Are you struggling with endometriosis and looking for dietary measures to manage your symptoms? Endometriosis is a chronic condition that occurs due to tissue development called endometrium. This endometrium acts as a layer for the uterus cavity which is also known as uterine lining. When this uterine lining grows outside the uterus the disorder is called Endometriosis.
According to WHO, currently, there is no known cure for endometriosis, so most treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial but often limited.
To manage endometriosis, medical interventions can be helpful, however, nutrition and following endometriosis diet has a big influence on your general health and symptoms. In this article, we’ll discuss important endometriosis diet adjustments for effective management of symptoms. Read below and learn –which food items are best to eat and which ones you need to avoid for improved health and symptom alleviation.
Signs & Symptoms of Endometriosis
Some of the common signs and symptoms of endometriosis are:
- Pelvic pain
- Pelvic pain
- Painful periods
- Infertility
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain with bowel movements
- Painful urination
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Nausea
Best Foods to Include in Endometriosis Diet
It is typically advised by experts that consuming a well-balanced endometriosis diet high in specific nutrients can help alleviate painful symptoms:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Include a range of seasonal and fresh fruits along with vegetables in your diet. These foods are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which result in reducing inflammation. Some of the excellent choices to add to your diet are berries, leafy greens, broccoli, and carrots.
- Omega-3: Fatty Acids: Incorporate foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, flaxseeds, mackerel, and salmon. Such food items have anti-inflammatory qualities which help alleviate pain.
- Whole Grains: Choose whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa. Because of their high fiber content, these grains may help control estrogen levels and promote a healthy digestive system.
- Healthy Fats: Include foods high in good fats in your diet, such as almonds, avocados, and olive oil. These fats support hormone balance and aid in the reduction of inflammation.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are excellent plant-based protein sources that also provide fiber and essential nutrients.
Worst Foods to Add in Endometriosis Diet
Some foods may aggravate endometriosis symptoms possibly worsening them by causing inflammation, severe pain and hormone imbalances. To avoid these symptoms you can always avoid the below-mentioned food items:
- Processed Foods: Avoid highly processed foods like packaged meals, fast food, and sugary snacks. These foods often contain trans fats and additives that can lead to inflammation making the symptoms worse.
- Refined Carbohydrates: Reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates by eating items that include maida such as spaghetti, white bread, and sweet desserts. These foods have the potential to increase inflammation and elevate blood sugar.
- Red Meat: You can limit the consumption of red meat and opt for leaner protein sources like poultry, fish, or plant-based alternatives. It is suggested because red meat can increase inflammatory response and estrogen levels.
- Dairy Products: Some women with endometriosis find relief by limiting or eliminating dairy from their diet. As they contain small amounts of hormones which can worsen the symptoms for some individuals.
Endometriosis Diet Plan
It is always best to get an endometriosis diet plan made by a dietician according to your BMI (body mass index) and individualised needs. However here is an endometriosis diet plan for reference incorporated with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian alternate options.
| Meal | Vegetarian Option | Non-Vegetarian Option |
| Breakfast | – Moong Dal Cheela with a side of mint chutney | – Egg Bhurji (scrambled eggs) with whole wheat toast and a side of sautéed spinach |
| – Upma made with vegetables (carrots, peas) | – Chicken Poha with mixed vegetables | |
| – Smoothie with almond milk, spinach, banana, and chia seeds | – Greek yogurt with honey and mixed fruits | |
| Lunch | – Brown Rice with mixed vegetable curry (cauliflower, peas, carrots) | – Grilled Chicken Salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a light lemon dressing |
| – Quinoa Khichdi with a side of raita | – Tandoori Fish with a side of mixed vegetable salad | |
| – Dal Tadka with a side of roti and a mixed salad | – Chicken Curry (using less oil) with brown rice | |
| Snacks | – Roasted chickpeas, Fresh fruit salad, Mixed nuts and seeds or Carrot sticks with hummus | – Boiled eggs, Grilled chicken skewers, Greek yogurt with honey, or Fish fingers (baked) |
| Dinner | – Palak Paneer with a side of brown rice | – Grilled Fish Tikka with a side of sautéed vegetables |
| – Vegetable Pulao with a side of cucumber raita | – Chicken Soup with a side of whole grain bread | |
| – Mixed Lentil Soup with a side of whole wheat bread | – Egg Curry with a side of quinoa |
Food items included in the diet plan have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, they are rich in nutrients, protein, minerals and fiber which are essential for managing endometriosis symptoms. If you want to add some beverages to this diet plan then you can include:
- Green tea
- Herbal tea (ginger, peppermint)
- Fresh coconut water
- Lemon water
Herbs and Supplements That Can Help Positively in Endometriosis
In addition to endometriosis diet modifications, certain herbs and supplements may also provide some relief from endometriosis symptoms:
- Turmeric: This spice has potent anti-inflammatory properties. If you add turmeric to your meals or take turmeric supplements it may help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Ginger: Ginger is another well-known natural anti-inflammatory herb that can be consumed in tea or added to meals.
- Magnesium: Some studies suggest that magnesium supplementation can help alleviate painful menstrual cramps caused by endometriosis.
- Vitamin D: Gynaecologists suggest that adequate vitamin D levels are essential for overall health and may support immune function and reduce inflammation.
Prevention Tips For Endometriosis
A few lifestyle tips that can complement dietary changes and improve your overall well-being are:
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in moderate exercise such as walking, yoga, or swimming to definitely help in managing stress and support hormonal balance.
- Stress Management: Following stress management or relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or spending time in nature can reduce stress dramatically along with alleviating other endometriosis symptoms.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support digestion and overall health.
Conclusion
Endomteriosis is a chronic condition and is generally debilitating which may impact the quality of your life. However, by making an informed endometriosis diet plan while adding the right foods and incorporating lifestyle modifications, individuals with this condition can manage symptoms. Following such techniques can help them improve their quality of life with these proactive steps. Therefore, it is advisable to always consult a dietitian or fertility expert if you are planning for pregnancy before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
