Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the womb. It can happen in any woman of childbearing age and typically does not occur in young women who have not yet had their first period. That said, some women are more likely to have fibroids than others.
Here are 9 things that can increase your risk of developing fibroids.
1. Race:
Although any woman of reproductive age can develop fibroids, black women are more likely to get them compared to other races. Also, black women tend to develop fibroids at younger ages, and they are likely to have larger fibroids with more severe symptoms.
2. Obesity:
Women who are obese are at a higher risk of developing fibroids. Talk to your health care provider to find ways of losing weight.
3. Alcohol:
Drinking any type of alcohol can increase your risk of fibroids by more than 50%. This is because alcohol can increase the levels of hormones needed for fibroids to grow. Also, if you already have fibroids, taking alcohol can make it worse.
4. Eating more of red meat:
Several clinical studies have shown that eating too much red meat can increase the risk of uterine fibroids. You can try substituting red meat for fresh fish every now and then.
5. Not eating enough green vegetables and fruits:
There is no particular food that has been proven to shrink fibroids but a recent study found that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables could lower the risk of developing fibroids.
6. Processed foods:
Eating excess refined carbohydrates and sugary foods could also trigger fibroids or make an existing fibroid worse. You can consider switching to more natural foods.
7. Vitamin D deficiency:
Many studies have shown that women who have low levels of Vitamin D in their blood are more likely to have uterine fibroids. Women who have good amounts of vitamin D were found to be 32% less likely to develop fibroids compared with patients who had Vitamin D deficiency. If you are vitamin D deficient, you can get a pack of Evergreen Vitamin D Fast-melt Tablets and take one daily.
8. Family history of fibroids:
If other women within your family have fibroids, you may be at risk of developing fibroids too.
9. Early onset of menstruation:
Starting your period at a young age can increase the risk of having fibroids.
If you are a risk of fibroids in one way or the other, you may want to talk to a health care provider to get advice on lifestyle modifications that can lower your risk.
