Although it can be difficult to determine the exact causes, there are a number of risk factors for fibroids which, when present, seem to increase the chances of developing this condition.
Many women have fibroids and most remain symptom-free.
However, a minority of women will experience uncomfortable and often painful symptoms.
Our lifestyles and diets are thought to be partially responsible for many incidences of fibroids, coupled with our unique genetic make-up which may increase or decrease our propensity to have fibroids.
Fortunately there is much we can do to help ourselves, thus avoiding surgery and drug treatment, much of which is often only a temporary solution.
Risk Factors For Fibroids * Excess estrogen-both natural and synthetic * Eating non-organic red meat * Consuming foods with artificial additives * Exposure to environmental toxins and pesticides * Drinking too many caffienated drinks * Lack of exercise * Taking oral contraceptives * Excess stress To deal with fibroids, removing the risk factors is obviously a good starting point.
Improving your diet can also help.
For example, eating at least 5 portions of fresh fruits and vegetables (particularly dark-colored ones, such as kale and cabbage), drinking plenty of filtered water and eating beans and pulses daily.
Avoiding processed foods, sugars, fizzy drinks and alcohol is also wise.
Managing stress and taking regular exercise will also help to minimize the risk factors for fibroids.
You can also gain some symptomatic relief by using heat therapy and gentle abdominal massage.
A warm bath or a hot water bottle on the abdomen will help ease any discomfort and massage, especially around the time of the menstrual period.