Endometriosis

/

Most women who have endometriosis suffer from symptoms such as pain before and during menstruation, pain during and after sex, lower back pain and abdominal/pelvic pain, heavy and prolonged bleeding, irregular cycle, bowel irregularity’s such as constipation, diarrhea and abdominal bloating. 1 in 10 women are estimated to have endometriosis.

The tissue found in the uterus (Endometrium) grows on other pelvic organs such as the ovaries, bowel or fallopian tube. This tissue thickens and bleeds just like the tissue does during the menstrual cycle. This tissue trapped in your pelvis can cause irritation, adhesion’s, fertility problems and severe debilitating pain during your periods. It was noted that 35% of infertile women may have endometriosis.

Endometriosis is an whole body inflammatory condition that is influenced by the immune system and potentially a microbial disease. Despite the high prevalence of the disease, not much is known about what causes it, however there is some discussion around genetics. A number of dietary, inherited and lifestyle factors can influence the risk of developing endometriosis.

Diet

The intake of red meat either as processed or unprocessed is a major culprit in promoting endometriosis risk.  Also it has been stated that A1 casein from cow’s dairy, and possibly egg can increase inflammation. It is recommenced to completely avoid dairy during a test period of eight weeks.

There is a link between celiac disease and endometriosis, one study showed that going gluten free for 12 months has shown to reduce painful symptoms (If you eliminate food groups please get guidance from a professional to prevent nutrient deficiencies).

Gut bacteria

Bacteria is crucial to the normal functioning of the human body, and the idea behind probiotics is that consuming certain kinds of bacteria can help improve health. The female reproductive tract is reported to be mainly colonized by Lactobacillus species in healthy subjects of reproductive age.

One study suggests that endometriosis is associated with changes in normal bowel flora, therefore inclusion of live cultures of lactobacillus bacteria can be useful in endometriosis suffers. Another study showed some beneficial effects of lactobacillus administration on endometriosis-related pain.

The findings also suggest that bacteria in the gut microbiome may help drive, or prevent, progression of the disease. This shows that what you eat can affect the bacteria in the gut, and that can promote endometriosis, so it's important to have healthy habits and to make sure you are harbouring good bacteria so you reduce the progression disease and the pain associated with it.

In a new animal study treating with metronidazole (Antibiotic) can reduced the size of endometriosis-related lesions in the gut, this new research is promising in the treatment of endometriosis.

Nutrients that reduce endometriosis

  • Zinc- supplementation may open up a effective therapeutic approach for patients with oxidative stress-related endometrial diseases.

  • N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)-  results clearly show that by targeting various molecular and biochemical pathways involved in the initiation and maintenance of this disease, NAC effectively treats ovarian endometriosis.

  • Turmeric- studies have shown that curcumin regulates diverse molecular targets implicated in inflammation. 

  • Calcium D-glucarate can benefit oestrogen dominance which can be linked to endometriosis.

  • Omega 3 -Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation. The best sources of omega-3 are oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout and herring.

Your diet and the benefits.

Maintaining a healthy diet is always important and especially so for anyone dealing with a chronic, debilitating condition. Incorporating a wholefood diet can be beneficial for endometriosis. Diet and nutrition have come of age to be at the forefront in the fight against endometriosis, based on recent evidence-supported studies.

Contact Vanessa for a consultation.