Uterine Fibroids: Diet & Estrogen Loss – Traditional Chinese Medicine
Summary of Factors Contributing to Uterine Fibroid Growth (According to Chen Yijing)
This text outlines three key factors contributing to teh increasing incidence of uterine fibroids, based on the analysis of chen Yijing. thes factors are linked to modern dietary and lifestyle habits.
1. Excessive Estrogen (“Growth Signals”):
* Body’s own overproduction: Obesity leads to increased fat cells, which act as “hormone factories” producing more estrogen, stimulating fibroid growth.
* “Pseudoestrogens” in food: Environmental chemicals (pesticides, plastics) mimic estrogen, continuously signaling fibroids to grow even in small amounts over time.
2.Excessive Growth Signals - Insulin & Growth Factors:
* High-Glycemic Foods: Consuming foods like white rice, bread, desserts, and sugary drinks causes blood sugar spikes.
* Insulin & IGF-1: The body releases insulin to lower blood sugar, which also stimulates IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor).IGF-1 acts as a “growth fertilizer” for fibroid cells,accelerating their expansion.
3. Weakened Body “Cleaner” – Lack of Protective Nutrients:
* Lack of Dietary Fiber: Insufficient fiber in the diet (from lack of vegetables and whole grains) hinders the elimination of used estrogen. This leads to reabsorption of estrogen into the bloodstream, maintaining high levels.
* Lack of Vitamin D: Vitamin D acts as a “brake” on cell growth.Modern deficiencies in Vitamin D (due to lack of sun exposure and dietary intake) allow fibroid cells to proliferate unchecked.
Overall Conclusion:
Chen Yijing argues that the rise in uterine fibroids is due to a modern diet characterized by “too much” (calories, sugar) and “too little” (fiber, vitamin D). Preventing and controlling fibroids requires shifting to a diet that doesn’t constantly “stimulate growth.”