Endometriosis
Endometriosis is one of the most common health issues experienced among women. It’s estimated that over 176 million women worldwide suffer from endometriosis symptoms.That is 1 in 10 women! Nurse Fiona talks us through diet and lifestyle measures that can be taken to support women with this common condition.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition resulting from the appearance of endometrial tissue outside the uterus and causing pelvic pain, especially associated with menstruation. Endometriosis is present when the tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus (womb) occurs outside this layer and causes pain and/or infertility. The lining layer is called the endometrium and this is the layer of tissue that is shed each month with menstruation (period) or where a pregnancy settles and grows.
What causes Endometriosis?
The exact cause is unknown. One theory is that the endometrial tissue is deposited in unusual locations by the retrograde flow of menstrual debris through the Fallopian tubes into the pelvic and abdominal cavities. The cause of this retrograde menstruation is not clearly understood.
| Foods to avoid | Foods to include |
| Dairy | Green leafy vegetables |
| Processed foods | Cruciferous vegetables |
| Refined sugars | Blueberries |
| Alcohol | Wild salmon |
| Caffeine | Walnuts |
| Refined carbohydrates | Flax & chia seeds |
| Trans fats | Pineapple |
| Soy | Turmeric & ginger |
| Excess red meat | Coconut oil |
**Eat organic and local where possible
Supplements
- B complex (can aid detoxification and elimination of hormones)
- Omega 3 complex (can help to reduce inflammation and balance hormones)
- Vitex agnus castus (Balances oestrogen/progesterone ratios)
- Probiotics (needed for healthy hormone metabolism & excretion)
- Turmeric extract (clinically proven to reduce inflammation)
Avoid Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are found in various materials such as pesticides, metals, additives or contaminants in food, and personal care products. These chemicals can mimic oestrogen and recent studies have linked EDCs to reproductive health problems such as Endometriosis. See journal below and attached on Endocrine disruptors (1).