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.”