What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is derived from the word "endometrium," which is the tissue that lines the uterus in a woman's body. Patients with Endometriosis have endometrial-type tissue outside of the uterus€” It affects an estimated 25 million women who have Endometriosis in India. Women with Endometriosis are more likely to have infertility or difficulty getting pregnant. Symptoms of Endometriosis may include excessive menstrual cramps, abnormal or heavy menstrual flow, and pain during intercourse.
What is the link between Endometriosis and diet?
A person cannot prevent Endometriosis or similar disease with food. But we can reduce the risk of developing it by avoiding food and chemicals that increase estrogen levels.
Foods that may positively affect Endometriosis:
A person with Endometriosis might consider reducing foods that either cause inflammation or raise estrogen levels, both of which may contribute to the disorder or its symptoms. To fight inflammation and pain caused by Endometriosis, one should consider eating the following:
- Fibrous foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains
- Iron-rich foods, such as dark leafy greens, broccoli, beans, fortified grains, nuts, and 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 that may help:
If a person does not eat fish, it is possible to introduce omega-3 fatty acids into the diet using supplements. These can be purchased at a pharmacy or bought online. A person can also increase their fiber intake. Fiber is an essential part of a healthful diet and may help to lower estrogen levels. In addition to providing lots of vitamins and minerals, eating fresh sources of fiber can also provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can reduce inflammation.
FODMAP diet
The FODMAP diet is a diet in which you eliminate certain carbohydrates to reduce the intake of potentially irritating foods. It is basically to allow the gastrointestinal system to heal. After a person eliminates these foods, they can slowly reintroduce specific foods to see how the body tolerates them. This kind of diet can be difficult for some people because it involves eliminating a high number of food types from their diet, including:
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Processed foods
- Added sugars
Other home remedies for Endometriosis:
In addition to dietary changes and traditional medical treatments for Endometriosis, some people try other home remedies to help manage the condition or its symptoms. Therapies can include:
- Regular exercise
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Vitamin B1
- Magnesium supplements
- Chinese herbs, such as a cinnamontwig or licorice root
As always, consult a doctor before taking any herbal or over-the-counter supplements.
To conclude:
Endometriosis can be debilitating, but one part of managing it could be as close as your kitchen. Food has always been considered medicine and has proved to be magical in many cases. It is only a matter of conscious eating, and it can heal you."
