Taking Charge of Your Health: Empowering Black Women to Confront Fibroids
Currently, there are 26 million women aged 15 to 50 in the US living with UF and more than half of them will experience some associated health symptoms such as severe cramping, unusual bleeding, and heavier and longer periods. Here's the disparity: African American women are more likely to experience fibroids at an earlier age and they tend to be much larger than our White counterparts. Additionally, this results in higher rates of hospitalizations and hysterectomies. By the age of 50, 84% of Black women will experience fibroids compared to 70% of White women. This is an area of concern because our wombs are the gateway for all human life into the world and that requires a functioning uterus in order to conceive. Over 500,000 hysterectomies are performed each year, with the majority of Black women having their reproductive organs removed. While genetics can also play a key factor, there are some lifestyle choices that can trigger the growth of UF.
Maintain a Healthy Weight and Diet
Maintaining a healthy weight and diet plays a crucial role in preventing fibroids. The risk of developing a fibroids is between twofold and threefold in obese patients. According to a study from the CDC, about 4 out of 5 African American women are overweight or obese. We must realize the health risks that come with carrying excess weight on the body. This will require many of us to recalibrate our relationship with food. The incidence of UF has been shown to be greater in populations who consume alcohol as well as processed red meats such as beef and ham. Refined sugars help to feed the growth of fibroids, cysts, and tumors, all while keeping the body in an acidic and inflammatory state. A diet high in meat protein and low in fruits and vegetables has been associated with an increased risk of developing fibroids. Fruits are internal cleansers, and while they provide fiber and energy, they also cleanse the body on a cellular level and help to keep your bowels healthy. When shopping for fruits, look for the ones that have seeds in them if you can because the seeds contain a plethora of vitamins and nutrients that keep the body minerally balanced. A recent study revealed lower levels of vitamin C, vitamin D, and calcium in Black women with UF. I would also recommend implementing intermittent fruit fasts to regularly cleanse the body of impurities and boost the immune system. Soy is another food product I would highly recommend we stay away from. Consuming soy based products mimics estrogen's chemical make up and can increases the production of fibroid growth. Caffeine is a popular beverage, and while it may taste refreshing and give you that quick boost of energy, it actually depletes the body of vital minerals like magnesium and can also lead to a crash, which has detrimental effects on the body over time. Check out my blog on how caffeine contributes to anxiety here. I also provide you a recipe you can make using two herbs that mimic the taste of coffee, without the caffeine. Dairy creates excess mucus in the body, by producing excess proteins and acids. Many African Americans lack the protein required to digest dairy, which can lead to indigestion and inflammation. All of this thickens lymph fluid changing its viscosity from waterlike to more a sludge and clogs the lymphatic system. All of this fuels the growth of disease. If you don't have allergies, look at switching to nut based milks such as walnut, Brazil nut, and coconut milk because these are better structured to provide protein, minerals and vitamins needed for the good health. Women with UF should also avoid gluten based foods. The problem with today's standard American diet is that the commercially grown wheat such as rye, oats, and barley contains gluten. Gluten is a protein that is difficult to digest and can cause allergies. In addition, gluten can interfere with the bodies ability to metabolize estrogen. There are people who don't even realize they have an allergy to gluten because it's found in a plethora of food items. Since UF tends to thrive in acidic environments, I recommend sticking to more alkaline grains such as quinoa, wild rice, and buckwheat because alkaline foods provide oxygen throughout the body, which helps to prevent the growth of UF and diseases in general.
