Endometriosis is a disease related to the growth of the lining of the uterus outside its cavity (in the ovaries, peritoneum, intestines or bladder walls). It is estimated that about 1 million women in Poland suffer from it – usually of reproductive age. The most common symptoms of the disorder include: pelvic pain, pain during intercourse and problems with getting pregnant. In addition to pharmacological treatment, proper nutrition is also extremely important, influencing the course of the disease and determining the effectiveness of the therapies used.
Cut Down on Drans Fats
Studies have shown that a high intake of total fat in the diet by women suffering from this disorder can exacerbate the symptoms of the disease. This type of diet translates into an increase in the concentration of estrone and estradiol in the blood serum of a woman, which increases the level of estrogen and additionally intensifies the adverse symptoms of the disorder. The research emphasizes the effect of high consumption of trans fats on the course and the increased risk of developing endometriosis. Similar relationships were observed with the consumption of significant amounts of palm fat in the diet of women. It should be remembered that trans fats are hydrogenated vegetable fats which, as a result of this process, acquire properties harmful to human health.High consumption of products that are their source may lead to the development of not only endometriosis in women, but also type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In order to limit the consumption of this type of ingredient, it is recommended to limit the consumption of chips, crackers and other salty snacks and confectionery products, such as sweet rolls, biscuits, cookies or donuts. See the list of trans fat products .
Avoid Gluten
Due to the classification of endometriosis as one of the autoimmune diseases, scientists also investigated the influence of gluten on the severity of the symptoms of the disorder. The available research results confirmed in some women the beneficial effect of a gluten-free diet on their health and well-being, it is worth considering the elimination of gluten as one of the elements of nutritional modifications during the disease. However, it should be remembered that such a large change in the diet should be consulted with a dietitian in order to determine the legitimacy of introducing a gluten-free diet and how to eliminate this component from the diet.
Try the Fodmap Diet
The Fodmap diet consists in limiting the consumption of easily fermentable products, such as lactose, fructose, fructans or polyhydric alcohols, which could aggravate the gastric symptoms of the disease. This type of diet is often used by people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and is designed to reduce problems associated with the malfunctioning of the digestive system, such as flatulence, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain.The human body has a limited ability to digest the above-mentioned compounds, and their content in the diet increases every year, which may lead to the development of gastrointestinal symptoms. Similar disorders may appear as symptoms of endometriosis, therefore, with individual indications, it happens that a specialist introduces this type of diet among women struggling with this disease.
Watch how Much red Meat you eat
Subsequent studies have shown that high consumption of red meat is associated with an increased risk of developing endometriosis in women. Among study participants who consumed pork or beef daily, the chance of developing the disorder doubled. Interestingly, reducing this type of product in favor of fruit and vegetables probably reduces the risk of disease by 70% ! Therefore, it is worth getting acquainted with the nutritional recommendations, which, taking into account these properties of red meat, impose the limitation of this type of products in favor of eggs, fish or legumes.
Stock up on Fruit
Oxidative stress promotes the development of inflammation, therefore it is recommended to include fruit and vegetables rich in antioxidants, such as carotenoids, vitamin C and E in the diet. Studies have shown that in women suffering from endometriosis, the level of these vitamins may decrease. In order to increase the level of vitamin C, it is recommended to consume kiwi, orange, lemon or strawberries. Red fruit is a good source of carotenoids. What’s more, it is also recommended to consume bioflavonoids contained in berries or flavones supplied with the consumption of red pepper, apricot or parsley.
Eat Iron-RichFoods
One of the symptoms of the disease may also be increased bleeding from endometriosis foci, therefore it is also necessary to consume foods rich in iron. Such management reduces the risk of developing anemia during the course of the disease. Moreover, adequate iron intake is also important for a woman’s fertility, which may be impaired by endometriosis. It is worth including cocoa, nuts, groats, legumes, fish and offal in the diet.
Reach for Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The diet of a woman suffering from endometriosis should be rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, as their low consumption promotes the development of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. The proportion of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the diet is particularly important for the disease process. Incorrect consumption of these ingredients is associated with aggravating pain and increasing the risk of developing hormonal disorders. According to scientists, the best proportion of these ingredients in the diet should be omega-6: omega-3 in a 2: 1 ratio.. The consumption of omega-3 fatty acids adjusted to the body’s needs reduces menstrual pain, regulates inflammation and slows down the growth of endometrial metastases. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, mackerel, herring, trout, carp, nuts and seeds.
Eat Foods Rich in Antioxidants
Many studies report a positive correlation between oxidative stress and the risk of developing endometriosis, hence it is recommended to consume high levels of antioxidants that regulate the level of free radicals in the body. The antioxidant properties are demonstrated by the acids EPA, DHA, vitamins C, E and carotenoids as well as the bioflavonoids mentioned earlier.
Adequate nutrition is not only part of the natural treatment of endometriosis, but also lowers the risk of its development. The diet should take into account the commonly known nutritional recommendations and individually consider elimination diets after consulting a doctor or dietitian.
