Endometriosis and diet The influence of diet on endometriosis has been the focus of a number of studies lately. Outcomes have shown that endometriosis and diet are linked and that fats, dairy, gluten and fibre all play a role. Endometriosis and fat Low intake of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) is associated with increased risk on endometriosis. A diet low in PUFA’s favours inflammation. Inflammation in the abdominal cavity not only causes pain, but also creates an environment in which endometriosis thrives. PUFAs are found in fish like salmon and trout, safflower oil, flaxseed oil and flaxseeds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds. Like PUFA’s, omega-3 fatty acids were associated with a lower risk on endometriosis. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in salmon, sardines, mackerel, flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts to name but a few. This shows that including fish, nuts and seeds in your diet on a regular basis can help improve endometriosis. Endometriosis and dairy A diet low in calcium and vitamin D showed a higher risk on endometriosis, while a diet high in calcium and vitamin had a positive influence. Some studies have suggested that dairy consumption was associated with a decreased risk on endometriosis, and that women who had more than 3 servings of dairy per day were 18% less likely to develop endometriosis than those who had 2 servings per day. However, other studies showed that this only applied to low-fat dairy. Endometriosis and gluten Over 200 women with endometriosis followed a gluten free diet in 2012. 75% reported a significant improvement in pain, 25% reported no changes but nobody’s pain got worse over these 12 months. In addition to this, all patients reported that they felt better in general, had more energy and improved moods. It is worthwhile adopting a gluten free diet for several months. Endometriosis and fibre Inadequate fibre intake was associated with increased inflammation in endometriosis. Fibre is found in seeds, nuts, legumes, fruits and grains (but choose gluten free grains). Endometriosis, green vegetables and red meat A study on over 500 women showed that a diet high in green vegetables significantly reduced the risk on endometriosis, whereas a diet high in beef, other red meat and ham was associated with an increased risk on endometriosis. Endometriosis and antioxidants Women with endometriosis were found to have lower levels of antioxidants vitamin A, C and E and zinc. Because endometriosis generates free radicals, a diet rich in antioxidants might be supportive, but no specific research in the influence of a diet high in Vitamin A, C and E has been carried out yet. Summarized Overall, research shows that including fish, nuts, seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables and dairy in your diet, but avoiding gluten and red meat can help manage endometriosis. This research was brought to you by Narelle Stegehuis MHSc, BHSc (Naturopathy), a practicing medical herbalist and naturopath specializing in restorative endocrinology for women, with over 14 years clinical experience. She is an accomplished writer, editor and technical training advisor for the media. A recipient of the Australian Naturopathic Excellence Award, Narelle adopts an integrated approach of both medical science and traditional complementary health care principles and can be contacted at, massattack.au" Reference: 1. Thomas DS, Natarajan JR, “Diet – a new approach to treating endometriosis – what is the evidence?” IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science, Jul-Aug 2013, Vol 1, Issue 5, p 04-11
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 23:55:22 +0000
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