Self-Managing Endometriosis Through Diet

Besides being a very painful physical condition for women, endometriosis carries with it a powerful emotional impact as well. Diagnosis and treatment of this challenging condition can be very taxing and it is important that any woman going through the process has the support of family and friends while walking through it.

Diet Has A Powerful Effect

There are several ways a woman can care for herself during the process of diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. One way is for a woman to be aware of diet and the impact certain foods have on endometriosis and on her health and well being. It is possible to reduce the symptoms of this disease and regenerate health by adjusting the diet. As is the case with many different illnesses and diseases, a positive response is elicited from a diet change. Even though changes may not be noticeable immediately, we know that eating the right kinds of foods can give us more energy, allow for better sleep at night, regulate bowel movements, metabolism and body weight, and control hyperactivity (especially in children). When the diet is substandard, the results show. Conversely, when the diet is right for our body's needs, it also shows.

Prevent Pain With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Our bodies are very sensitive to what we put in them. However, sometimes sensitivities are not apparent immediately and don't show up for a while. One clue that we are short changing ourselves on nutrients is when we begin to crave certain types of foods. The endometriosis diet is designed to relieve or prevent some of the debilitating symptoms that come along with menses, and to alleviate some of the pain associated with endometriosis. By decreasing estrogen levels and stabilizing hormones, there is an increase in energy and the painful cramping is helped. Emotions are also stabilized when the diet is balanced for the condition.

Endometriosis is an estrogen-sensitive condition; however, the painful menstrual cramping is predominantly due to prostaglandin synthesis. These naturally occurring fatty acids have their beginnings in the diet and different types of prostaglandins are produced through various complex pathways. Beneficial actions in the body can be initiated by changing the types of oils in the diet, causing the uterus to relax. Omega-3 fatty acids are the most beneficial in this case and can be found in a supplement or in flax seed oil, walnut oil and evening primrose oils. Saturated fats, like those found in butter, animal and organ meats and lard are a prescription for pain.

Feel Better and Deal With Symptoms

An increase in dietary fiber and avoiding white flour, alcohol, red meats, refined sugars, caffeine, dairy, fried foods, and foods loaded with preservatives and additives is a start toward a diet that is helpful in the control of endometriosis.