AFRICAN WOMEN AND FIBROIDS E-BOOK.

A short summary on evidence-based research on Fibroids.

Author: The Health Place Abuja

Not to be re-distributed without permission.

 

Caveat:

We will not be able to help you on this journey if you are not willing to do some research and reading.

 

The Health Place sells a lot of beneficial supplements and herbs that could help reduce excessive bleeding caused by large fibroids, preventing your fibroids from growing and balancing high estrogen levels but they DO NOT WORK IN ISOLATION. Preventing fibroids and stopping the growth of fibroids is majorly dependent on a holistic and complete dietary and lifestyle change.

It is not rocket science but you have to change what you eat; how you eat and drink; even what you put on your hair and skin.

 There’s a lot of research out there on the causes of fibroids and so far- it is unraveling the link between everyday toxins and the growth of fibroids.Like we mentioned earlier; you will Start by reading these posts so that we are on the same page on causal links :

1. African women and fibroids

https://www.thehealthplaceafrica.com/blogs/news/african-women-and-fibroids

2. Estrogen Dominance and Fibroids

https://www.thehealthplaceafrica.com/blogs/news/estrogen-dominance-and-fibroids

3. Your gut and Estrogen Dominance

https://www.thehealthplaceafrica.com/blogs/news/your-gut-and-estrogen-dominance

4. Your liver and estrogen dominance

 https://www.thehealthplaceafrica.com/blogs/news/your-liver-and-estrogen-dominance

5. Blood sugar; your hormones and estrogen dominance

 https://www.thehealthplaceafrica.com/blogs/news/blood-sugar-your-hormones-and-estrogen-dominance

Several genetic, hormonal, and biological factors have been shown to contribute to the development and growth of fibroid tumors.Fibroids are considered estrogen dependent which is why our focus is majorly on estrogen.Even though it’s been shown that imbalanced hormones like estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, parathyroid hormone, insulin growth factor, pituitary growth hormone etc all have a factor in fibroids growth. 

Research highlights the part that estrogen especially estradiol plays in the development of fibroids https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6344829/ 

 Other possible contributing factors include the abuse and misuse of birth control pills, contraceptives-“the morning after pill” antibiotics and heavily processed foods.

Your liver was designed to remove toxins from your body however we find that due to unhealthy and harmful lifestyles more people have an overburdened/ sluggish underperforming liver.Liver problems can also be caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as virus infections, alcohol abuse and obesity.

Toxic compounds in the body may include alcohol, prescribed and recreational drugs, pesticides and hormones.In many cases we recommend the use of interventional radiation to remove fibroids. However, if lifestyles changes are not addressed, chances are fibroids will grow again.

 HORMONES :One major way to  prevent fibroids from forming or increasing in size  is by ensuring that your hormones are balanced. If you have EXCESS ESTROGEN, then you need to address that by enhancing your detoxification pathways. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284797214_Hormones_and_pathogenesis_of_uterine_fibroids

Hair Relaxers: A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology has found a link between the use of HAIR RELAXERS and Fibroids https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/175/5/432/175919                                               

 VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND FIBROIDS https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4209245/ Recent studies have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency plays a significant role in the development of uterine fibroids. It also demonstrated that vitamin D3 supplementation reduces fibroids growth.

OBESITY AND FIBROIDS

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03007995.2018.1505606#metrics-content overweight women are more likely to have a reduced hepatic production of SHGB, resulting in more circulating estrogens levels.Also, an increase in the total percentage of body fat may result in an over-production of estrogens, stimulating UFs cells proliferation. If you are an overweight woman (BMI of 30 kg/m) - you are a high chance of increasing your body’s susceptibility to uterine fibroids

 If you can- always opt for organic, natural fruits and vegetables rather than processed and canned foods like Sugar, Carbonated drinks, Pasteurized juices and GMO foods.

 Cruciferous Food: it is suggested to eat a fiber diet rich in phytoestrogen-Phytoestrogens, including isoflavones and lignans, can act as weak estrogens or antiestrogens. One way to do this is take flaxseeds 1-2 teaspoon daily, Eat Cruciferous foods like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, tomato and apple - they seem to be a protective factor for uterine fibroids. We suggest that greater intake of fresh fruits and cruciferous vegetables may be able to reduce the incidence of uterine fibroids.

 Milk and Dairy - Studies have shown that eating processed foods, red meats, and high-fat dairy can make your fibroids worse. Also, recent research shows that the presence of steroid hormones in dairy products could be counted as an important risk factor for various cancers in humans. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4524299/

Coffee - Studies have linked caffeine consumption among women of child-bearing age and high estrogen levels https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-study-shows-caffeine-consumption-linked-estrogen-changes

Eat more Nuts and seeds, they are rich in lignan and phytoestrogens- Flaxseeds, Hemp seeds, Chia seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Sesame seeds and Sunflower seeds.

 Reduce exposure to toxicants and toxins in your personal care and cleaning supplies. Choose to use natural deodorizers like essential oils in place of air fresheners and insecticides.

Most plastic products release estrogenic chemicals https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3222987/ .  Swap plastics with glass, stainless steel or ceramics. Never microwave your  food in plastic containers.

Anti-perspirants and Estrogen- Aluminum-based compounds are the active ingredients in antiperspirants. They block the sweat glands to keep sweat from getting to the skin's surface. Some research has suggested that these aluminum compounds may be absorbed by the skin and cause changes in estrogen receptors in the body and breast cells. Get natural options here.

 

Tamarind - why? It is a liver protecting herb that also helps with fatty liver https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115300885

Shepherd Purse - why? They are natural astringent and antihemorrhagics  that  have the ability to stop heavy menstrual bleeding that accompanies large uterine fibroids .

 DIM Diindolylmethane is a supplement that supports estrogen balance - it is made from "cruciferous" vegetables. 

Calcium d-Glucarate also supports hormones balance. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15035900.

Vitamin D3 There is growing evidence to suggest that oral Vitamin D supplementation can help stop fibroid growth and may even help to shrink fibroids https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6619469/

SUMMARY

As indicated earlier, dietary and lifestyle changes are almost more important than even the use of herbs and supplements.

 Herbs and supplements have a very important role they play  as they can reduce inflammation in the lower abdomen, correct and balance hormones. However, taking a holistic approach in your DIET and LIFESTYLE will bring more lasting results when done with the herbs and supplements, they also reduce your risks to other health conditions in the future.

All the best on your journey!