When you have endometriosis, cells that are very similar to the cells from your endometrium (lining of your uterus) grow in other parts of your body. The cells may stick to your bladder, fallopian tubes or other organs. Then, the cells try to shed during your period — but the blood has nowhere to go.
The trapped blood from the misplaced cells causes inflammation of nearby organs and tissues. This inflammation can lead to endometriosis symptoms like pain, fatigue and digestive problems, as well as, in some cases, infertility.
Best and Worst Foods for Endometriosis
When it comes to managing the symptoms of endometriosis, diet and nutrition can play a significant role. Food plays a role in fighting endometriosis and others can worsen the symptoms.
Fiber Helps Remove Excess Estrogen
While estrogen is a key hormone, too much estrogen can aggravate endometriosis symptoms like cramping and pain. FIber helps to bind and eliminate excess estrogen in the intestinal tract. Healthy bowel habits like going to the washroom daily is necessary to ensure that extra estrogen doesn not exacerbate symptoms of pain. Ensure adequate fiber intake using
- Fruits and vegetables
- Ground flaxseeds
- Legumes
- Vegetables
- Whole grains like whole-wheat pasta
Lowering Inflammation with Fats
As an inflammatory condition, Omega 3 fats can clam inflammation from endometriosis. Good food sources of omega 3s include:
- Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna
- Nuts and seeds, like walnuts, chia and flaxseeds
- Avocados
Foods to avoid
Certain foods can promote inflammation and pain. Limit or avoid:
- alcohol: wine, beer and spirits
- caffeine: limit caffeine to 400 mg or less
- processed foods
- sugary drinks
Supplements that can support pain relief
Curcumin
- having antioxidant properties that can be useful in conbatting inflammation and pain
NAC
- shown to possibly reduce endometrial cyst size
Ginger
- anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties
Vitamin C
- may help to decrease pain
To understand how we can best support you with evidence based nutraceuticals and diet counselling for the management of endometriosis, speak with one of our Naturopaths today.
