Being a nurse is no easy feat. It’s a physically demanding profession, with nurses standing and walking the entire day, moving and lifting patients, and carrying equipment. But imagine if, on top of the usual pains associated with being a nurse (the shoulder, back, leg, and foot pain), you also have to deal with heavy bleeding that lasts for weeks, partnered with debilitating pelvic pain and chronic fatigue.
That is exactly what women with fibroids deal with regularly. Given that the majority of nurses worldwide are women between 35 and 44 years old, healthcare professionals must be educated about this illness, recognize its symptoms, and seek professional guidance.
As part of Fibroid Awareness Month, we’re shedding light on uterine fibroids to explain what they are and their associated risk factors. In this blog, we also provide guidance on which foods prevent fibroids from developing so that you can incorporate them in your diet.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also referred to as leiomyomas or myomas, are abnormal growths that form within or on the uterus. Fibroids are made up of smooth muscle cells that are typically noncancerous. While most fibroids are asymptomatic, many women experience challenging symptoms, including:
- Heavy or prolonged menses or periods
- Having menstrual clots
- Bleeding between periods
- Anemia
- Pelvic, abdominal, and lower back pain
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder due to bladder pressure
- Pain during intercourse
- Constipation
Unfortunately, the cause of fibroids is still unknown. However, researchers believe that fibroid formation is influenced by certain factors, including hormones (estrogen and progesterone), genetics, insulin-like growth factor, and extracellular matrix (ECM).
Uterine fibroids affect up to 70% of women by the time they reach menopausal age. Although a significant number of women develop fibroids, many don’t understand what it is or what it means to be living with such a chronic condition. Recently, Oscar award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o took to Instagram to share her experience living with uterine fibroids and to help introduce a new bill that aims to propel uterine health initiatives on Capitol Hill.
Uterine fibroid risk factors
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people with the following risk factors are at a greater risk of developing uterine fibroids:
- Age (older women are at higher risk compared to younger women)
- Family history of uterine fibroids
- Race (African Americans are more at risk compared to other races)
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Vitamin D deficiency
- No history of pregnancy
- Consumption of soybean milk and food additives
What to eat: Foods that prevent fibroids
There are a number of ways to manage fibroids, such as medications, non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures, and surgery. In addition to medical interventions, individuals with fibroids can implement targeted dietary modifications to help manage or prevent fibroids.
A 2024 NIH research lists the following as ideal foods to include in one’s diet to reduce the risk of fibroid development:
- Green leafy vegetables: Rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants
- Cruciferous vegetables: Vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower can help balance estrogen levels
- Carrots: Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Sweet potatoes: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins
- Bell peppers: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
- Fruits: Fruits such as berries, apples, and pineapples are rich in vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals
- Fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals
- Poultry: Lean poultry options, including skinless chicken and egg whites, are rich in protein, amino acids, and nutrients
- Decaffeinated green tea: Has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants
Foods to avoid when you have fibroids
It’s not just about the foods that you should eat, but also the ones that you should remove from your diet. A poor diet can drastically affect a person’s risk of developing fibroids. In general, avoid consuming the following to lower your risk of developing fibroids:
- Red meat and processed foods: Rich in chemicals and preservatives that can affect hormones
- Refined sugar: Can contribute to weight gain and inflammation
- Soy-based foods: Research suggests that a high intake of soy-based foods during infancy and adulthood can increase the risk of fibroid development
- Alcohol: Can affect hormones and trigger inflammation
Remember, maintaining a balanced diet and making thoughtful lifestyle choices are important, but regular check-ups with your OB-GYN remain essential for early detection and management of fibroids. No matter how busy your schedule gets, prioritize your wellness and stay proactive about your health. Always listen to your body, schedule routine screenings, and seek professional guidance when needed.
