Fibroids are abnormal growths in the uterus. They’re also called uterine fibroids, myomas, and leiomyomas. Fibroids aren’t cancerous or life-threatening, but they can sometimes cause complications and health problems.

Fibroids form in and around the uterine walls. They’re made of muscle and other tissues. They may be as tiny as a seed or grow larger than a tennis ball. You may have multiple fibroids or just one.

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes fibroids. Having overweight or obese increases your risk, as does having low levels of some types of nutrients.

Prevalence.
Almost 80 percent Trusted Source of women has fibroids in their lifetime. This condition may also be genetic. You’re at higher risk if your mother or sister has fibroids.

Fibroids can cause symptoms and complications such as:

Pain
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Constipation
Anemia
Difficulty getting pregnant
Miscarriages.

However, only 20 to 50 percent of trusted sources of women with fibroids have symptoms. In most cases, treatment isn’t needed. Your doctor may recommend waiting and watching to see if the fibroids go away on their own.

While foods can’t treat or prevent fibroids, your daily diet and lifestyle may play a role in reducing your risk. Diet can help balance hormones that may trigger these growths. Certain foods may also help ease fibroid symptoms.

Diet and lifestyle changes to lower risk.
There are a number of changes you can make that might help reduce your risk for fibroids.

Follow a Mediterranean diet.
Add plenty of fresh and cooked green vegetables, fresh fruit, legumes, and fish to your plate. A Mediterranean diet is one way to do this. Research shows that eating these foods regularly may help lower your risk for fibroids. On the other hand, eating beef, ham, lamb, and other red meat may raise your risk.
Check out a beginner’s guide to the Mediterranean diet for tips and a meal plan.

Cut back on 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.

One study found that women who drank one or more beers a day increased their risk by more than 50 percent. Avoid or limit alcohol to help reduce your risk.

Balance estrogen.
Estrogen is a hormone important for healthy fertility in both women and men. However, too much estrogen can increase your risk for fibroids Trusted Source or make them worse.

Many treatments for fibroids work by lowering estrogen levels. Other ways to balance estrogen levels include:

Losing weight. Obesity and excess weight increases the risk for fibroids. Fat cells make more estrogen, so losing weight may help prevent or slow the growth of fibroids.

Avoiding hormone-disrupting chemicals. Natural and synthetic chemicals can throw off your endocrine balance, raising estrogen levels. These chemicals can leach into your body through skin and food.

Avoid or limit coming into contact with chemicals found in:

Fertilizers
Pesticides
Plastics such as BPA
Nonstick coatings on cookware
Fire retardants
Dyes
Paints
Some personal care products
Lower blood pressure
Research shows that a high number of women with severe fibroids also have high blood pressure. More research is needed to find out if there’s a link.

Balancing blood pressure is vital for your overall health. Try these tips:

Avoid added salt. Flavor food with herbs and other spices instead.
Limit high-sodium processed and packaged foods.
Check your blood pressure daily with a home monitor.
Exercise regularly.
Lose weight, especially around the waist.
Avoid or limit alcohol.
Increase potassium by eating a majority of plants at each meal.
Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
If you have high blood pressure, take medication as prescribed.
See your doctor for regular checkups.
Get enough vitamin D
Vitamin D may help reduce your risk of fibroids by almost 32 percent Trusted Source. Your body makes this “sunshine vitamin” naturally when your skin’s exposed to sunlight. If you have darker skin or live in cooler climates, you’re more likely to be deficient.

Supplements can help raise your levels, along with foods such as:
Egg yolks
Fortified milk, cheese, and dairy products
Fortified cereals
Fortified orange juice
Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel
Cod liver oil

A note about smoking and diet.
Eating brightly colored fruits and vegetables is good for your general health. Consuming a variety of red, yellow, and orange foods will provide rich antioxidants. Dark greens are also nutrient-dense and will provide healthful benefits. These nutrients may help protect you from diseases, including some cancers.

