Fibroids & Weight Loss

The cause of fibroids is not known, but it is thought that a hormonal imbalance may be the primary factor in developing the growths. Body fat is used by the body to produce estrogen and may lead to an imbalance between progesterone and estrogen in the body. This imbalance increases the likelihood that fibroids will develop. Restoring balance to your hormones with weight loss is a part of your fibroid treatment.

Fat

• While it may seem that a low-fat diet is the appropriate method to lose weight and restore balance to your hormones, low-fat diets are not the correct approach. Some fat is necessary in a healthy diet and a low-fat diet often eliminates all sources of fat.
  Make sure that you include healthy sources of fat in your diet to keep your body functioning properly and to lose weight. Olive oil and canola oil should be a part of your healthy diet. Include omega-3 essential fatty acids in your diet to control your weight and function of your body. Your body needs these healthy fats for proper functioning. Do not restrict all fat from your diet to lose weight for the treatment of your fibroids.

Foods to Avoid

• Many of the foods that you should avoid on a weight loss program are also foods that will diminish your ability to lose weight. Diets rich in saturated fat and high amounts of processed sugar overwork your liver and limit the ability to break down hormones in your body. Limit your consumption of red meat, alcohol and sugars to avoid weight gain and increase hormone levels.
  The liver breaks down estrogen in the body and a decreased liver function because of these foods will lead to dangerously high levels of estrogen.
  Avoiding these foods will also encourage weight loss, which will help to lower estrogen production by the body. High levels of estrogen may be responsible for fibroid development.

Exercise

• Include exercise in your daily routine to aid in weight loss efforts. Everyone needs at least 30 minutes of exercise five times per week. Choose aerobic activities such as walking or biking to burn fat and the excess weight, which may be causing a hormonal imbalance. Start slowly if you have been sedentary for a while. If 30 minutes is too much for you at first, break up your exercise sessions into ten-minute sessions. Add a few minutes to your session each time you exercise, and you will reach the 30-minute goal in no time.