Endometriosis is a painful hormonal condition that millions of women all around the world are afflicted by. The prevention of, and relief from the symptoms brought on due to this condition can be controlled, to a great extent, by the diet that one follows (in addition to the medical treatment that is administered). In this following HerHaleness article, we will go through the details of an endometriosis diet.
Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition that many women are afflicted by. In this, a few tissue particles from the endometrium, which normally grow inside the uterus, grow, or travel outside the uterus (most commonly found on the ovaries, top of the vagina, and/or the lining of the pelvis behind the uterus, but sometimes may even travel to other distant organs). These tissues then give rise to implants and react to hormonal changes in the reproductive system every month to breakdown and bleed. Since there is no outlet for this bleeding to flow, they form larger clots and continue to grow every month. These growths lead to significant pelvic pain during the menstrual cycle and lead to infertility.
Along with the medical treatment that is prescribed for this condition, an endometriosis diet is also brought into action which helps avoid foods that worsen the symptoms. The following sections of this HerHaleness article will go into the details of this diet plan.
Endometriosis Diet Plan
The pain caused by the condition is brought on due to the naturally-occurring fatty acids, prostaglandins. These are derived from the fatty foods which are consumed through junk and fast foods. Thus, if the oils and fats ingested through these foods are considerably cut down, one can prevent the prostaglandins which lead to the painful contractions. Mentioned in the following table is a list of foods that should be eaten and those that should be avoided.
| Foods to Eat | Foods to Avoid |
| Seeds and seed sprouts | Chocolate |
| Onions and garlic | Refined carbohydrates |
| Legumes (beans, peas) | Wheat |
| Carrots and celery | Sugar and honey |
| Yogurt | Alcohol |
| Rhubarb | Caffeine |
| Green tea | Fried foods |
| Ginger, parsley and sage | Dairy products |
| Red and purple berries | Hydrogenated fats |
| Apples | Meats and animal products (other than organic, skinless poultry) |
| Fennel | Eggs |
| Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) | Soy |
The following list consists of fats and oils that must be avoided owing to the excessive prostaglandin stimulation that they cause.
- Dairy products
- Cocoa butter
- Palm oil
- Butter
- Coconut oil
- Animal products
- Lard
The following list consists of those fats and oils which consist of omega-3 fatty acids. These do not stimulate the formation of prostaglandins in any way. On the contrary, they help in the formation of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins which help sooth the pain.
- Beans
- Winter squash
- Safflower oil
- Salmon, halibut or tuna
- Flax seeds and oil
- Olive oil (do not use for frying)
- Evening primrose oil
- Walnuts and walnut oil
- Fibers like brown rice, oatmeal, whole grains
With an inclusion of these foods, the diet becomes a balanced meal, rich with nutrients from all the basic food groups, thus alleviating the pain that is brought on. When a woman’s body is already weak during her menstruation, these foods increase the energy and provide for the much-needed relief.
With a list of foods to avoid and those to consume provided for, it will become easier for you to plan recipes accordingly. This condition can be controlled, provided you keep your eating habits in check and take care of your health.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.