However, a study found that beta carotene found in red, yellow, and orange foods didn’t lower the risk for fibroids. In smokers, beta carotene may even increase risk. Further research is needed on why this might happen. In any case, smoking is harmful to your health and may increase your risk of fibroids.

FOODS TO EAT IF YOU HAVE FIBROIDS.
Diet alone can’t treat fibroids. However, a balanced diet may also help ease some fibroid symptoms and complications. Certain foods may help slow fibroid growth in some cases.

Fiber.
Fiber-rich foods aid weight loss and balance hormones. They also help to keep blood sugar levels steady. For these reasons, fiber may help prevent and slow the growth of fibroids. Add these whole foods to your diet:

Cooked and raw vegetables
Cooked, raw, and dried fruit
Whole grain bread and pasta
Cruciferous vegetables
Oats
Lentils
Barley
Beans

Potassium
Potassium helps to counter the effects of salt to balance blood pressure Trusted Source. Add these potassium-rich foods to your daily diet:
Avocado
Bananas
Citrus
Cantaloupe
Collard greens
Dates
Lentils
Oat bran
Potatoes
Tomatoes

Dairy
Add dairy products such as yogurt and full-fat cheese to your diet. Dairy is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These minerals may help prevent fibroids and slow their growth. Fortified milk also contains vitamin D.

Green tea
Green tea contains several antioxidants. A study Trusted Source found that one of these, epigallocatechin gallate, may help slow the growth of fibroids by bringing down inflammation and high estrogen levels. Green tea may also improve symptoms of heavy bleeding due to fibroids, such as low iron.

FOODS TO AVOID IF YOU HAVE FIBROIDS.
Sugar
Sugary foods and simple carbohydrates may trigger or worsen fibroids Trusted Source. These foods spike blood sugar levels. This causes your body to make too much insulin. Excess insulin can cause weight gain and affect fibroid growth.

Avoid refined carbs and added sugars such as:

Table sugar
Glucose
Dextrose
Maltose
Corn syrup
High fructose corn syrup
White bread, rice, pasta, and flour
Soda and sugary drinks
Fruit juice
Potato chips
Crackers
Packaged energy bars

Estrogen-increasing foods
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 Trusted Source.

You may need to limit or avoid foods such as:

Red meat from sources that include added hormones
Soybeans
Soy milk
Tofu
Flaxseed

Papaya leaves are known for their medicinal uses and hold special significance in Ayurveda. Ayurveda and yoga rely heavily on these plant leaves to treat major conditions from malaria to cancer and everything in between. Keep growing papaya trees and keep nurturing them so that you can utilise them and treat your condition naturally.

Papaya is considered one of the healthiest fruits, it helps in curing many diseases. Not only the pulp but its leaves contain many healing properties against various diseases. These include:

Diabetes: Papaya leaf juice regulates the production of insulin which in turn checks blood sugar levels. Its strong antioxidants help to bring down the consequent complications of diabetes like kidney damage and fatty liver. This juice can work wonders for diabetics.

Cancer: Papaya leaves contain phenolic compounds, papain, and alkaloids and these nutrients act as strong antioxidants which in turn, enhance the body’s immunity. The immune-modulating properties of the papaya leaves may help prevent cancer.

Menstrual cramps: Papaya leaf juice helps reduce menstrual cramps and regulates the menstrual cycle by balancing hormonal changes.

Digestive disorder: The combination of papain and other compounds present in papaya leaves help in the effective digestion of essential proteins which cure digestive disorders. It also helps in treating gastric ulcers and oxidative stress on the stomach.

Heartburn: Papaya leaf juice helps get rid of heartburn discomfort and is a great appetite stimulant.

Skin problems: Papaya leaf juice obtained by crushing tender papaya leaves is topically applied to treat skin allergies. It helps cure skin aging and provides radiant skin.

Hair problem: Hair problems, such as dandruff, hair fall, and scalp allergies can be treated by applying concentrated papaya leaf extract topically. Premature greying and hair thinning can also be treated by applying papaya leaves juice on the scalp. This juice also gives a beautiful sheen to your hair and acts as a potent conditioner.

