FENDING OFF FIBROIDS

NATURAL APPROACHES OFFER RELIEF

by Marlaina Donato

Optimal reproductive health is key to our vitality, which is why living with uterine fibroids can be debilitating. Studies indicate that as many as 80 percent of American women develop these non-cancerous growths during their childbearing years. Oftentimes, the condition is free of symptoms, but an estimated 26 million women currently suffer from associated effects like chronic pelvic and back pain, frequent urination, excessive menstrual bleeding and a swollen abdomen. Also called myomas, fibroids can often be a hidden cause of infertility, even in asymptomatic cases.

Asian women have a lower incidence of fibroids, while African American women are two to three times more likely to develop them than white women, particularly at a younger age. Genetics, obesity, estrogen-promoting foods and environmental toxins can fuel the fire of this condition, but a tailored, natural approach can minimize symptoms and for some, ward off the need for invasive surgery.

Happier Hormones Through Diet

While there is no definitively known cause of fibroids, the most accepted theory is a disruption in the ratio between estrogen and progesterone. Italian researchers that examined data from 1990 to 2020 reported in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health last year that diets deficient in fresh fruits, green vegetables and vitamin D increase the risk for the onset and formation of uterine fibroids.

“I do believe prevention is important by avoiding the use of toxic cosmetics and cookware with chemical components, and by choosing lower-inflammatory foods,” says Crystal Fedele, a doctor of Chinese medicine who treats patients with acupuncture and Chinese herbs at her clinic, Holistic Women and Families Natural Health Center, in Port Orange, Florida.

Conventionally farmed produce and farm-raised fish are treated with environmental estrogens to stimulate growth, which in turn contribute to estrogen dominance and an increased risk of fibroids in women that consume such foods. “It’s important to eliminate dairy and meat raised with synthetic hormones that can act like estrogen in the body,” advises Alisa Vitti, a New York City-based women’s hormone expert and author of In the FLO: Unlock Your Hormonal Advantage and Revolutionize Your Life. “While no diet can guarantee fibroid prevention, altering the food you eat may help slow fibroid growth. When it comes to food, your first step is to remove inflammatory foods.”

Vitti recommends opting for fiber-rich whole grains that aid in the elimination

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 often 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 Therapy, 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 massage use techniques to improve circulation, these techniques focus specifi-

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

cally 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. The 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. Three 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.

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DIY Salt Scrub

with Himalayan Salt and Essential Oils

sunny bunny/AdobeStock.com

A sea salt scrub is an easy and inexpensive way to maintain a glowing complexion. Salt scrubs work hard to exfoliate and remove dry skin from the surface, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pores, and improve the overall tone. Exfoliating scrubs are good for the entire body, especially dry areas like feet and hands. They are easy to make because they are a simple combination of salt and oil.

In addition to standard sea salt, adding Himalayan pink salt to a scrub recipe adds an extra boost of health because it contains 84 trace minerals and nutrients. Grapeseed oil, which can be found at natural grocery stores, is a good carrier oil for a scrub because it is extremely nourishing. Adding both almond and jojoba oils, and vitamin E into the mixture increases the scrub’s moisturizing effect, making it especially good for dry skin. Essential oils add fragrance and healing qualities to the scrub, and they can include such variations as: Margarita salt scrub: 12 drops lime essential oil, 8 drops orange essential oil Rose salt scrub: 15 drops rose essential oil, sprinkle with dried rose petals Citrus burst salt scrub: 5 drops orange essential oil, 10 drops grapefruit essential oil Lavender vanilla salt scrub: 15 drops lavender essential oil, 5 drops vanilla essential oil

DIY SALT SCRUB RECIPE

1 cup fi nely ground sea salt ½ cup Himalayan pink salt 4 Tbsp grapeseed oil 3 Tbsp almond oil 1 Tbsp jojoba oil 10 drops vitamin E 15-20 drops essential oil Put sea salt and Himalayan salt into a mixing bowl. Add in grapeseed oil, almond oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E. Add the essential oils last, right on top of the other oils. Mix until all of the salt is coated with oil. It should not be swimming in oil, just coated. Store in a glass or metal container. This recipe fills a single, pint- sized Mason jar or two half-pint jars. Because this salt scrub recipe does not contain any water, it will last up to six months. Make sure to keep it sealed in a jar with a lid to ensure it stays fresh and free of contaminants. If it is kept in the shower, store the scrub away from the water stream.

For more healthy DIY recipes, along with natural skincare and ecofriendly home and garden ideas, visit EcoLiving Mama.com.

