Natural Foods as a Treatment for Fibroids of the Uterus

Uterine fibroids are growths in your uterus that are noncancerous and often cause no symptoms. Women are most likely to experience uterine fibroids during childbearing years, and your diet can play a large role in whether you develop fibroids and how quickly they go away. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may have uterine fibroids if you experience heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, backache or constipation. Speak with your doctor to determine if you need additional treatment to get rid of your fibroids, but in the meantime, eating certain foods may help as well.

An important vitamin for treating uterine fibroids is vitamin C. (Image: GYRO PHOTOGRAPHY/amanaimagesRF/amana images/Getty Images)

Sea Greens

Vegetables that grow under the surface of the ocean contain a wealth of nutritional benefits that may also reduce your uterine fibroids. Linda Page says in her book, "Linda Page's Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone," that sea greens, such as seaweed, contain numerous amounts of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that promote good health, including the health of your uterus. Sea greens contain iodine, a particularly beneficial nutrient that may treat uterine fibroids. Adding sea vegetables to your diet will increase your iodine levels and help shrink your fibroids.

Garlic

Garlic is a strong food that enhances the flavor of many foods. Adding garlic to your diet may also help treat uterine fibroids by working to shrink them. Phyllis A. Balch reports in her book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," that compounds in garlic cloves can inhibit tumor growth, as well as growth of uterine fibroids. Garlic is also good for your immune system because it contains powerful antioxidants. Fresh garlic has some benefits, and Balch adds that garlic supplements may be even more effective if you have large fibroids.

Orange Fruits and Vegetables

The antioxidant that gives orange fruits and vegetables their vibrant color is beta-carotene, which becomes vitamin A as your body digests these foods. Balch notes that vitamin A helps promote healthy tissues and proper tissue repair, which may encourage uterine fibroids to shrink, as well as heal well. Eating foods rich in beta-carotene, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, orange bell peppers and cantaloupe, can increase your intake of this essential vitamin and may also effectively treat your fibroids.

Citrus Fruits

Another important vitamin for treating uterine fibroids is vitamin C. Prevalent in fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports proper immune function and may also help prevent infection. Increasing your intake of vitamin C may also contribute to shrinking fibroids as well, Balch says. Other foods high in vitamin C include bell peppers, strawberries and kiwis.