Foods to Avoid After Uterine Fibroid Surgery
Jun 01, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chong Yiwen
Introduction
After surgery for uterine fibroids, patients should avoid the following foods:
- **Jujube (Chinese date)**: Its blood-enriching properties may stimulate the growth of uterine fibroids, potentially accelerating their proliferation.
- **Longan fruit**: Known for its qi-tonifying and blood-nourishing effects, it may increase blood flow to uterine fibroids, thereby promoting their growth.
- **Donkey-hide gelatin (ejiao)**: Should be strictly avoided to prevent ischemic necrosis of uterine fibroids.
After surgery for uterine fibroids, patients should avoid the following foods:
1. Peanuts
Peanuts contain vitamin K, which has hemostatic properties and is effective in controlling various types of bleeding disorders. However, uterine fibroid patients should avoid peanuts, as vitamin K’s coagulation-promoting effects may cause intratumoral clotting within the fibroid, potentially leading to infarction or ischemia. Therefore, peanuts are best avoided postoperatively.
2. Red dates (jujubes)
Red dates are sweet and warm in nature, entering the Spleen and Stomach meridians; they function to tonify the middle burner, invigorate Qi, nourish the blood, calm the spirit, and moderate the effects of other herbs. However, their blood-tonifying effect may stimulate the growth of uterine fibroids, accelerating proliferation and impeding recovery—hence, red dates are contraindicated.
3. Longan fruit
Longan fruit tonifies Qi and nourishes the blood, thereby increasing blood flow to uterine fibroids and supplying them with additional nutrients—potentially accelerating their growth, which is detrimental to the patient. Thus, longan fruit is strictly contraindicated.
4. Donkey-hide gelatin (ejiao)
Donkey-hide gelatin nourishes the blood, enriches Yin, moistens dryness, and stops bleeding. To prevent ischemic necrosis of uterine fibroids, patients must avoid consuming it.