Liver and kidney inflammation: Papaya leaf juice is a great detox drink that has high levels of phytochemicals and flavonoids that work together to cleanse your blood, improve blood circulation and protect your liver and kidneys from inflammation.

Malaria: Papaya leaves have strong antimalarial properties, making them best to cure malaria.

Dengue: The extract from papaya leaves acts as an effective remedy to treat dengue fever. Papaya leaf juice reduces the symptoms of dengue including high fever and skin rash. It also helps increase the platelet count.

The taste of papaya leaves is bitter but its health benefits are magnificent. They are loaded with calcium and vitamin A, B, C, D, and E. The antioxidants present in the leaves fight free radicals that enter the body. So consider the health benefits over its taste.

Papaya leaf juice is made by grinding, thoroughly washed tender papaya leaves to a fine paste adding little water. Filter this juice with the help of a strainer. The juice is thick and bitter, so it is diluted with water to make it milder to drink.

Naturally available and full of health, beneficial components in papaya leaf juice are worth trying!

Kidney stones in the urinary tract are formed in several ways. Calcium can combine with chemicals, such as oxalate or phosphorous, in the urine. This can happen if these substances become so concentrated that they solidify. Kidney stones can also be caused by a buildup of uric acid. Uric acid buildup is caused by the metabolism of protein. Your urinary tract wasn’t designed to expel solid matter, so it’s no surprise that kidney stones are very painful to pass. Luckily, they can usually be avoided through diet.

What to eat and drink.
If you’re trying to avoid kidney stones, what you eat and drink is as important as what you shouldn’t eat and drink. Here are some important rules of thumb to keep in mind.

Stay hydrated
Fluids, especially water, help to dilute the chemicals that form stones. Try to drink at least 12 glasses of water a day.

Up your citrus intake
Citrus fruit, and their juice, can help reduce or block the formation of stones due to naturally occurring citrate. Good sources of citrus include lemons, oranges, and grapefruit.

Eat lots of calcium (and vitamin D)
If your calcium intake is low, oxalate levels may rise. It’s preferable to get your calcium from food, rather than from supplements, as these have been linked to kidney stone formation. Good sources of calcium include milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and other types of cheeses. Vegetarian sources of calcium include legumes, calcium-set tofu, dark green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and blackstrap molasses. If you don’t like the taste of cow’s milk, or, if it doesn’t agree with you, try lactose-free milk, fortified soy milk, or goat’s milk. Also make sure to include foods high in vitamin D each day. Vitamin D helps the body absorb more calcium. Many foods are fortified with this vitamin. It’s also found in fatty fishes, such as salmon, egg yolks, and cheese.

FOODS AND DRINKS TO AVOID KIDNEY STONE DIET
Limit salt
High sodium levels in the body, can promote calcium buildup in urine. Avoid adding salt to food, and check the labels on processed foods to see how much sodium they contain. Fast food can be high in sodium, but so can regular restaurant food. When you’re able, ask that no salt be added to whatever you order on a menu. Also, take note of what you drink. Some vegetable juices are high in sodium.

Lower your animal protein intake
Many sources of protein, such as red meat, pork, chicken, poultry, fish, and eggs, increase the amount of uric acid you produce. Eating large amounts of protein also reduces a chemical in urine called citrate. Citrate’s job is to prevent the formation of kidney stones. Alternatives to animal protein include quinoa, tofu (bean curd), hummus, chia seeds, and Greek yogurt. Since protein is important for overall health, discuss how much you should eat daily with your doctor.

A plant-based diet may be ideal
Eat oxalates wisely. Foods high in this chemical may increase formation of kidney stones. If you’ve already had kidney stones, you may wish to reduce or eliminate oxalates from your diet completely. If you’re trying to avoid kidney stones, check with your doctor to determine if limiting these foods is enough. If you do eat foods containing oxalates, always make sure to eat or drink a calcium source with them. This will help the oxalate bind to the calcium during digestion, before it can reach your kidneys. Foods high in oxalate include:
• chocolate
• beets
• nuts
• tea
• rhubarb
• spinach
• swiss chard
• sweet potatoes
Don’t drink colas
Avoid cola drinks. Cola is high in phosphate, another chemical which can promote the formation of kidney stones.

