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UTERINE FIBROIDS
by Robin Leebardt and Sheila Shea
2. CAUSES
A. ESTROGEN
Fibroids are hormone dependent, thriving on estrogen. Fibroids
often change size during each menstrual cycle, reaching their
peak during ovulation and just before the menstrual period
begins. They increase in size during pregnancy when this
hormone is at its highest and shrink dramatically and often
disappear after menopause, when estrogen levels are at their
lowest, except in women who take supplemental hormones
(estrogen replacement).
B. XENO-ESTROGENS
The Washington Post printed in its June 29, 1993 issue, "Many
toxins target women specifically." The article points out that
man-made chemicals can introduce estrogen-like hormones into
the body thereby increasing the fibroid's size. John McLachlan,
scientific director of Olden and National Institute of
Environmental Health Science says that chemicals like
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorines (DDT), dioxin
and other industrial by-products all have estrogen-like activity."
And T. Colin Campbell reports findings from the Cornell-China
Project that "The chemical industry must also take credit for
upsetting the delicate balance of female hormones as pesticides
and other poisons that enter the food chain or are otherwise
ingested, lodge, particularly in fatty tissues, where they mimic
estrogen."
http://www.mercola.com/2000/dec/31/estrogen_cancer.htm
Dr. Mercola, the author of this site, has a newsletter article
entitled, Estrogen Should be Added to Cancer-Causing List
Along with Other Substances.
C. DIET
One's diet can continue to feed an already existing fibroid.
Various theories and opinions exist. Jackson ND and Teague ND,
DC authors of The Handbook of Alternatives to Chemical
Medicine, suggest that a diet high in protein feeds growths in
the body, cancerous and non-cancerous. Dr. Chang, founder of
the Canadian company Prime Health Products, says that
soybean products promote the production of estrogen and
therefore can promote an increase in the size of fibroids. Foods
that promote coagulation of cells, such as dairy products, can
be detrimental if taken in high quantities. Sheila Shea feels that
refined sugars and starches, perhaps complex carbohydrates in
general which include soy, and foods containing growth
hormones, drugs and chemicals can feed the fibroid.
D. EMOTIONS
Some experts believe that mental conflicts and spiritual
stagnation play a role in fibroid development. They can grow
during times of stress. A.D. Feinstein believes that fibroids are
often associated with conflicts about creativity, reproduction,
and relationships. Dr. Northrup asks her patients to meditate on
their relationships with other people, their jobs, and how they
express their creativity because she believes that there is a
connection between the inability of women to express
themselves honestly and fully and their fibroids. Many
alternative healers have observed fibroids as excess or stagnant
energy in the uterus or abdominal region.
Estrogen once released from the liver into the intestines may be
reabsorbed into the body if the intestines are sluggish and the
walls are compromised. If a women has a slow transit time (the
time it takes for food to travel from the mouth to the anus) or
she is constipated, estrogen gathers in the intestines and is
absorbed back into the blood stream. Therefore, higher levels of
estrogen circulating through the body may have an effect on
fibroid development.
Leaky gut occurs when the intestinal walls start to break down.
Leaky gut offers obvious trouble to the body and reproductive
area whether fibroids are present or not.
3. REMEDIES
A. SURGERY
Most fibroids can be treated conservatively by letting them be
and having an examination every six months to a year or so to
monitor their growth. Some doctors will want to remove the
fibroid and recommend a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
or a myomectomy (removal of the fibroid only). Treatment of
fibroids is the most frequently cited reason for a hysterectomy.
Studies have shown that there is little or no justification for
this. Unless you have repeated episodes of severe bleeding that
cannot be controlled with hormonal treatments or other
measures, surgery is one option. It is not the only one.
B. HERBAL FORMULATIONS
http://www.naturalwoman.org/generic.html?pid=5
Lists Reed's RX Compounding Pharmacy
a. COMPOUNDED FRAXINUS/CEANOTHUS
(40-60 drops, four times a day in a small amount of warm
water.)
A uterine fibroid and cyst corrective formula. Therapeutic
actions: the herbs in this compound act to remove catabolic
wastes from the pelvic cavity and from uterine and ovarian
tissues. These herbs accelerate metabolism and lymph drainage
and promote the sloughing-off of wasted tissues.
