Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and high fiber foods while limiting foods high in sugar and saturated fats may help reduce the risk of fibroids.

Fibroids are abnormal growths that form in and around the uterine walls in the uterus.

Researchers estimate that up to 7 in 10 people with uteruses will experience fibroids at least once in their lifetime. Of these people, only 25% will experience symptoms that could require treatment.

Treatment may involve taking specific medications to help alleviate symptoms and shrink the size of fibroids.

Some experts have also found that diet may play a role in the development and prevention of uterine fibroids. However, the research is limited, so more studies are needed to fully understand the link.

Keep reading to learn more about the foods to eat and limit for fibroids, as well as when to see a doctor.

Diet alone can’t treat fibroids, but researchers have identified several nutrients and nutrient deficiencies that may be associated with fibroid growth.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is the most commonly associated nutrient deficiency with uterine fibroids.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in supporting cell function. According to a 2022 review, higher levels of vitamin D in the body are associated with a lower incidence of uterine fibroids.

Vitamin D supplements can help raise your levels, along with foods such as:

Fiber

Some researchers have found that consuming a diet rich in fiber, vegetables, and fruits may help reduce the risk of uterine fibroids. This may be due to their role in regulating hormones and metabolism.

Some fiber-rich foods to consider adding to your diet include:

Potassium

A risk factor for developing uterine fibroids is hypertension (high blood pressure). Potassium may help counter the effects of sodium to balance blood pressure, thereby potentially reducing the risk of uterine fibroids.

However, it’s important to note that limited studies have examined the direct relationship between fibroids and potassium.

Dairy

A 2020 study found that higher weekly intakes of dairy were associated with a reduced risk of developing uterine fibroids, likely due to the mineral calcium.

Consider incorporating dairy products, such as yogurt, cow’s milk, and full fat cheese, into your diet.

Green tea

Green tea contains several antioxidants. One of these, epigallocatechin gallate, may help slow the growth of fibroids by bringing down inflammation and high estrogen levels.

How to incorporate these foods into a diet

Following a Mediterranean diet is one way to incorporate all of these nutrients that may help support uterine fibroid health. This diet consists of a variety of vegetables, fruits, legumes, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

There may be some foods and nutrients to limit if you have fibroids or are at risk of developing them.

Foods high in sugar

Eating foods high in added sugars and simple carbohydrates may trigger or worsen fibroids. These foods spike blood sugar levels, which causes your body to make too much insulin, possibly affecting fibroid growth.

Consider limiting refined carbs and added sugars, such as:

Estrogen-increasing foods

High estrogen levels are associated with an increased risk of developing uterine fibroids.

Some foods contain natural ingredients that mimic the estrogen in the body, called phytoestrogens. Other foods have added hormones or trigger your body to make more estrogen.

Some of these foods may have protective effects when consumed in small to moderate amounts, but have negative effects when consumed in high amounts. You may need to limit or avoid foods, such as:

Alcohol

Drinking any type of alcohol may increase your risk for fibroids. This can happen because alcohol raises the level of hormones needed for fibroids to grow. Alcohol may also trigger inflammation.

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional, such as a mental health specialist, if you’re finding it difficult to limit alcohol.

Several lifestyle changes may also play a role in preventing, managing, or treating uterine fibroids.

Risk factors like high estrogen levels and high blood pressure are associated with an increased risk of developing uterine fibroids. The following lifestyle changes may help manage these risk factors:

  • maintain a healthy-for-you weight
  • lose weight if you have obesity or overweight
  • avoid hormone-disrupting chemicals, such as:
    • fertilizers
    • pesticides
    • plastics, such as BPA
    • nonstick coatings on cookware
    • fire retardants
    • dyes
    • paints
    • some personal care products
  • limit salt intake (flavor food with herbs and other spices instead)
  • limit high sodium, ultra-processed, and packaged foods
  • monitor your blood pressure
  • get regular exercise
  • limit alcohol, if you drink
  • quit smoking, if you smoke

A healthcare professional can help develop an appropriate management plan for you, which may include a combination of lifestyle and dietary habits.

In most cases, uterine fibroids don’t cause any symptoms.

That said, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends speaking with a doctor, such as a primary care doctor or gynecologist, if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Find a medical specialist in your area today

Your healthcare team may comprise several people who can provide support.

Sometimes, a medical specialist will be required to help diagnose, manage, or treat a healthcare condition.

You can find the following medical specialists in your area today:

Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight is important for your overall health. You may not be able to prevent fibroids, but making certain dietary and lifestyle changes may help reduce your risk.

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms of fibroids, such as abdominal pain and heavy periods. They can assess your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.