of excess estrogen, as well as nixing gluten and all dairy products unless they are made from organic goat or sheep milk. “High insulin levels from white, starchy stuff—which acts like sugar in the body—is a factor in making fibroids grow,” she says. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale and bok choy are allies


in the fight against fibroids by boosting detoxifying enzymes in the liver. Regular servings of sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, pumpkin, spinach and other carotene-rich foods are also valuable.


Ancient Healing Modalities Traditional Chinese Medicine offers promising benefits, but when using recommended herbs, it’s important to seek out qualified practitioners rather than self-treat, advises Fedele. “In Chinese medicine, each case is individual, so herbal formulations are oſten constructed to treat the whole health of the person and modified as we see improvements,” she says. “We also use a lot of supplements that can help regulate hormones—DIM (diindolylmethane) and broccoli seed extract being two that are commonly used for estrogen-related disorders.” Fedele also recommends acupuncture, but says it is most effective when combined with herbals, supplements and dietary therapies. Susannah Neal, a licensed acupuncturist in Iowa City, Iowa,


concurs, saying, “Chinese medicine is highly effective for rebalancing the flow or energy and breaking up old patterns of imbalances.” Neal, certified in the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Terapy, attests to this gentle modality designed to invigorate the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems of the digestive and reproductive organs. “Fibroids may be a result of impaired blood flow in the uterus, and while many styles of


FOODS TO CONSUME FOR ACHIEVING HORMONE BALANCE


Almonds and hazelnuts Arugula


Cold-water, deep-sea fish: salmon, tuna, herring, halibut, mackerel, sardines


Garlic Green tea


Organic wheat germ Radish Reishi mushrooms Turnips


Vitamin E, vitamin B complex, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids


Watercress


massage use techniques to improve circulation, these techniques focus specifically on the reproductive and pelvic organs,” she says. According to Neal, one benefit of the Arvigo technique is


regulation of the menstrual cycle. When applied regularly, the massage may reduce the size and severity of fibroids. In cases of larger, chronic or more severe fibroids, she says that three to six months of treatment or longer may be required, and in some cases will be used only as adjunctive treatment along with therapies prescribed by a medical doctor. No matter which alternative approach is taken, monitoring


progress is key. Fedele says, “I usually suggest six months to a year of trying holistic options under the care of a licensed provider and then at that time re-evaluating the scenario.”


Marlaina Donato is an author and multimedia artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.


STRATEGIES TO STAVE OFF FIBROIDS


FROM HORMONE EXPERT AND AUTHOR ALISA VITTI: Eat to balance estrogen. Prioritize foods that help modulate and balance estrogen, like flax seeds, beans and whole grains. Pears and apples are liver-supporting foods that contain lots of fiber, along with a flavonoid named phloretin, which impairs tumor growth. Be mindful of alcohol and caffeine consumption. Just a couple of glasses of wine significantly raises estrogen levels. Coffee suppresses ovulation, thereby suppressing production of progesterone and increasing the likelihood of estrogen dominance. Organic, unprocessed soy in the form of tempeh and miso can be beneficial, with an anti-estrogenic effect on the uterus.


Balance the microbiome. Te microbiome contains a colony of bacteria that helps metabolize estrogen. When the good and bad bugs in the microbiome are out of balance, the estrobolome can’t do its job efficiently, and estrogen builds up. Another key to building and maintaining a healthy microbiome is supplementing with a high-quality probiotic.


Cut out the chemicals. Many chemical-free options are less expensive than conventional products, especially when bought in bulk. Use baking soda and vinegar to clean around the house. Refrain from treating the lawn with chemicals. Replace plastic food storage containers with glass and stainless steel options which last a lifetime and don’t leach harmful agents into comestibles. Opt for a shower curtain made of less-toxic materials than plastic.


FROM ACUPUNCTURIST SUSANNAH NEAL: Fibroids that are smaller than two centimeters will respond more quickly to treatment and may only require the use of one or two modalities, such as monthly, professional, abdominal massage; self-care massage at home; and herbal medicine prescribed by a licensed herbalist for three months. Larger, more chronic and severe fibroids may require multiple modalities and a longer course of treatment in addition to these measures, including weekly acupuncture sessions and dietary recommendations. Tree to six months of treatment may be required. Natural medicine understands and respects that each person’s ability and time required to heal is complex and must be individualized.


May 2022 25


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32