Purely You Spa Diamond Treatment

by Lisa Marlene

Jennifer Alvarez Linguidi’s certified organic Purely You

Spa, in Naples, has been helping ladies and gentlemen achieve glowing skin for more than 13 years. Founder and owner of the spa, Alvarez Linguidi has been a skincare specialist for more than 16 years. Pairing her health coaching knowledge and experience, she customizes the results-oriented treatments for clients that want to relax, de-stress and feel amazing. Applying her more than 50 certifications within the health and wellness industry along with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida Gulf Coast University, Alvarez Linguidi developed a unique “mind, body, soul and skin” transformational experience which she uses in her Diamond Treatment room. In the Diamond Room, everything is customized, from the music to the aromatherapy and beyond. While analyzing a client’s skin, Alvarez Linguidi listens to them express their thoughts and feelings, as well as naming stressors. Using her positive energy and intuition, she assists in releasing any energy blockages, allowing clients to fully enjoy their experience. “I’ve been called a holistic chef when I’m in my treatment room because I use a variety of organic ingredients customized to achieve a client’s desired results,” says Alvarez Linguidi, who uses only top-notch technology and organic, vegan, dairy, gluten and nut-free ingredients. Dermaplaning removes dead skin and hair so that the skin is detoxified and able to better absorb nutrients, and LED light therapy is more effective at penetrating deeper layers of the skin. To resurface the skin in a healthy, non-invasive way, real diamond tips are also customized based on the skin type and the client’s goals. Diamond Glow technology is used to perform four treatments simultaneously: exfoliation, extraction, infusion and lymph drainage. The final touch is a customized serum and moisturizer used for the Hungarian facelift massage, lip hydration and under-eye oxygenation. Stress melts away with a head, neck, scalp, arm/ hand massage. Knowledgeable about functional medicine, Alvarez Linguidi refers Diamond Treatment clients to other healthcare providers as needed. At the completion of a session, a client is provided with overall recommendations for glowing skin through optimal health. For the ultimate meditation experience, clients suffering from lack of sleep, anxiety or stress may add a new brain entrainment technology. Developed by a neurologist, the technology relaxes mind, body and soul using specialized lights and sounds.

For more information or to make an appointment with Alvarez Linguidi, text her directly at 239-233-9633 or call 239-331-8266 to speak with the spa concierge. Purely You Spa locations in Naples: 3066 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 302; 7935 Airport Rd., Ste 207, 210, 211, 213. Visit PurelyYouSpa.com. See ad, page 5.

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CasaShanti Emporium Group Acupuncture Clinic

by Savannah Noir

The benefi ts of the regularly scheduled group acupuncture clinic at CasaShanti Emporium, in Fort Myers, are far-reaching. On Mondays at 6 p.m. they off er aff ordable healthcare by Doctor of Oriental Medicine Tenelle Wilson, an acupuncture physi- Acupuncturist Tenelle Wilson with Zachari VanDyne cian experienced in this centuries-old aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Th e subject of studies on evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, acupuncture has been recognized for more than its potential in treating chronic pain. Th e tiny, hair-like needles that penetrate the skin at specifi c points on the body have proven to be a serious possibility for improving and maintaining overall health. Acupuncture regulates the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. “Th e well-rounded treatment I use at the group clinic is benefi cial for everyone. It has been used for post-traumatic stress syndrome by Acupuncturists Without Borders and has a strong eff ect on insomnia, anxiety and depression,” says Wilson. Th e clinic is non-diagnostic. “Th e needles need to stay in for a minimum of 20 minutes for the full eff ect. Some individuals stay and relax for the full hour. For others that can feel when the treatment is complete can raise their hand, I will remove the needles so they can leave. Th e key factor is that acupuncture is a process with cumulative results. Consistent weekly visits are best for optimal results,” says Wilson, who notes that in her private practice, she requires an initial intake appointment before diagnosis and treatment for specifi c health issues. Th at is not part of her clinic at CasaShanti. Th is unique, one-hour group acupuncture clinic in Lee County might be considered a community service for Fort Myers residents. With today’s out-of-pocket costs for one-on-one acupuncture treatments varying from $125 to $195, the $30 charge per session for CasaShanti Emporium’s acupuncture clinic is most reasonably priced. Preregistration through Eventbrite is preferred, but not necessary. Treatments can be paid in cash or by credit card.

CasaShanti Emporium is located at 2052 Cottage St,. in Ft. Myers. For more information, call 239-208-9872 or visit CasaShanti.us. See ad, page 36.