Reduce or eliminate added sugar intake.
Added sugars are sugars and syrups that are added to processed foods and drinks. Added sucrose and added fructose may increase your risk of kidney stones. Keep an eye on the amount of sugar you eat, in processed foods, such as cake, in fruit, in soft drinks, and in juices. Other common added sugar names include corn syrup, crystallized fructose, honey, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, and cane sugar.

Tips for a kidney stone diet.
Having kidney stones increases your risk of getting them again unless you actively work to prevent them. This means taking medications prescribed to you for this purpose, and watching what you eat and drink.

If you currently have stones, your doctor will run diagnostic tests, to determine what type you have. They will then prescribe a specific diet plan for you, such as the DASH Diet. Tips that will help include:
• drink at least twelve glasses of water daily
• drink citrus juices, such as orange juice
• eat a calcium-rich food at each meal, at least three times a day
• limit your intake of animal protein
• eat less salt, added sugar, and products containing high fructose corn syrup
• avoid foods and drinks high in oxalates and phosphates
• avoid eating or drinking anything which dehydrates you, such as alcohol.

Takeaway
Kidney stones are typically a painful condition. Fortunately, diet can be an effective tool in managing and preventing kidney stones. Staying hydrated and avoiding certain foods that are high in salt and sugar, and pairing calcium with oxalate rich foods are important elements of a kidney stone diet.

Okra is a funny little green vegetable with a funny little name. A small, pear-shaped green veggie with a mild taste, okra resembles a pepper and has been cultivated as a food source for hundreds of years.
Today, it is used in a variety of dishes around the world.

The medicinal benefits of okra are;
It keeps you feeling full
Okra’s dietary fiber helps you feel full for longer, which will keep you from snacking on those stray potato chips after dinner.

It aids in digestion
The fiber is the main factor here again. High fiber content is great for the digestive tract and keeps you going more regularly. This not only helps keep your weight down but makes you healthier overall.

It’s a low-calorie food.
It’s always nice when a portion of food can satisfy your hunger and help you stay trim. The low caloric count of okra means you can definitely scoop another spoonful onto your dish and still see the numbers go down on the scale.

It is a diuretic
That means it helps the body detoxify itself and helps you shed excess water weight. A great weapon in your arsenal for de-bloating!

It helps control cholesterol levels
The pectin in okra lowers LDL or bad cholesterol, which improves cardiac function.

It fights cancer
Packed with antioxidants, okra can provide much-needed support to cells in fighting off free-radicals that can lead to cancer.

It boosts the immune system
The healthy fiber in okra feeds much-needed good bacteria in our intestines, which builds our immunity against viruses and infection.

It supports fertility and healthy pregnancy
The high amount of folates in okra are especially important in a pre-conception diet as it “decreases the incidence of neural tube defects in offspring“. Likewise, eating more folates during the pregnancy helps support a healthy mom and baby.

It stabilizes blood sugar levels
Okra’s fiber content is also responsible for slowing down the rate of sugar absorption in the digestive tract.

It helps prevent diabetes
Research has shown that in addition to its stabilizing effects on blood sugar, okra actually reduces blood sugar levels and could be an option for diabetes prevention.

It helps prevent kidney disease
Studies have shown that eating more okra results in the reduction of kidney damage over time.

It may help reduce asthma symptoms
Okra’s powerful dose of vitamin C has been linked to easing respiratory issues like asthma.

It can give you shiny, bouncy hair
Okra boiled, cooled, and mixed with lemon juice can be applied to your hair for a nice bouncy finish. Neat, huh?

It’s good for your brain
Okra is believed to be a portion of top brain food and is eaten frequently in the Middle and the Far East by students who need a mental boost.

