Endometriosis Diet, Nutrition

Endometriosis is a painful condition experienced by women wherein the tissue lining the uterus grows elsewhere in the pelvic cavity. Lesions of endometriosis may be found on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, on the side walls of the pelvis, the bladder, the intestines, the colon, or even on the scars left by caesarian section or laparoscopy. Pelvic pain is a common symptom.

High levels of estrogen in the body is said to cause the painful symptoms associated with endometriosis. An endometriosis diet focuses on foods that help maintain the balance of hormones in the body and boost its immune system, while avoiding foods that trigger the cramps. Many women who suffer from the condition seem to be sensitive to gluten in wheat and hence eating a gluten-free diet and endometriosis pain control go hand-in-hand.

A paleo diet that includes only fresh simple foods like fruits, nuts, vegetables, eggs, and fish has been found to be an effective ally in dealing with endometriosis. A paleo diet and endometriosis pain management are compatible because grains, beans, and dairy products that seem to trigger the pain are completely avoided in a paleo diet.

Diet Plan:

A bowl of fresh fruit and nuts, drizzled with honey can help give a fresh burst of energy to start the day with. A cup of fresh green tea or mint tea can replace the regular coffee or tea. Eggs and organ meats like liver and kidneys can make the breakfast more sumptuous. Small quantities of nuts, seeds, gluten-free cookies and chunks of fruits are a great mid-morning snack. Different combinations of vegetables and lentils in soups, salads, combined with gluten-free breads, sea food and white meat including chicken and turkey work well to make lunch and dinner filling meals. The goal of the diet plan should be to stabilize hormone levels, avoid abdominal cramps, and maintain the required energy levels.

Foods To Eat & Avoid Endometriosis

Recommended Foods:

Basically, all endometriosis foods are those that are recommended for a healthy diet like green vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, fish, eggs, and lean meat. Since it is best to avoid dairy products and red meat for endometriosis patients, they need to find other sources of calcium like green leafy vegetables and nuts. Foods that reduce and heal endometriosis include high fiber foods like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grains, other than wheat and foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as tuna, walnuts. and pumpkin seeds. In fact, sunflower oil, rich in omega 3 fatty acids, may be the ideal cooking medium as endometriosis patients cannot tolerate animal fat or soy oil.

Foods To Avoid:

Foods linked to estrogen production like caffeine, refined flours and sugar, and red meats are foods to avoid with endometriosis. Gluten from wheat products acts as a trigger for endometriosis pain, and therefore, wheat is considered one of the foods that aggravate endometriosis. Elimination of alcohol intake is very important to maintain liver function at optimum levels so that excess estrogen is removed by the liver.

Nutrition:

Given the long list of common foods to avoid like wheat, sugar, red meats, soy, processed foods, fried foods, and fast food, it is understandable that people have concerns about malnutrition when they have endometriosis. Endometriosis nutritional therapy recommends organic food that is free of chemicals that trigger estrogen production. Bean sprouts, alfalfa, and flax seed form a part of the diet as they supply the body with vital phytoestrogens. Endometriosis nutrition tips suggest the use of corn tortillas, gluten free pastas for variety, and adding maple syrup and coconut milk to desserts to make them tastier.

Vitamins:

Vitamins, particularly vitamin B complex, C, and E, help to control estrogen production and decrease the intensity of cramps during menstruation. Vitamins for endometriosis are very important for those who follow a paleo diet as they risk encountering vitamin deficiencies. Antioxidants in beta carotene and vitamins C and E help fight free radicals and reduce damage to tissue. Moreover, vitamins A and C are also effective in reducing menstrual flow while Vitamin E’s anti-spasmodic properties help to reduce the pain.

Supplements:

Mineral supplements for endometriosis taken along with vitamins may include iron, selenium, magnesium, and zinc compounds. Natural supplements for endometriosis may include evening primrose oil, ginger, and wild yam to reduce cramps. Herbal supplements for endometriosis include extracts of red raspberry and horsetail, which are found to be effective in controlling bleeding. Along with vitamin supplements for endometriosis, doctors may also prescribe birth control pills to stop the spread of the disease.

Symptoms, Causes & Treatment For Endometriosis

Symptoms:

Pelvic pain
Infertility
Diarrhea
Excessive bleeding during periods
Painful bowel movements
Nausea and vomiting before periods

Causes:

An underactive thyroid gland is often considered responsible for the growth of endometriosis tissue since the thyroid gland can affect the hormonal balance in the body.
According to another theory, the backward flow caused by retrograde menstruation may carry endometrial cells into the fallopian tubes or ovaries where they get deposited and grow.
Abnormalities in a woman’s immune system may also be the cause for endometriosis.

Treatment:

Painkillers to tackle the cramps.
Hormone replacement therapy for some cases to restore the balance of hormones.
Contraceptive pills in cases where endometriosis is not severe.

Prevention:

An early pregnancy, as medical professionals advise the risk of the disease is higher for someone who has never given birth, especially for women who have a family history of endometriosis.
Long-term use of contraceptive pills also offers some protection against endometriosis.

Diagnosis:

Endometriosis diagnosis is usually delayed because the symptoms can be attributed to other problems like pelvic inflammatory disease or fibroids. Diagnosis involves:

A simple physical examination may be enough to establish it in some cases.
A laparoscopy may be required to take a tissue sample and confirm the diagnosis.
Imaging tests may also be used to judge the extent of the spread of the disease.

Submitted on January 16, 2014