the chronicDiet and nutrition have become areas of increased interest for potential disease management and prevention. Dietary modification and nutrition therapy may provide various benefits as a complementary therapy for treating endometriosis. Several studies have shown a potential link between endometriosis and diet. It's important to note that more research is needed to understand the role that diet may play in endometriosis and its symptoms. Based on the available information, several diet recommendations for endometriosis have been developed.
Dietary modification as a complementary approach and a short-term recourse to reduce the effects of inflammation associated with endometriosis is feasible, practical, and can be monitored under physician supervision. Nevertheless, due in part to the complex nature of the condition and the lack of reliable markers to detect disease initiation, scientific-based data are currently deficient to support the ability of anti-inflammatory foods and food components to prevent endometriosis.- Diet and Endometriosis: Revisiting the Linkages to Inflammation
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
In studies, diet has been shown to have a modest effect on inflammatory markers that contribute to many modern diseases. Since inflammation contributes to endometriosis and pain symptoms, an anti-inflammatory diet has been recommended by specialists. An anti-inflammatory diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based foods, beans, and spices. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids have shown anti-inflammatory effects that may be beneficial in reducing the chronic inflammation promoted by endometriosis. Fish oil, fatty fish, seeds, and walnuts are a few examples of Omega-3-rich foods.
On the other hand, diets rich in trans fats may increase the risk of endometriosis. Unlike the anti-inflammatory effects of Omega-3 fatty acids, trans fats promote inflammation. Trans fats are found in fast food, processed foods, fried foods, vegetable shortening, and baked goods. A reduction or total removal of trans fats has been suggested for endometriosis patients.
The results of this study suggest that increasing long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intake and decreasing trans-unsaturated fatty acid intake may be the first identified modifiable risk factors for endometriosis. In addition, this evidence provides another disease association that supports efforts to remove trans-unsaturated fats from the food supply.- A Prospective Study of Dietary Fat Consumption and Endometriosis Risk
Some researchers believe the origin and progression of endometriosis may be linked to diets that are deficient in necessary nutrients. The resulting changes are thought to promote epigenetic abnormalities that could trigger disease. In turn, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may have an ability to protect against or regress endometriosis. Organic produce is recommended to reduce your exposure to pesticides which can negatively alter hormonal pathways or decrease the antioxidant capacity of the plants.
Red Meat
Red meat consumption and its impact on endometriosis risk and progression is another topic of interest in research. A commonly referenced study concluded there was an increased risk of endometriosis associated with a high intake of red meat, such as ham and beef. Other studies have also resulted in the same association of risk and increased red meat consumption. However, there exists conflicting data from a study that showed no association. Red meat is also thought to raise estrogen and inflammation which contributes to endometriosis growth. Many specialists recommend a mainly plant-based diet. If consuming red meat, organic, grass-fed beef is recommended in small amounts.
Diets deficient in nutrients result in changes in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and promote epigenetic abnormalities, that may be involved in the genesis and progression of the disease. Foods rich in omega-3 with anti-inflammatory effects, supplementation with N-acetylcysteine, vitamin D and resveratrol, in addition to the increased consumption of fruits, vegetables (preferably organic) and whole grains exert a protective effect, reducing the risk of development and possible regression of disease. Dietary re-education seems to be a promising tool in the prevention and treatment of endometriosis.
Phytoestrogens and Xenoestrogens
Estrogen is thought to contribute to disease progression in endometriosis. Because estrogen stimulates endometriosis growth, some researchers suggest reducing the consumption of foods with an estrogenic effect (the ability to raise internal estrogen levels). These foods contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-derived compounds that have an estrogenic effect on the endocrine system. Examples of phytoestrogens include soy, flaxseeds, some grains, and legumes. However, this study found that an increased consumption of soybeans was associated with a reduced risk of advanced endometriosis. Researchers theorize that phytoestrogens may actually have the ability to block the effects of estrogen rather than increase it. Due to conflicting data, more research is needed to clarify which approach is beneficial for endometriosis.
Xenoestrogens are chemicals that mimic bad estrogen. Like phytoestrogens, they may act like estrogen internally and could interfere with the actions of endogenous estrogens. Xenoestrogens are commonly found in our environment. They can be found in plastic, pesticides, parabens, commercial food products, children’s toys, and more. Since non-organic produce has high levels of pesticides, organic produce has been recommended. Patients should avoid these products to reduce their exposure. Using the Environmental Working Group's database can help you discover safer household and personal products.
Gluten
Gluten may play a role in endometriosis symptoms and pain. Several studies have found that following a gluten-free diet can lead to a reduction in symptoms and improvements in quality of life for endometriosis patients. 75 percent of the women who took part in the study reported a decrease in painful symptoms after following a gluten-free diet for 12 months. A considerable increase in physical functioning, general health perception, vitality, social functioning, and mental health was observed in all patients as well. Endometriosis is known to have a variety of comorbidities and Celiac disease may be one. In research, endometriosis seems to be associated with prior Celiac Disease. Potential explanations might be shared etiological factors and inflammation from Celiac Disease.
Elimination Diet
Each person with endometriosis has individual needs and food triggers. The Elimination Diet protocol is considered a useful method for identifying personal food triggers and creating an individualized diet plan based on the results. This endometriosis diet guide provides details and instructions for completing the Elimination Diet.
While further research is needed to clarify the role of diet in disease, nutritional counseling and diet change have been shown to be a cost-effective method to reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients with endometriosis. Patients self-report significant responses to dietary choices that can either trigger or relieve their symptoms. Dietary changes were among the most highly-rated self-management strategies in a survey of endometriosis patients.
Nutritional counseling and therapy alongside orthodox medical treatments provides a cost-effective method in the reduction of pain and improvements in the quality of life of patients with endometriosis.
Resources
For more information on diet and nutrition for endometriosis, explore these helpful resources:
- The Endometriosis and Fertility Clinic is led by Dian Shepperson Mills who is a nutritionist, researcher, and pioneer in promoting nutritional therapy as a safe and effective treatment for endometriosis.
- Endometriosis: A Key to Healing And Fertility Through Nutrition by Dian Shepperson Mills and Michael Vernon - Drawing upon years of research, the authors show how the right diet can provide the key to optimum health in overcoming endometriosis. It includes an explanation of how endometriosis affects the body, advice on how to cope with it, an account of the key role played by nutritious and healthy food, and information on foods that are harmful as well as foods with healing qualities.
- Anti-Inflammatory and Elimination Diet Guide provides insights on using diet to manage endometriosis symptoms and how to follow an elimination diet protocol. It was created by Saint Louis University School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health Center for Endometriosis.
- Diet and Endometriosis Risk: A Literature Review examines prior publications on the connection between diet and endometriosis.
- Diet and Endometriosis: Revisiting the Linkages to Inflammation examines their relationship in disease management.
- Diet Management for Endometriosis looks at some potential foods that could trigger endometriosis symptoms.
- Endometriosis Diet and Tips provides 8 tips to help address endometriosis through diet.