Blog

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They can cause symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and infertility. While some fibroids may require medical treatment such as hysterectomy, others can be managed with natural methods that may help shrink them or prevent them from growing. Here are 10 natural methods that you can try to help shrink fibroids.

1. Eat a balanced, healthy diet

A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains can help support your overall health and hormonal balance. Some foods that may be especially beneficial for fibroids are:

• Fatty fish: They provide omega-3 fatty acids that can help modulate your immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Green leafy vegetables: They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can help detoxify your liver and reduce inflammation.
• Citrus fruits: They contain vitamin C and bioflavonoids that can help strengthen your blood vessels and prevent excessive bleeding.
• Green tea: It contains catechins and polyphenols that can inhibit the growth of fibroids and reduce their size.

On the other hand, some foods that you may want to avoid or limit are:

• Red meat: It can increase your estrogen levels and promote fibroid growth.
• Alcohol: It can interfere with your liver function and affect your hormone metabolism.
• Processed foods: They are high in salt, sugar, additives, and preservatives that can increase inflammation and oxidative stress.

2. Exercise regularly

Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your blood circulation, reduce stress, and balance your hormones. 

Studies have shown that physical activity can lower the risk of developing fibroids and reduce their size [1]. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. 

You can choose any activity that you enjoy, such as yoga, walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing.

3. Manage your stress

Stress can trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt your hormonal balance and stimulate fibroid growth. Stress can also affect your immune system and increase inflammation. 

Therefore, it is important to manage your stress levels and practice relaxation techniques. Some examples are:

• Meditation: It can help you calm your mind and focus on the present moment.
• Breathing exercises: They can help you regulate your breathing and lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
• Yoga: It can help you stretch your muscles, improve your posture, and enhance your mood.
• Massage: It can help you release tension in your muscles and tissues and improve your blood flow.
• Tai-chi: It can help increase your strength, lower blood pressure, and enhance your overall mood. 

4. Use heat therapy

Heat therapy can help relieve pain and discomfort caused by fibroids by relaxing your muscles and increasing blood flow to the affected area. 

You can apply heat to your lower abdomen or back using a hot water bottle [buy here], a heating pad, a warm bath, or a hot compress. 

You can also add some essential oils to enhance the effect, such as lavender, chamomile, or peppermint.

5. Take supplements

Some supplements may help shrink fibroids or prevent them from growing by providing nutrients or herbs that can support your hormonal balance, liver function, immune system, or blood health. 

However, before taking any supplements, you should consult with your doctor to make sure they are safe and suitable for you. Some supplements that may be helpful for fibroids are:

• Vitamin D: It can help regulate the growth of fibroid cells and reduce inflammation. Research has shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with larger fibroids [2].
• Vitamin A: It can help prevent the abnormal growth of cells and tissues in the uterus.
• Chasteberry: Also known as vitex or monk’s pepper, is a herb that may help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding associated with fibroids and help treat infertility.
• Milk thistle: It is a herb that can help detoxify your liver and balance hormones.

6. Try acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on your body to stimulate the flow of energy.

It can help shrink fibroids by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and relieving pain. 

However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture, and it should be performed by a qualified practitioner [3].

7. Use castor oil packs

Castor oil packs are an ancient remedy that involves applying castor oil-soaked cloth to your lower abdomen or back and covering it with plastic wrap and a heating pad. 

Castor oil packs can help shrink fibroids by stimulating lymphatic drainage, enhancing liver function, reducing inflammation, and dissolving fibroid tissue. 

You can use castor oil packs for 30 to 60 minutes, three to four times a week. Find castor oil packs to buy here.

8. Drink apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a fermented liquid that contains acetic acid and other beneficial compounds. 

Apple cider vinegar can help shrink fibroids by alkalizing your body, improving digestion, balancing hormones, and reducing inflammation. 

You can drink one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water before meals, twice a day.

9. Eat garlic

Garlic is a pungent herb that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Garlic can help shrink fibroids by inhibiting the growth of fibroid cells, enhancing immune function, and preventing infections. 

You can eat two to three cloves of raw garlic daily or take garlic supplements as directed by your doctor.

10. Drink turmeric tea

Turmeric is a spice that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Turmeric can help shrink fibroids by reducing the production of estrogen, preventing the formation of new blood vessels that feed fibroids, and inducing apoptosis or cell death of fibroid cells. 

You can drink turmeric tea by adding one teaspoon of turmeric powder and a pinch of black pepper to a cup of boiling water and letting it steep for 10 minutes.

Supplements good for fibroids

Vitamin D

Chasteberry (Vitex)

Conclusion

Fibroids are common benign tumors that affect many women.

While some fibroids may require medical intervention, others can be managed with natural methods that may help shrink them or prevent them from growing.

By following these 10 natural methods, you can reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.