Endometriosis and Diet

A proper diet for endometriosis is highly effective in terms of pain reduction as well aiding other symptoms usually endured by sufferers of such a chronic, painful disease.

Endometriosis is a gynaecological problem affecting two million women in the UK. It happens when misplaced endometrium tissue, which normally lines the uterus, grows on the outside of the uterus. This tissue is unable to exit the body as it usually does via menstruation. Hence, inflammation, internal bleeding and pain result.

Treatment for endometriosis is related to how far the disease has progressed. Drugs can be prescribed which are aimed at stopping normal hormonal cycles in order to keep abnormal tissue from spreading.

In some cases, a hysterectomy is recommended when symptoms are severe or disabling. However, this is not always the solution to the problem.

In lesser cases, a laparoscopy is undertaken whereby a laser is utilised to vapourise abnormal endometrial tissue.

Shoud you suffer from endometriosis, changes in your diet can help reduce the pain. Simple dietary changes and use of supplements can decrease inflammation and contain early symptoms

Pain in your body as a result of endometriosis is due to the production of natural fatty acids called prostaglandins, derived from what we eat. By altering the oils you eat, you can asssit in the prevention of prostaglandins which stimulate contraction and cause pain.

Exercise can also help endometriosis, along with changes to your diet. Moderate exercise like walking aids your wellbeing. Some research studies have demonstrated that exercise can lower the body's production of estrogen. Lowered estrogen levels assist in the suppression of endometriosis symptoms.

Fats and Oils

It is vital to reduce your dietary intake of saturated fats. Foods high in saturated fats include:

  • Lard
  • Butter
  • Animal products
  • Dairy products
  • Palm oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Cocoa butter

It is also important to ensure the inclusion of omega 3 fatty acids in your diet. Omega 3 fatty acids help the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins that are useful in soothing your discomfort. Sources include:

  • Flax seed oil and flaxseeds
  • Salmon, tuna and halibut
  • Evening primrose oil
  • Olive oil (not to be used for frying)
  • Safflower oil
  • Walnut oil and walnuts
  • Winter squash
  • Beans

Fibre

It is essential that an edometriosis-friendly diet is high in fibre. Estrogen production is reduced when you consume a high fibre diet. An added bonus will be that your digestion improves.

It will be benefical for you should you try to eat around 25g of fibre on a daily basis. This can easily be done by eating the following foods:

  • Wholegrains (however no wheat)
  • Brown Rice
  • Oatmeal
  • Legumes
  • Fresh fruit and vegetables (organic - wherever possible)

Your ideal diet ought to consist of approximately 50% raw fruit and vegetables. At least a serving or two on a daily basis ought to be of green vegetables, such as, broccoli and mustard greens, to help the balance of estrogen levels.

Soya

There are contrary views as to adding soy products to a diet for endometriosis.

Certain experts consider soya to be extremely important in managing endometriosis. Other experts assert that soya has high amounts of phytic acid (as is the case with wheat). Therefore, it ought to be avoided as the phytic acid is likely to aggravate symptoms of endometriosis.

Fermented soy products such as, tempeh, tamari and miso can be consumed and safely eaten, nonetheless in slight amounts.

Foods for Endometriosis

It is helpful to try and eat the right foods and avoid the wrong foods for any condition. Here are a few foods to note for Endometroisis:

Foods to Eat Foods to Avoid
Onions and garlic Refined carbs
Legumes (peas, beans) garlic Wheat
Carrots and celery Sugar and Honey  
Rhubarb Caffeine
Celery Alcohol
Ginger, sage, parsley  Chocolate
Seeds, seed sprouts Fried foods  
Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage) Dairy products
Apples Eggs
Red and purple berries Meat and animal products
(other than organic, skinless chicken)
Fennel Hydrogenated fats
Green Tea Soya  

Diet Supplements for Endometriosis

As well as a healthy, well planned diet for endometriosis, these supplements can be helpful:

Supplement How It Can Help
Vitamin E Balances hormones, as well as strengthening the immune system
Vitamin B complex Good for production of blood cells and strengthening the immune system
Iron To redress iron deficiency as well as aneamia
Vitamin C Acts as a boost for the immune system
Zinc Helps in the repair of tissue and boosts immune system
Calcium and Magnesium Can help ease cramps and headaches.

A proper diet, complementary diet supplements and a moderate exercise plan should all make an improvement to your endometriosis symptoms. Should symptoms worsen, it is vital to contact your GP instantly.