It’s anti-inflammatory
That means it’s good for joints, as well as treating lung inflammation, sore throat, and irritable bowel syndrome.

It’s good for eye health
Okra’s nutrients like vitamins C and A have been linked to a reduction in the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

It supports strong bones
Thanks to its vitamin K and folates, okra has been credited with preventing bone loss and fending off osteoporosis.

It’s great for your skin
The high vitamin C content helps the growth and rejuvenation of skin cells and collagen, which keeps skin looking smoother, younger, and healthier

It’s a great source of vegetable protein
With 2 grams of protein per cup, okra is an easily-digestible, vegetarian source of filling, a fibrous protein.

It supports ulcer healing
Okra coats the digestive tract when consumed and helps speed the healing of peptic ulcers.

So whether you’re trying to lose weight, or just eating healthier to feel better and prevent future health issues, okra should definitely make it onto your next grocery list.

Do you know that instant noodles are produced with chemicals that are harmful to the human body?

Instant noodles are highly processed foods that lack proper nutritive values. Each single serving of an instant noodle is high in carbohydrates, sodium, and other food additives. But low on essential elements such as fibre, vitamins, and minerals necessary for growth and development

Why Are Instant Noodles Harmful to the Body?
There is a reason for the campaign against instant noodles and it’s because of the ingredients used in producing the noodles.

According to the Codex Standards for instant noodles, flavor enhancers, acid regulators, flour treatment agents, humectants, emulsifiers, colors, thickeners, antioxidants, stabilizers, anti-caking agents, and preservatives are used in the production of instant noodles.

Wax
Indomie noodles are coated with wax and this helps prevent the noodles from sticking together. The wax can be seen when hot water is added to the raw noodles, after a few minutes, the wax will be seen floating in the water.

Sodium
This is the major reason instant noodles are not safe for consumption. Foods that are high in sodium can cause heart disease, hypertension, kidney damage, stroke, and other serious health problems.

Effects of Indomie on Human Health
There are many adverse effects of eating instant noodles and every consumer deserves to know them. You’ll see many people asking questions like the effects of eating raw Indomie and does eating raw Indomie causes cancer, well we don’t advise that you eat these instant noodles raw.

Due to the unhealthy nature of these instant noodles, every consumer should be conscious of his or her consumption of these foods and if possible, reduce their usage to an extent. Then companies would only write down the nutritional value of instant noodles on the label but leave the harmful effects. Although instant noodles are not banned in Nigeria, you can personally make your choice after knowing how harmful they are.

Some harmful effects of instant noodles are:
Nutrient Absorption: In children under the ages of 5, instant noodles can inhibit or restrain the absorption of nutrients.

Cancer: Ingredients like “Styrofoam” that are used in the manufacturing of these noodles can increase the risk of cancer in the body

Sodium: Instant noodles are produced with sodium and excessive consumption of sodium can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney damage, and hypertension.

Affects the body metabolism: Due to chemical substances like preservatives and coloring that are used in the manufacturing of these instant noodles, their regular consumption affects the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.

Noodles are junks: Although you might be eating these noodles like your normal meals, they have characteristics of junks. They are fully packed with carbohydrates but lack fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

They contain Monosodium Glutamate: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a chemical used for enhancing the flavors of instant noodles but many people are allergic to it. It can cause pains, headaches, facial flushing, and burning sensations if you have an allergy to it.

They contain Propylene Glycol: Ingredients like Propylene Glycol are used in the manufacturing of instant noodles because of their anti-freeze properties. It helps the noodles retain their moisture but weakens the body’s immune system. When consumed, it accumulates in the heart, liver, and kidneys and can cause abnormalities in those areas.

Affects digestion: Regular consumption of instant noodles can ignite bloating and irregular bowel movements.

Obesity: Due to its high content of sodium and fats, regular consumption of instant noodles can increase the risk of obesity in the body.

With these facts, do you think instant noodles are still worth eating?