Many women seek complementary and natural approaches to managing and healing from endometriosis. Research is continuing to explore how nutrition may impact the root causes and pain symptoms associated with this condition. Specifically, diet may be helpful in calming inflammation, balancing hormones and supporting natural detoxification.
We encourage each woman to work individually with a women’s health expert to personalize her own approach. Promising strategies include:
- Embracing an anti-inflammatory, Mediterranean diet. Focus your efforts on establishing a personalized rhythm to your meals and snacks that include antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables; omega-3 rich fish, chia seeds or walnuts;
and healthy fats such as avocado and olive oil. Some research indicates that consuming a citrus fruit daily may be protective due to its plant nutrient, betacryptoxanthin. Striving for color in your diet will help boost important including vitamin A, C and beta-carotene. It is also important to check your vitamin D level as a deficiency has been linked with severity of endometriosis symptoms. Other protective dietary strategies are to reduce your intake of proinflammatory processed foods, sugar and trans fats.
- Balancing your hormones by slowly increasing fiber in your diet. Experiment with plant-based recipes and minimize your intake of red and processed meats. Women who are also experiencing pain from irritable bowel syndrome may be
sensitive to high FODMAP foods (“fermentable, oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols”). FODMAP refers to short-chain carbohydrates that are either poorly absorbed or indigestible, causing bloating, distention and pain. Some women
improve GI pain with low-FODMAP fiber sources for 2 to 6 weeks. With a focused reintroduction of foods, it is then possible to identify tolerated portions of these foods for long-term flexibility and health.
At Oakdale ObGyn, we focus on women’s health. We encourage you to establish a personalized plan that honors your unique health needs and ensures on-going follow-up and support. For an appointment with dietitian Kim, call 763-587-7000 or visit Oakdale ObGyn’s Website.
- Supporting your body’s natural detoxification system. Your body requires key nutrients for this important process. In addition to fiber, ensure that you are consuming foods rich in B-vitamins, magnesium and clean proteins. Experiment
with key spices including turmeric and ginger. Minimize your exposure to toxins by referencing Environmental Working Group’s resources for best food brands, skin care and cleaning products.
