Naomi Isted Reveals How Diet Saved Her from ‘Unnecessary Hysterectomy’
TV presenter Naomi Isted has opened up about how she was advised to undergo a hysterectomy for a debilitating health condition, only to discover that a simple diet change could resolve her symptoms. Naomi was diagnosed with a 10cm fibroid that left her housebound and suffering from severe, heavy periods, via the Mirror.
The non-cancerous growth caused Naomi significant distress, as she struggled with heavy bleeding that could leak through her clothes if she wasn’t vigilant. As a self-employed interior designer, TV personality, and businesswoman, she feared the possibility of an embarrassing leak on live TV, which led to her losing around £20,000 in work opportunities.
Speaking to Mail Online about her ordeal, Naomi said, “It was so bad. I was bleeding so heavily I couldn’t leave the house. I couldn’t even leave my bedroom. I couldn’t go out, couldn’t see friends. I couldn’t go to red carpets. I couldn’t go out to work events. So I couldn’t work with any brands at the time because, you know, it totally impacted my work and my social life.”
Naomi’s health issues had worsened over a three-year period before she received the devastating diagnosis of a 10cm fibroid. Initially, her doctor recommended a hysterectomy, which left her feeling fearful and unsure about the procedure’s necessity. Naomi decided to try an embolisation, a less invasive procedure but saw no improvement after three months. Determined to find an alternative, she sought a second opinion from a private doctor.
Her new consultant assured her that a hysterectomy was not her only option and recommended she adjust her diet, specifically reducing her intake of sugar and carbohydrates. Remarkably, within a month, Naomi’s fibroid shrank from 10cm to 2.5cm, and her excessive bleeding began to ease. The dietary changes transformed her life, leaving her feeling healthier and more positive about her relationship with food.
Reflecting on the experience, Naomi shared, “I was in tears because I’m 45, but to have the thought that you could never have kids again, that they’re taking that option away from you without anything else. They mentioned embolisation, but they just really dissed it. Some doctors would just say the only option is a hysterectomy for this. I’ve been seen by so many different doctors that they didn’t even know I had seen another doctor. It was just so messy.”
Naomi’s story highlights the importance of seeking multiple opinions when faced with major health decisions. By exploring other options, she was able to find a solution that not only improved her health but also avoided a life-changing surgery.