Endometriosis is a condition that develops when tissues lining the uterus grow outside of the uterus. This tissue acts like normal uterine tissue does during the menstrual cycle and will break apart and bleed at the end of the period. Read this article to get an overview of endometriosis causes, symptoms and dietary management.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic, painful condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. These tissue growths are called endometrial implants and are found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, and other pelvic organs. These tissues respond to hormonal changes, especially estrogen, leading to inflammation, pain, and scar tissue formation. Endometriosis causes pain and, at times, more severe pain, specifically during menstrual cycles. In a few women, it may lead to fertility issues, however, effective treatments are available.

To Optimise Overall Health And Well-Being, Shop From Our Broad Range Of Health Supplements

Type of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is categorised into three main types based on location:

Superficial peritoneal lesion is the most common type. In this type, lesions develop in the peritoneum, a thin film that lines the pelvic cavity

Endometrioma (ovarian lesion) is a dark, fluid-filled cyst, also called a chocolate cyst, formed deep inside the ovaries. This type of endometriosis does not respond well to treatment and may further damage healthy tissue.

Also Read: Endometriosis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Deeply infiltrating endometriosis grows under your peritoneum region and includes organs near your uterus, like the bowels or bladder.

Causes of Endometriosis

The exact cause of endometriosis is still not very clear; however, several studies contribute to these factors:

In some women, menstrual blood flows backwards via the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity, which leads endometrial cells to implant. This is called retrograde menstruation.

Women with a strong family history of endometriosis are at higher risk.

Hormonal Imbalance resulting in high levels of estrogen may support the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.

A compromised immune system may fail to damage misplaced endometrial cells.

Endometrial cells may attach to incisions after surgeries like C-sections.

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

Generally, symptoms may vary from person to person, they may range from mild to severe. Common signs include:

• Intense pelvic pain, especially during menstruation
• Painful periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Heavy menstrual bleeding or spotting between periods
• Fatigue and digestive issues, such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
• Infertility

Remember that the severity of pain does not always indicate the extent of the condition.

Dietary Therapy for Endometriosis

There is no complete cure for endometriosis, however, dietary management can help regulate symptoms by mitigating pain, inflammation, maintaining hormone balance and gut health.

Foods to Eat And Avoid

Foods To Include

Fiber-Rich Foods

A diet abundant in fiber aids in removing excess estrogen, which is a main hormone needed by the body for normal reproductive functioning. However, excess estrogen can worsen endometriosis symptoms like abdominal cramps and pain. Hence, a diet rich in fiber can greatly help. Increase your fiber intake by adding more:

• Fresh or boiled fruits and vegetables
• Add flaxseed powder to smoothies or baked goods
• Include plant-based protein like beans, lentils and chickpeas.
• Eat whole grains, like whole-wheat pasta, brown bread, and brown rice

Healthy Fats

Including healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can help combat inflammation caused by endometriosis. Some of the food sources abundant in omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Fatty fish
• Canola oil and flaxseed oil
• Nuts and seeds like walnuts, flaxseed and chia seeds
• Monounsaturated fats such as avocados, olive oil, peanut butter and safflower oil

Also Read: Women’s Health: 5 Must-To-Add Power Foods To Recharge And Nourish Reproductive Health

Minerals Rich Foods

Minerals play a key role in relaxing muscles and regulating the menstrual cycle. Include plenty of zinc and magnesium-rich foods as they help reduce inflammation and maintain hormone balance.

Magnesium-rich foods include:

• Dark chocolate
• Leafy greens, like spinach
• Legumes, like black beans.
• Nuts and seeds such as almonds and pumpkin seeds

Zinc-loaded food includes:

• Chicken
• Crabs, oysters, and lobsters

Add Probiotics

A healthy gut microbiome helps in the proper elimination of hormones. Add plenty of probiotic-rich foods like yigurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, idly, dhokla and fermented foods.

Go Organic When Possible

Pesticides and hormones in non-organic food can mimic estrogen and worsen symptoms. Choose organic dairy, meat, and produce whenever possible.

Foods To Avoid

A few food items may worsen endometriosis pain as they increase inflammation and estrogen levels.  Some of the foods to be avoided include:

• Wine, beer, and spirits
• Coffee and tea
• Restrict the intake of overall saturated fat to 10% of the daily calories needed

Most packaged food contains pro-inflammatory substances like added sugar, saturated fat and trans-fat. These foods are low in fiber, healthy fats and essential minerals.

Sugary drinks such as fruit juices, sodas and energy drinks worsen inflammation and should be avoided.

Limit intake of artificial sweeteners as they disturb gut flora and digestive health.

Conclusion

Endometriosis can be a hard and challenging condition to manage, however, a wholesome, well-balanced anti-inflammatory diet, combined with proper medical treatment and stress management techniques, can remarkably improve quality of life. Talk to an expert to help you understand the body and manage this condition naturally.

(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specialising in tailoring personalised diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics, including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

Nutrition in the prevention and treatment of endometriosis: A review

Neal D Barnard 1,2, Danielle N Holtz 1, Natalie Schmidt 1,3, Sinjana Kolipaka 1,3, Ellen Hata 1,4, Macy Sutton 1, Tatiana Znayenko-Miller 1, Nicholas D Hazen 5, Christie Cobb 6, Hana Kahleova 1,*

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9983692/

Endometriosis and the effects of dietary interventions: what are we looking for?

Annemiek Nap 1,✉, Nicole de Roos 2

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9259892/

Diet characteristics in patients with endometriosis

Author links open overlay panel

Agostino Ruotolo , Silvia Vannuccini ,Tommaso Capezzuoli , Francesca Pampaloni

, Sofia Cecere ,Ernesto Gallucci ,Felice Petraglia