Health starts in the plate, even for your reproductive organs. As a holistic practice, we can never emphasize enough the importance of diet. Endometriosis is no exception !
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of uterine tissue outside the uterine cavity. It affects 5–10% of women of reproductive age, and 20–50% of women with infertility [1,2]
Here's what you can do to help yourself at home if you have endometriosis.
Foods to avoid
Trans fat
Research has found higher rates of endometriosis diagnoses among women who consume more trans fat.
Trans fat is found predominately in
fried foods
processed foods (anything packaged...)
fast food
High-FODMAP foods
One study found symptoms significantly improved in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and endometriosis who followed a low-FODMAP diet.
Gluten
One study on 207 women with endometriosis showed 75% had a decrease in pain after eliminating gluten from the diet.
Red meat
Some research has shown an increased risk of endometriosis development with a high intake of red meat.
Foods to favor
To fight inflammation and pain caused by endometriosis, it’s best to consume a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet that’s primarily plant-based and full of vitamins and minerals.
Add these to your diet:
fibrous foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains
iron-rich foods: dark leafy greens, broccoli, beans, nuts & seeds
foods rich in essential fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, herring, trout, walnuts, chia, and flax seeds
antioxidant-rich foods found in colorful fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, berries, dark chocolate, spinach, and beets
Supplements
Vitamins E and C
One small study involved 59 women with endometriosis. Participants supplemented with 1,200 international units (IU) of vitamin E and 1,000 IU of vitamin C. Results showed a reduction in chronic pelvic pain and a decrease in inflammation. To get more vitamin E into your diet, check out these foods.
Curcumin (turmeric)
This is the anti-inflammatory part of the well-known spice turmeric. Curcumin inhibits the endometrial cells by reducing estradiol production.
Other helpful things
Chinese medicine and acupuncture definitely help (read our article here)
No matter where you are in your
woman's health, fertility, pregnancy & mothering journey,
if you need support, we can help.
In addition to our own team of fertility & women's health acupuncturists, we are well-connected within the Los Angeles- Pasadena area community to help you find the right integrative and holistic care for you.
On our website, you can learn more about our services, and book an appointment.
If you have more questions please call our front desk, at 626-841-2991, or email us.