Also called as Fibromyomas, Leiomyomas or just Myomas, Fibroids are usually benign growths that occur in and around the uterus. The fibroids can be as small as a pea or as big as a golf ball. And while most cases of fibroids don’t cause much harm to the body, some fibroids can grow to large sizes and cause a series of uncomfortable symptoms like frequent urination, backache, leg pain, pelvic pain, excessive menstrual bleeding, spotting in between periods and constipation etc.
Certain fibroids can also become cancerous with time and cause more serious problems to the concerned individual (for instance, a cancerous fibroid may warrant a hysterectomy which would affect fertility).
Although the exact cause for the occurrence of fibroids is not clear, certain risk factors like hormonal imbalances, obesity and genetic traits etc. may increase an individual’s chances of getting them. And while fibroids can be effectively treated with standard medications, there are several home remedies that can help get rid of the growths and offer relief from their symptoms without causing much harm to the body in the process.
Simple and Effective Home Remedies for Fibroids
Given below are some of the most effective home remedies for fibroids. It may take more than one of these remedies to get rid of the fibroids. And it may take a couple of weeks to notice positive results with these home remedies. It is also considered wise to consult with a doctor before opting for these remedies, especially if the concerned individual is currently on medications for the same condition.
1. Trigger Alerts
The first thing that one needs to do when it comes to treating fibroids from home is to avoid certain triggers that can potentially cause new fibroids to form or aggravate existing ones. Most of these triggers are present in the form of foods that are consumed on a daily basis. Foods like beef, red meat and dairy products can alter the estrogen levels in the body which can lead to hormonal imbalances that tend to support the development of fibroids. These foods can also increase an individual’s chances of getting fibroids later on in life. Therefore, it is considered wise to avoid these foods altogether or limit their intake until the condition is completely cured [1].
Increased intake of caffeinated products, sugary foods, artificial sweeteners and alcohol has shown to increase the chances of being affected by fibroids. So minimizing these triggers would also help reduce the size of existing fibroids, prevent recurrences and promote quick healing.
Dietary Constraints
2. Fiber Rich Foods
Adding certain foods to an existing diet would have beneficial effects on fibroids on their symptoms. Some of the more common foods recommended to reduce fibroids and their symptoms include fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, cereals, pulses, bean sprouts, split peas, lima beans, kidney beans, black beans, mung beans and fava beans etc.These foods also contain high amounts of fiber which is instrumental in regulating the estrogen levels in the body by flushing out excess estrogen from the system [2].
3. Fishes
Including fishes like salmon, tuna and mackerel in the diet can help reduce the occurrence of fibroids effectively. Fishes contain potent anti-inflammatory properties that help control the inflammation caused by fibroids. This in turn can reduce the pain caused by fibroids to a great extent [3].
4. Soy Products
Soy products are considered very essential in treating fibroids. Soy contains phytoestrogens that resembles estrogens to an extent and therefore, effectively fills the cells in place of the latter. This in turn would control the estrogen levels in the body and reduce the symptoms of fibroids in addition to preventing recurrences. Excellent examples of soy products include soy beans, soy milk, tempeh and tofu etc [4].
5. Weight Constraints
Estrogen is usually stored in the fat cells in the body. Excess fat in the body would automatically translate to excess estrogen which in turn increases the risks of fibroids. Overweight and obese individuals have greater chances of getting fibroids which can turn cancerous with time.Therefore, it is considered imperative to lose weight and maintain a normal weight in order to control the occurrence and symptoms of fibroids [5].
6. Hot Compresses
Fibroids can cause immense pain during menstrual cycles. In these cases, it is considered wise to opt for a hot compress in order to get relief from the pain and discomfort. A warm water bag, hot water bottle, heating pad or towel (soaked in hot water) can be placed above the stomach to reduce the pain [6].
7. Temperature Alterations
The pain caused by fibroids responds to temperature changes in certain cases. A suitable home remedy to thwart this pain therefore, involves taking bath in hot water for 3 minutes and then taking bath in cold water immediately afterwards. Alternating between hot and cold water every 3 minutes would offer immense relief from the pain caused by the fibroids.
Kitchen Counter Remedies
Fibroids and their symptoms can be effectively controlled with certain kitchen counter remedies, the most common of which include:
8. Garlic
A clove of garlic a day can keep fibroids at bay! Garlic contains allicin, a substance that is known to treat fibroids, tumors and other the infections that lead to these conditions.Eating raw garlic every day can therefore help control the symptoms of fibroids and prevent recurrences to a great extent [8].
Read More:
5 Effective Diets To Shrink Uterine Fibroids
5 Best Herbal Remedies For Uterine Fibroids
5 Best Home Remedies For Fibroids
9. Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil has potent anti-inflammatory properties that help deal with fibroids and their symptoms effectively. Mixing castor oil with ginger and consuming the concoction can effectively aid in shrinking even large fibroids, and reducing even severe symptoms of the condition [9].
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is very effective in shrinking fibroids and can even dissolve small fibroids completely. A small glass of apple cider vinegar every day before meals can help deal with the symptoms of the condition to a great extent.A diluted solution of apple cider vinegar can be opted for at first and the dosage can be slowly changed to the undiluted solution with time for best results.Water [10]
11. Water
Water is considered as a miracle cure for almost all kinds of disorders, diseases and illnesses. Drinking plenty of water every day can effectively flush out free radicals and other harmful organisms from the body.Flushing out these impurities from the body would in turn help reduce the size of the fibroids and get rid of them eventually. It is therefore considered wise to drink at least 10 glasses of water every day to treat fibroids effectively [11].
10. Exercises
A healthy and fit body would be able to deal with fibroids automatically. Exercising regularly would aid in weight loss which in turn would affect the growth of the fibroids in addition to controlling their symptoms to a great extent. Exercising regularly can also effectively help in reducing the estrogen stores in the body.
This in turn would regulate the estrogen levels in the body and prevent the occurrence of fibroids. In addition to standard exercises like walking, running, jogging, skipping and swimming, yoga and aerobics can also be considered for controlling fibroids [10].