Adopt a Hormone-Balancing Lifestyle
Hormonal balance is mandatory for optimal health. They act as chemical messengers in the body, regulating a number of bodily functions and processes. When there is a hormonal imbalance, this can contribute to the development of fibroids. A combination of vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, B, C, E, and K along with minerals such as iodine, zinc, magnesium, and selenium are all highly essential for hormone balance and menstrual cycles. Iodine helps to shrink the growth of fibroids and cysts and together, these nutrients can be found in Sea moss (Gracilaria). As many as 70% if American women are deficient in magnesium and zinc. This sea vegetable helps to fight free radicals in the body while helping to eliminate mucus and toxins that contribute to the growth of UF and other diseases. Personally, consuming sea moss has helped me maintain proper bowel movements and eliminate toxins that have provided me with an extra boost of energy while feeling more focused and light weight. I like to add one to two tablespoons to my tea in the morning or a smoothie when I'm on the go. I highly recommend the consumption of sea moss if you are dealing with mineral deficiency, anemia, digestive issues or need an overall immune repair. Therefore, adopting a hormone-balancing lifestyle is essential. Chronic stress can significantly weaken immune system and liver function by triggering excessive cortisol production. Cortisol and stress have been directly correlated with UF. Manage stress levels through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or engaging in hobbies that require physical activity. Prioritizing liver support during periods of stress can promote positive healing effects, which helps to improve overall well-being. In fact, in Chinese medicine, addressing signs of stress and estrogen dominance begins with treating the liver as a primary focus. Adequate sleep is also crucial for hormone regulation, so aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. If you're dealing with stress you can't seem to shake, take the time to identify the sources and find ways to avoid or cope with them. You'll be doing your immune system, and your health, a favor.
Limit Estrogen Exposure and Promote Detoxification
Estrogen plays a significant role in UF growth and development. To reduce estrogen exposure, I would recommend that women stop taking any form of birth control. Birth control is listed as a Group 1 carcinogen, which means there is “sufficient evidence” that hormonal birth control, which contains synthetic progesterone (called progestin) and estrogen (called estrogen estradiol or EE2)—has the potential to cause cancer in humans. In addition, birth control robs the body of essential vitamins and minerals necessary for regulated cycles, mood and pregnancy. Hair relaxers, chemical straighteners and hair dyes are also toxic hormone disruptors that contribute to the growth of UF, endometriosis, uterine and ovarian cancer. Since Black women are the largest consumers of the relaxer products, its easy to see the correlation between these products and the incidence of UF in our community in comparison to other ethnic groups. Check out my blog here to read more about the toxic effects of hair relaxer use on our reproductive health. Xenoestrogens are synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the human body. These compounds are commonly found in products like:
• Body-care products, including ones like sunscreens we coat on our bodies.
• Pesticides in our food supply
• Hormones used to plump up animals in our meat supply chain
• Hormones in our milk supply and processed foods
• Unfiltered tap water can contain synthetic estrogen from birth control pills
• Microwaving food in plastic containers releases xenoestrogens
• Some non-stick coated cookware release xenoestrogens
• Plastic water bottles and containers contain xenoestrogen chemicals
To reduce your exposure to xenoestrogens, it's important to be mindful of the products you use and consume on a daily basis. Look for products made from natural materials, such as glass or stainless steel, instead of plastic containers. Choose cosmetics and cleaning products that are free from harmful chemicals and additives. Incorporate detoxification practices into your routine to support overall hormonal balance such as yoni steams. Schedule regular gynecological check-ups and screenings to detect any early signs of fibroids. By addressing any potential issues promptly, you can take appropriate measures to prevent their progression.
Preventing fibroids is possible by implementing lifestyle changes and adopting healthy habits. By maintaining a healthy weight and diet, adopting a hormone balancing lifestyle, and limiting xenoestrogen exposure, you can reduce your risk of UF. Promoting hormone balance through stress management, adequate sleep, and reduced alcohol consumption is also essential. Remember to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance on fibroid prevention. By taking these proactive steps, you can protect your health and well being.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. It is important to remember that every individual is unique, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Your healthcare provider is best suited to assess your specific circumstances and provide tailored advice. The author of this blog post is not a medical professional, and the information provided should not be interpreted as medical advice. The responsibility for any actions or decisions based on the information provided in this blog post lies solely with the reader.
Sources:
- Eisinger S. Uterine fibroids; National Women’s Health Information Centre. US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. Womens’ health.gov;Last updated May 13, 2008. Accessed 23/03/2016.
- https://houseofrosemary.com/type-of-lifestyle-diet-that-causes-fibroids/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/IJWH.S51083
- Queen Afua Book
- Herbal Prescription Book
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