Many African American women are living with fibroids. My mother has them and has had surgery. Two of my very close friends have had surgery for fibroids the size of oranges and grapefruits. It is extremely common among black women. I thought that I’d provide some background info on fibroids and their connection to weight. What you eat can be a major factor as well as exercise.
What are fibroids?
Uterine fibroid tumors, also known as leiomyomata, are hard muscle tissue masses that grow within the walls of the uterus. Usually benign, tumors can range in size from small to as large as a grapefruit. Elevated estrogen levels, stress and weight gain play a role in their development. Large uterine fibroids may affect fertility, and are most common among women of childbearing age (30-40 years of age). Fibroids grow in 25% of all women. They are the leading cause of a hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus. Black women and those with a family history of fibroids are at increased risk. We are 3 times more likely to get fibroids than other races. This is because fibroids in black women seem to grow more quickly, and are more likely to cause symptoms.
Symptoms of uterine fibroid tumors include:
• Frequent urination
• Pelvic pain
• Lower back pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Painful periods
• Spotting between periods
• Infertility
• Constipation
• Enlargement of lower abdomen
Foods to keep at a minimum to prevent growth of fibroid tumors include:
• Dairy
• Sugar
• Alcohol
• Soy products
• Saturated Fats
• Caffeine
These are also foods that we know are connected to weight gain and poor health.
What is the connection between fibroids and being overweight?
Overweight women are more likely to develop fibroid tumors. Excess abdominal fat overproduces estrogen that causes tumors to grow. Exercise to reduce fat can help reduce the risk of fibroids, but does not mean that tumors will not appear. Strength training can decrease the advancement of estrogen dependent fat cells and help prevent fibroid growth. Exercise promotes blood flow to the uterine muscles and decreases muscle tension and pain. It also helps to regularize menstrual periods and hormones. Some people even believe that yoga, salsa, and belly dancing will also help to reposition the fibroids to ease the symptoms. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily can help to flush toxins from the body’s system in general and that can also affect hormone levels.
It is unknown what causes fibroids or all the factors that make them or grow. Many treatment options exist to help relieve fibroids. Attention to a healthy diet can help symptoms as well as help to prevent them from forming. A healthy diet plan can improve your overall health and keep your weight at a healthy level. My best tip for Black Women is to eat as clean as possible and add regular exercise to your life. Even if it’s just walking on the weekends or during your lunch break. Regular aerobic activity not only decreases body fat, but also lowers estrogen levels. Consult a doctor if you suffer from fibroids. Explore the numerous treatment options that will help relieve symptoms and help prevent more tumors from developing.
If you are interested in information on natural and holistic ways to cure your fibroids, Click Here.
