How Dietary Changes Can Help Manage Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common medical condition that affects more than 11% of American women between 15 and 44. Though common, endometriosis is a condition that is still misunderstood and treatment options remain lacking.

Endometriosis occurs when specialized cells that line the inside of the uterus are unexpectedly found in other areas such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries or pelvis. When this occurs it can lead to symptoms such as:

Painful menstrual periods
Heavy menstrual periods
Lower back, intestinal and pelvic pain
Pain during or after sex

Furthermore, the symptoms of endometriosis can be debilitating and have a negative impact on a woman’s fertility. So finding effective ways to manage the condition is important. In this article we consider one such tool that may help with symptoms, dietary changes.

Treating Endometriosis

At present, there is no known cure for endometriosis. Management of the condition is centered around controlling symptoms. Pain relief medications, contraceptive pills and other hormone-based medicines are the cornerstone of management. However, other lifestyle factors such as diet, may also have a role to play.

The link between diet and endometriosis is supported by emerging evidence that shows some dietary changes can have a beneficial impact on symptoms. On their own, dietary changes will not cure endometriosis. However, they should be considered as part of an overall management strategy.

Endometriosis and Diet

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders found that diet can affect several processes that are involved in endometriosis, including inflammation. Consequently, it has been suggested that diets such as an anti-inflammatory diet might be helpful in the fight against endometriosis symptoms.

The items below follow the guidelines of an anti-inflammatory diet and may help lessen your symptoms.

Eat and drink more of the following

Omega-3 fatty acids: cold water fish (salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel) and fish oils, ground flax seeds or flax leafy green vegetables
Low-glycemic foods
Low-glycemic fruits: berries, cherries, apples, pears
Foods high in antioxidants: yellow, orange, and red vegetables, dark leafy greens (spinach, Romaine lettuce)
Vegetable proteins: soybeans, beans, lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds
Complex carbohydrates: whole grains, brown rice, bulgur wheat, sweet potatoes
Beverages: water, tea (white, green, black, Oolong)

Eat and drink less of the following

Animal and dairy proteins (they contain arachidonic acid which increases inflammation):
Meat, especially red meat
Dairy (except high quality cheese and yogurt)
Simple carbohydrates: gluten and wheat, white flour products, crackers, chips, pastries, other snack foods
Saturated and trans fats: butter, cream, high-fat cheese
Highly processed foods: foods with a long shelf life (chips, crackers)
Beverages: Alcohol

While no dietary changes have been shown to definitively reduce symptoms of endometriosis, an anti-inflammatory diet has been may lessen some symptoms. The use of diet as part of an overall strategy to help manage your endometriosis is something worth considering.