Fibroid Tumors or Fibroids are abnormal, primarily non-cancerous growths that develop on or in a woman's uterus.  Women between ages 30-50 are most likely to develop Fibroids, but so are obese or overweight women.  About 70-80% of women experience Fibroids by age 50.  Fibroids can be small, or can grow to be the size of a melon.  The four types of Fibroids are:

• Intramural: These grow in the wall of the uterus and are the most common.
• Subserosal Fibroids: Located on the outside wall of the uterus, these can develop into pedunculated Fibroids (stalks).
• Submucosal Fibroids: These occur in the muscle beneath the lining of the uterus wall.
• Cervical Fibroids: These occur in the cervix.

Some women with Fibroids may not experience any symptoms, which is why those women aren't aware that they have them. Symptoms will depend on the location and size of the Fibroid.  If the tumor is small or the woman is going through Menopause, symptoms may be minor or non-existent.  Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the pelvis or lower back
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Longer menstrual cycles (lasting seven days or more)
• Increased urination
• Heightened menstrual cramps
• Pain during intercourse
• Abdominal swelling or enlargement

Doctors are not sure of the exact cause of Fibroids, but the belief is that multiple factors contribute to their development.  A woman's estrogen and progesterone levels are high during childbearing years.  Fibroids can swell or develop if estrogen levels are high, for example, during pregnancy.  Fibroids may shrink and estrogen levels will fall during Menopause, which is why women in Menopause may not experience any symptoms.  Common causes are:

• Hormonal changes (estrogen and progesterone can cause the development of Fibroids)
• Genetics (if a woman's mother, sister, or aunt has a history of the condition, the woman is more likely to develop Fibroids)
• Pregnancy
• Obesity

• Cleansing or detoxifying the body is a beneficial way to naturally get rid of toxins and old hormones, both of which can contribute to the formation of Fibroids.  Our Full Body Cleanse can be the first step in the right direction toward minimizing Fibroid growth.  You may also consider taking part in a liver cleanse to help expel toxins from the body.
• Staying hydrated is best for proper circulation in the body.  Drinking alkaline or distilled water is best, but you can also drink herbal teas like ginger, green tea, Echinacea, or astragalus, all of which can help decrease inflammation.  You can make a great tea, which has incredible antibacterial properties, that has 3 cups of hot water, a 1" thick slice of ginger, 1 stick of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of organic, raw honey.  The recommended amount of water to drink is eight 8oz glasses per day, or you can drink half your body weight in ounces of water.  If you weigh 150lbs, then you should drink 75oz of water every day.
• Decrease the amount of "white food" that you eat.  These food items include white bread, cookies, pastas, and cakes.  They increase insulin, which changes the way the body metabolizes estrogen, and create compounds in the body that can lead to Fibroid development.  Any foods that are inflammatory are best to avoid because they can contribute to swelling.
• It may be beneficial to place a warm castor oil pack on your lower abdomen to help decrease swelling or minimize the growth of Fibroids.  You can purchase a castor oil pack, or you can make your own.  To make your own, soak a piece of wool flannel in castor oil and place it on the abdomen.  Cover it with plastic wrap, place a heating pad or hot water bottle on top, leave it on for an hour or so, and then remove it.  Do this four times a week for a month, or until symptoms subside.
• Apple cider vinegar is a great natural remedy for Fibroids because it helps restore a neutral pH balance, while removing toxins from the body and promoting fat loss.  Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of distilled water and drink this regularly, increasing the amount of apple cider vinegar as your body gets used to it.  Up to 2 tablespoons per glass is ideal.
• Garlic is a great herb that has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.  Eating raw garlic or adding it to fresh juices and smoothies may help discourage the growth of Fibroids.  If eating raw garlic is too intense, you can cook with it in every meal to reap its benefits.  The results will be better if you eat it in its raw form, though.

• Garlic
• Turmeric
• Indian Gooseberry
• Milk Thistle
• Dandelion Root
• Flaxseeds
• Legumes (beans and lentils)
• Dark Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, & chard)
• Red or Orange Bell Peppers
• Colorful Squash
• Carrots
• Beets
• Corn
• Okra
• Artichokes
• Cabbage
• Onions
• Cucumbers
• Broccoli