Food And Fibroids: What To Add And Avoid For Hormonal Balance
Uterine fibroids, non-cancerous growths of the uterus are surprisingly common but can often cause significant discomfort, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and bloating. While medical treatments such as medication or surgery are often considered in severe cases, experts agree that what's on your plate can make a meaningful difference in managing fibroid-related symptoms and supporting hormonal health.
🌿 Why Diet Matters
'Fibroids thrive on estrogen dominance, poor liver detoxification, and chronic inflammation," explains Anushi Jain, Nutritionist & Founder, Nutri Maven. 'A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet can help regulate hormone levels naturally and ease fibroid symptoms over time."
Adding to this, Anshul Singh, Team Leader, Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Artemis Hospitals, says, 'Food isn't a cure for fibroids, but it can definitely play a strong supportive role. Certain foods help with hormone balance, reduce inflammation, and may even slow down the growth of fibroids."
✅ What to Add to Your Plate
1. Cruciferous Vegetables
Both experts highlight the benefits of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale. These vegetables are rich in compounds like DIM (Diindolylmethane), which support estrogen detoxification.
Anushi Jain suggests adding flaxseeds to your meals, as they are rich in lignans—plant compounds that bind to excess estrogen and help reduce inflammation.
Singh also recommends omega-3 rich foods such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and fatty fish like salmon to counteract inflammation in the body.
3. Citrus Fruits & Berries
'Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are high in vitamin C and flavonoids," says Singh. 'These nutrients may help inhibit the growth of fibroids and boost circulation." Jain agrees, adding that berries and other antioxidant-rich fruits can be helpful in shrinking fibroids over time.
4. Whole Grains & Fiber
Fiber helps your digestive system flush out excess hormones. Jain recommends whole grains and fiber-rich foods like lentils and beans to support gut health and hormonal balance.
'If you experience heavy bleeding due to fibroids," Singh adds, 'it's also smart to include iron-rich plant foods like spinach, lentils, and chickpeas to prevent iron deficiency."
5. Turmeric
Turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, is known for powerful anti-inflammatory effects. 'It's a great natural supplement to include in your diet," says Jain. 'It may even inhibit fibroid growth."
🚫 Foods to Avoid
1. Red Meat & Processed Meats
'Processed and red meats are known to increase estrogen levels and inflammation," warns Jain. Singh backs this up, noting that diets high in red meat are linked to an increased risk of fibroids.
2. Refined Sugar & Baked Goods
'These spike insulin and worsen hormonal imbalances," says Jain. 'Insulin resistance is often linked to fibroids and PCOS, so it's crucial to limit sugary treats."
3. Soy in Excess
While moderate soy may be fine, Jain notes that excessive soy intake especially in processed forms can mimic estrogen in the body. 'This could be problematic for people who are estrogen-sensitive."
4. Alcohol & Caffeine
Both experts caution against frequent consumption of alcohol and caffeine. 'These place stress on the liver," Jain explains, 'which is a key organ in detoxifying excess estrogen." Singh adds that they can further disrupt hormonal balance and increase fibroid-related discomfort.
5. High Sodium Foods
Too much salt can worsen bloating and pelvic discomfort, says Singh. Choosing fresh, low-sodium alternatives can help manage these symptoms more effectively.
💡 The Bottom Line
Adopting a fibroid-friendly diet isn't about restriction, it's about nourishment. 'Every smart bite you take supports your body's natural hormone balance," says Jain. Singh emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle too, as obesity is a major risk factor for fibroid growth.
So, whether you're battling bloating or aiming to balance your hormones more naturally, a conscious approach to food rooted in colorful veggies, whole grains, good fats, and minimal inflammatory triggers can be a game-changer for your uterine health.
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First Published:
July 13, 2025, 07:16 IST
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