic and leave for 30 min to an hour. Do not use the pack if you suspect you might be pregnant, are menstruating or if you any open cuts.

This articles covered some of the ways you can shrink fibroids naturally.

© 2009 Iva Keene and Natural Fertility Prescription

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