Contents:
Fresh Mountain Ash Bark (Fraxinus americanus)
Fresh Red Root (Ceanothus americanus)
Fresh Life Root (Senecio aureus)
Mayapple Root (Podophyllum peltatum)
Fresh Helonias Root (Chamaelirium luteum)
Fresh Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis canadensis)
Lobelia Herb and Seed (Lobelia inflata)
Fresh Ginger Root (Zingiber officinalis)
b. Castor Oil packs (apply over pelvis 3-5 times per week)
Chop Yucca Root into small pieces, put 4 ounces in crock pot
and add 48 ounces of water. Cook on low for 4 days. Strain root
and continue cooking strained root until you have 2 inches of
black syrup on bottom of crock pot. Combine the two syrups in
a glass bottle, take 15 drops 3 times a day.
C. DIET
Dr. Andrew Weil recommends eating a low fat diet and hormone
free foods (meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products).
Consumption of whole foods and avoidance of processed and
refined foods (white flour and white sugar) definitely helps to
keep the body's systems healthy, thereby, making it ready to
heal itself and to ward of any health problems. Vitamin E (400
IU) 2xd adds an added boost.
http://www.sensiblehealth.com
Dr. Julia Chang also identifies refined flour and sugar, deep fried
foods, caffeine and ice cold drink/food as damaging to the liver
and kidneys, the organs that aid in elimination of toxins. Avoid
and eliminate these foods from your diet and your liver will
begin to function more effectively. Soy bean products will
elevate estrogen levels. Avoid overuse of soy products in order
to help the liver eliminate the existing excess estrogen
circulating in the body (remember, fibroids feed on estrogen).
Seek a balance between progesterone and estrogen and female
health will be optimal.
http://www.westonaprice.org
Dr. Weston A. Price, a dentist who was amazed by his patients
decline in dental health and physical health, researched for 10
years the variables between a culture's diet and their health.
His book, Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, explains his
findings. At his website, you may read more on how 'civilized'
nations are suffering from 'third world diseases' and how
'uncivilized' societies enjoy excellent health.
http://www.healthyhealing.com
Dr. Linda Page's website article promotes sea vegetables as a
way to regain and maintain a healthy female system. Sea
vegetables and herbs are higher in vitamins and minerals than
any other food group. Some sea vegetables available today are
arame, bladderwrack, dulse, hijiki, Irish moss, kelp, kombu,
nori, sea palm and wakame.
F. FASTING
http://www.bc1.com/vitagem/Master_Cleanser.htm
The site describes the fast, how to do it, and the benefits.
2. Drink only distilled water. With this method, you will need to
rest a lot and supervision is suggested. The body will effectively
rid itself of any toxins and you will feel it. 10-21 days is enough.
DAY 1: The first day after the fast, begin with watered down
freshly squeezed orange juice. Drink as much water and orange
juice as desired.
DAY 2: Continue with the orange juice and add vegetable broth.
DAY 3: A meal of raw fruit at lunch followed by a meal of raw
vegetables, like a salad, for dinner.
DAY 4: More solid foods may be eaten from this day forward,
but do not overeat. And, since your system has been cleansed,
now is the best time to pay attention to your body's reactions to
the different foods you ingest. Remember to listen to your body.
G. EXERCISE
Dr. Northrup and Dr. Weed believe that today's women place
demands on themselves that are overwhelming. The body will
force you to slow down and reflect on your life choices by
manifesting fibroids or other physical maladies if you are not
mindful of yourself and your needs. A variety of energy work
and emotional, mental and spiritual healing techniques are
available to release stagnation on those planes and restore
health.
4. Biofeedback
http://www.biofeedback.net/
The number one site for biofeedback information.
5. Therapy
Many forms of therapy are available.
http://www.clearpathway.net
Redirecting Self - Therapy (RST) as described in paper
Biology of Emotions: Self Help for Anxiety and Depression.
RST is my favorite and the one I use.
http://www.ieata.org/
Website for the International Expressive Arts Therapy
Association.
I. ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
Put yourself first, create a sacred space within you and around
you. Start with techniques you intuitively feel most attracted to.
This article gives you a variety of alternatives from which to
choose and incorporate in your daily life. In your journey to
vibrant womanhood, you may begin to see yourself with new
and loving eyes and understand yourself with a compassionate
heart and mind.
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