What are Fibroids?
Fibroids are growths of smooth muscle and connective tissue that most often appear on the walls of the uterus. They are also quite common, affecting more than 50 percent of women overall, and are the most common reason for major surgery. They appear much more often in African or Caribbean descent women than in any other group.
Oftentimes, fibroids will cause no discomfort and typically aren't discovered until a pelvic examination. In some cases, however, fibroids inside the uterus wear away the organ’s lining, resulting in heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, bleeding between periods, or pain and bleeding during sexual intercourse. Persistent blood loss can cause anemia. A fibroid may also grow so large that it distends the abdomen as it presses on the bladder or the intestines. A woman with a large fibroid may feel pain in her back or lower abdomen; if the growth distorts the bladder, she may feel a frequent urge to urinate.
Signs and Symptoms
If symptoms do appear, they usually take the following forms:
Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
Bleeding or unusual discharge
Back or abdominal pain
Pain and bleeding during intercourse
Anemia
Swelling in the lower abdomen
A frequent urge to urinate between periods
Constipation
Root Causes of Fibroids
A common imbalance that is found culprit for many female symptoms along with fibroids is relatively high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone, due to one or a combination of:
Environmental estrogens (from meat, pesticides, fragrances)
Obesity
Underactive thyroid
Ovulatory dysfunction
Perimenopause
Low-fiber, high-fat diet
Iodine deficiency
The liver (specifically phase 2 of detoxification) plays a large role in estrogen metabolism, but the gut also plays a role.
The influence of the gut over our hormones happens in two primary ways: the interaction between the estrobolome and the microbiome and the inflammatory pathways caused by a leaky gut and the imbalance between good and bad bacteria.
Estrobolome is a newer term that is used to describe the interactions between certain bacterial species in the gut microbiome and estrogen. Here’s how it works: In previous posts, we discussed that estrogen was produced in the ovaries, along with the adrenals.
Estrogen circulates through the body and is used by tissue in the breasts, glands, the brain, bones, and more. After circulation, it is filtered by the liver where it is broken down and deactivated.
At last, it is deposited in bile and moves on to the gut to be eliminated from the body with the help of fiber.
Now enter the estrobolome... Specific bacteria within the gut create beta-glucuronidase, commonly expressed as β-glucuronidase.
Β-glucuronidase is responsible for breaking down deactivated estrogen into its active form. This active form is now reabsorbed into the bloodstream instead of being eliminated from the body.
If our microbiome is healthy and has diverse bacteria, the estrobolome will allow just the right amount of estrogen to recirculate to keep us in balance.
However, if the microbiome has been subject to a history of antibiotics, poor diet, chronic stress, etc, the estrobolome will be off-kilter, estrogen won't be broken down and will get recirculated.
Symptoms of Excess Estrogen
Irregular or heavy periods
Worsening of PMS
Water retention
Breast swelling and tenderness
Headaches
Loss of Sex drive
Fatigue
Fibrocystic breast changes
Weight gain -mainly in the waist, hips, and thighs
Mood swings- feeling depressed and anxious
Hair loss
These symptoms often overlap in various conditions which is why it is important to request the right testing accompanied by a thorough history and Integrative approach.
Testing to Help in Assessing Fibroids
Bloodwork:
Complete Blood Count and Metabolic Panel: To provide insight on nutrient and mineral imbalances, and inflammation.
Estrogen and Progesterone: To better understand your production of each (this will be dependent upon where you're at in your cycle, stress, and should be assessed alongside symptoms)
Liver Enzymes (AST, ALT, AKP, GGT): To gain an understanding of the health of your liver, inflammation, B vitamins, stress, melatonin production, and detoxification. Further assessment may include a Dutch Hormone Test.
Complete Thyroid Panel: To provide insight into the overall health and activity of the thyroid as it is the master gland and plays a role in your menstrual cycle and estrogen production. This will also provide insight into the health of your gut and liver.
These will connect patterns of dysfunction in the gut, thyroid, and liver, alongside ruling out anemia and nutrient deficiencies.
Stool Test: To assess good and bad bacteria. Beta-glucuronidase and liver function/estrogen metabolism.
Working with a functional practitioner can help with interpreting your specific root cause.
Eating to Beat Fibroids
There are certain foods that have been shown to be beneficial for women with fibroids. These foods include:
Foods That Are Beneficial for Fibroids
Certain foods may help to reduce the risk of developing fibroids, shrink existing fibroids, or relieve symptoms. This way of eating is even helpful after having your fibroids removed as it is addressing the root cause and decreases inflammation.
Here are some of the best foods to eat for fibroids:
Fruits and Veggies: Eat fruits and vegetables such as apples, cherries, broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. They contain the phytochemical indole-3-carbinol, which supports the liver’s detoxification of estrogen. They are a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and reduce inflammation.
Regularly consume beets, carrots, artichokes, dandelion greens, onions, and garlic, as these foods stimulate liver detoxification if you're able to digest these well. Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients that can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate, which have been shown to have anti-fibroid effects.
Whole grains: Whole grains are a good source of fiber and other nutrients that can help to improve overall health. They are also a good source of magnesium, which has been shown to help to reduce inflammation.
Lean protein: Lean protein, such as antibiotic-free chicken, grass-fed and finished beef (90/10), wild-caught fish, and organic beans, can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can also help with weight loss. Weight loss can help to reduce the size of fibroids.
Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a good source of fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of magnesium, which has been shown to help to reduce inflammation.
Salmon: Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a factor that can contribute to the growth of fibroids.
Dark leafy greens: Dark leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and collard greens, are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage.
Drink a glass of clean, quality water every two waking hours. Water will help flush impurities from your body and reduce pain.
Eat organic when possible to avoid excess toxins created by preservatives and pesticides. Non-organic can contribute to increased estrogen and decreased progesterone in the body, as well as inflammation.
Foods to Avoid
In addition to eating these foods, it is also important to avoid foods that can worsen fibroid symptoms. These foods include:
Processed foods: Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, all of which can worsen fibroid symptoms.
Dairy products: Some women with fibroids find that dairy products trigger their symptoms. If you find that this is the case for you, it may be best to avoid dairy products.
If you are concerned about fibroids, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Eating a healthy diet is an important part of this plan, and the foods listed above can help you manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of developing fibroids.
To have some guided help, you can also start with a reset as I know these changes can be hard to implement at first. My Foundations Guide is a great place to start!
Here are some additional tips for eating a healthy diet for fibroids:
Cook more meals at home and avoid processed foods.
Choose whole grains over refined grains.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Choose lean protein sources, such as fish, chicken, and beans.
Limit your intake of saturated and unhealthy fats.
Drink plenty of water.
By following these tips, you can improve your overall health and help manage your fibroids.
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