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Solutions to your tough problems: some women's health issues are difficult to treat. We found the natural answers you've been waiting for - Annual Women's Health Guide
Natural Health, Dec, 2002 by Julia Tolliver Maranan
Foil Fibroids with Food. The hormone estrogen causes fibroids to grow. Certain foods can lower estrogen levels in your body, says gynecologist Gaudet. She has seen fibroids shrink when patients increased their intake of whole foods and healthy fats. Researchers have found a significantly lower risk of estrogen-related cancers in countries like Japan, where citizens generally eat diets built on these healthy foods. Eat five to nine servings a day of fruit and vegetables and minimize your intake of refined foods like white flour and sugar. You should also replace unhealthy fats like saturated fats and partially hydrogenated oils with foods high in monounsaturated fat, like avocados and olive oil, and foods rich in essential fatty acids, like walnuts and salmon. Aim to limit your alcohol consumption to 6 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1 1/4 ounces of liquor per day (alcohol increases your body's production of estrogen). As with all lifestyle changes, you shouldn't expect a quick fix. Allow at least three months to see improvement.
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Getting Started
Find the Right Doctor
Women's health problems respond well to a whole-body approach. If you have any of the ailments in this guide, consider seeking out a holistic M.D. or an N.D. (naturopathic physician) who will not just concentrate on your reproductive system.
To find a holistic M.D., contact the American Holistic Medical Association (505-292-7788; www .holisticmedicine.org). To locate a naturopath, contact the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (703-610-9037; www .naturopathic.org).
Consider This
Your Risk by the Numbers
Here are your chances of getting the ailments featured in Natural Health's Annual Women's Health Guide. If you have any of these problems, the natural remedies on these pages can provide safe and effective relief.
Benign Ovarian Cysts
Who Gets Them: All women of childbearing age, but most cysts are too small for concern.
The Good News: Most cysts go away on their own or with natural remedies.
Cervical Dysplasia
Who Gets It: 1 in 28 women; most cases occur in women from 25 to 35.
The Good News: 60 to 80 percent of mild dysplasias will heal on their own; vitamins and exercise can help.
Endometriosis
Who Gets It: Up to 1 in 7 women of childbearing age.
The Good News: Few cases require treatment beyond pain relievers (including pain-relieving herbs).
Fibrocystic Breasts
Who Gets Them: 1 in 2 women of childbearing age.
The Good News: The right diet and supplements can ease breast pain and lumpiness.
Incontinence
Who Gets It: 1 in 5 women over 75; 1 in 2 women report occasional incontinence during their lifetime.
The Good News: Most cases can improve or be cured with simple exercises.
Infertility
Who Gets It: 1 in 10 women between 15 and 44,
The Good News: More than 95 percent of couples seeking treatment will not need advanced reproductive techniques like in vitro fertilization to conceive. Herbs show promise for reversing infertility.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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