• I want to share a personal story about what I have learned regarding uterine fibroids.  I was having a pelvic ultrasound done to check for ovarin cancer which took my mothers life many years ago.  The radiologist didn’t find a problem with my ovaries but discovered I have many uterine fibroids.  Through some reading on my own I have discovered fibroids can be genetically linked (known to run in families).
• As many as 20 to 30 percent of all women develop fibroid tumors.  Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that form on the interior and exterior muscular wall of the uterus.  The tumors are abnormal muscle cells which are not fibrous.  So the name fibroid can be misleading.  The fibroid tumors tend to form around a woman’s age of late thirties and early forties, and then usually shrink after menopause.
• There are many times women don’t even know they have fibroid tumors.  In a lot of cases there are no symptoms.  But there can be symptoms of heavy and frequent menstrual periods, anemia, fatigue and weakness as a result of blood loss, and bleeding between periods.  Also a women can have back/and or pelvic pain, pain in the legs, pressure upon the bladder or the bowels, depending upon where the precise location of the fibroids.  I was experiencing back pain, a symptom my mother talked about after her diagnosis of ovarian cancer, which is what made me question my health.  I also had been having heavy and frequent menstrual periods.  This concerned me due to another symptom my mother discussed about her hemorraging , even though she had already gone through menopause.  I have not quite reached that point yet.  Had I not allowed myself to question my health I would not have known my fibroids were bad.  The radiologist did say my uterus is quite enlarged which might explain the bloated feeling I have had lately in my abdomen.  I have done some reading about ways to help reduce the tumor growth, and improve my immune system.  Some nutrient supplement suggestions are: Continue Reading »

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• Not sure why but I keep finding these recipes that have full-flavor with a great combination of spices.  This stew is just another one of those great tasting recipes.  The stew was full of hearty seasoning.  I enjoyed the combination of vegetables, beans, and pasta.  This recipe will fill your house with a flavorful aroma.

Eggplant and Tomato Stew Recipe

1/2 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium red, yellow, or green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

14.5-ounce can no-salt added diced tomatoes with green peppers and onions, undrained

8 ounces eggplant, peeled and diced (about 1 small)

8 ounces whole button mushrooms, quartered

1/2 cup red wine (regular or nonalcoholic) or water

1 1/2 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)

15-ounce can no-salt added dark kidney beans, rinsed and drained

4 ounces dried rotini

1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)

1/2 teaspoon salt Continue Reading »

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