Endometriosis is an often painful condition that affects more than 5 million women in the U.S. alone. While commonly treated with various hormone therapies, there have been women positively affected by alternative medicine coupled with a change in diet.
This diet can be challenging and slightly more expensive, but for those looking for an all-natural option, this is a good place to start. And overall, it will leave the body healthier. It is also important to remember that although it may seem as though there is nothing left to eat except berries and nuts, there are many alternatives out there for common food products.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when particles of tissue from the lining of the womb (called the endometrium) travel to different parts of the body and attach to other organs, forming implants. These particles react each month to hormonal changes in the reproductive cycle and breakdown and bleed. But with nowhere for the blood to go, the particles can develop into growths and become larger. These growths commonly cause significant pain during the menstrual cycle and in more serious cases can lead to infertility. Therefore, the idea behind the diet is to avoid foods that can make the symptoms of endometriosis worse.
Foods to Avoid
Foods linked to aggravation of the symptoms of endometriosis include gluten (wheat, rye and barley), dairy, refined sugar, soy, caffeine, and red meat.
Dairy products and red meat can stimulate the body's production of prostaglandins, which may lead to and exacerbate inflammation and pain. Red meat, refined sugars and caffeine have been linked to estrogen production in the body or have been found to cause hormone imbalances. In addition, soy products are to be avoided because of the modern processing of this product that makes it higher in toxins and lower in healthfulness. Finally, gluten should be avoided as it has been pinpointed as a possible irritant to endometrial implants.
What's Left to Eat?
It is very easy to find gluten-free products in stores, and the FDA has recently made regulations that products containing common allergens like gluten and dairy must say so right on the package. Organic fruits, vegetables, eggs and white meats can be eaten on this diet as they won't contain the same toxins and hormones as non-organic foods. There are also several substitutes for sugar, and most products like cheese, butter and milk are also available dairy-free. Take care to read lables on all food packages to always know exactly what's in the product.
Many have reported positive results from trying this diet. However, individuals taking seriously a life change to naturally relieve or even eliminate endometriosis and its symptoms should also consider alternative medicine, such as acupuncture or seeing a naturepath or homeopath. These options are not often covered by insurance but can be helpful in that they tend to treat the whole body and seek the root of a condition that can be detrimental to a woman's life.
Reference
Levett, Carolyn; Recipes for the Endometriosis Diet. Endo-Resolved, 2005.
