Eating For Endometriosis

Managing endometriosis is difficult. The amount of tablets and interventions I have tried is tiring, and yet still I am in pain daily. The food that we eat however, can have an effect on the pain that we feel and the symptoms of endometriosis. Previously, I have written a blog about endometriosis and gluten >Read Here< so I have furthered this research and I have put together all that I have found so far when looking into the perfect diet for endometriosis.

Everything that I have read, has led to the notion that all inflammatory foods need to be avoided. When we can reduce inflammation, we are quietening down our immune systems reaction to the endometrial tissue. This can help reduce pain (according to people that have tried this) and there is evidence to suggest that this way of eating can help to reduce extra oestrogen which is responsible for worsening symptoms.

So what are these inflammatory foods that we should avoid?

On a whole you are looking at cutting out or at least severely reducing;

Meat

Meat is often pumped with hormones and antibiotics and therefore can cause hormone imbalances. You should specifically avoid red meat.

Dairy

Dairy contains a sugar called lactose that can be difficult for some people to breakdown and digest which can cause cramping, diarrhoea and pain.

Gluten/Wheat

Gluten is a protein found in grains and wheat products which has been shown to cause diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and bloating in women with gluten sensitivity. Gluten can cause malabsorption of vitamins and minerals that regulate hormones. Gluten, also can cause inflammation and induce autoimmune reactions that attack hormones and hormone receptors.

Processed Foods/Refined Sugars

Sugars and high fats can increase inflammation within the body and therefore are best to avoid!

Soy products

Soy products contain isoflavones or phytoestrogens which essentially mimic our oestrogen levels. Over time, this causes an excess of oestrogen in the body and our symptoms with endometriosis become worse.

If you eliminate these foods and focus on foods that are fresh, organic (foods with no added hormones), and meals that contain a variety of healthy ingredients then you should see a change in your pain/symptoms.

I have eliminated all meat and gluten and most dairy so far and I am finding it fairly easy! There are a lot of options on the market for these dietary requirements and the options are not boring or bland. I have noticed far less bloating and less bowel pain with more regular stools also. As for the actual endometriosis pain, I can't say I have seen a huge difference, however I have only been trialling this for just over a week and in that time, I've been unfortunate to have a massive flare up, so I am hoping when that settles I may see some change! A week in and I have no complaints so far!

Give changing your diet a go and let me know how you get on. I would love to know how you find it helps!

With Love,

Leanne xx