When you have endometriosis, it can definitely be difficult to know what you should and should not be eating. In fact, you may feel like you are always starving, no matter how much you eat.
But, did you know that as much as half of all women with endometriosis have no symptoms related to the disease? So, what are some possible symptoms of endometriosis so that you can make an informed decision as to what you should and should not be eating?
Endometriosis is a disease that can cause pain, bleeding, infertility, and inflammation. There are many foods that are not healthy to eat with endometriosis.
These foods include:
Red Meat and other meats Unhealthy fats and oils White Flour and Cakes Chemicals like dyes and preservatives Sugar Alcohols Fats and oils that have trans fats, such as soybean oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, and corn oil.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects millions of women and is usually diagnosed during a routine gynecological exam by doctors.
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that line the inside of your uterus (the endometrium) grows in other locations in the body.
“Endometriosis is a disease in which the tissue that lines the inside of your uterus (the endometrium) grows in other locations in the body.” It usually starts as a painless, non-cancerous growth.
It can be extremely difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms can be similar to many other conditions, such as: Pelvic pain and chronic pelvic pain Endometriosis Painful menstrual periods (periods with severe cramps).
Endometriosis symptoms
Symptoms include infertility, pelvic pain and chronic fatigue. The condition affects the lining of the uterus. It can lead to pain, infertility, and painful periods.
The pain of endometriosis can ruin your life. It can mean missed work, ruined relationships and the ability to move freely. If you’ve just been diagnosed with endometriosis, get ready for the next four years of being treated for this painful disease.
Signs and symptoms include:
- pelvic pain.
- increased pain during periods and intercourse.
- pain with bowel movements and urination.
- heavy periods, or bleeding between periods.
- fatigue.
- diarrhea.
- bloating.
- constipation.
- low back pain.
- intense cramping.
Endometriosis treatment option
If a woman has Endometriosis and has pain on a regular basis, she may be prescribed pain medication. Some medications that may be prescribed to help relieve pain in those with Endometriosis.
The good news about the disease is that there are treatment options available that help to reduce pain and may also speed up your menstrual cycle.
- Exercise
The stage of Endometriosis treatment is cut and dry, like the final cut of your favorite movie. As you can see, the process is quite straightforward.
All you have to do is do a simple exercise routine that includes daily cardio and strength training. It all starts with the right diet and a regular exercise routine that includes cardio and weight training.
- Pain medication
There are many ways to treat this painful condition, but some of the more common ones include:
Pain medication such as acetaminophen [Tylenol], ibuprofen [Motrin] and naproxen [Aleve] are very common options, but can potentially cause side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and headaches.
OTC pain medications can be used to reduce the severity of the pain, but they cannot treat the underlying cause. These medications are also not recommended to pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding, as they may cause harm to a fetus or the baby.
- Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment option for women with endometriosis. It is considered the most effective treatment for endometriosis because it is not affected by age or weight and is more effective than surgery.
- Surgery
There are a number of different surgical and nonsurgical options for treating endometriosis. The most common are laparoscopic surgery and hysterectomy, which both involve removing the uterus and ovaries, but more traditional surgeries like hysterectomy are less frequently performed.
In general, surgery is not recommended as a first-line treatment for endometriosis, but it can be an option in certain cases.
Endometriosis is the most common gyno disease and has a very high rate of recurrence. There are numerous therapy options available for the disease, which varies from surgical removal of the endometrial tissue, chemoembolization, to hormonal or hormonal-only therapy and non-invasive therapies.
Currently, surgical therapy is the only option available for endometriosis. Surgery is considered a last resort, since the surgery itself is major surgery and carries the risk of complications like chronic pain and overall infertility.
Endometriosis and diet
Healthy Foods to eat with:
- Rich in fiber
There are many things that you can do to make it better. Some of the most effective things you can do are the ones that will help you maintain your health, as well as your weight. The foods that will help you achieve this are ones that have fiber.
- Fruits
Eating fruits such as Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, pears, oranges, peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, bananas, and grapes with Endometriosis.
You can eat these fruits in a dish or you can eat them raw. You have to eat a minimum of 3 servings of these fruits per day in order to reap all the benefits.
- Vegetables
If you have Endometriosis, you may have heard that there are certain veggies that help to heal your endometriosis.
These vegetables, called “anti-inflammatory” veggies, help to reduce the inflammation that can occur during the ovarian cycle and that can help to heal your endometriosis.
If you take a look at a food’s nutritional facts, you may notice that it is rich in antioxidants. These nutrients can help your body fight off inflammation, which may play a role in Endometriosis.
- Rich in iron
Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body’s cells. Hemoglobin is the primary component of red blood cells, and it also helps the transport of iron throughout the body.
Iron is also involved in the synthesis of genetic material, norepinephrine, and collagen (the protein that makes up your skin and connective tissue). Iron plays an important role in the development of the nervous system, particularly during prenatal development.
- Salmon
Salmon is a great fish to eat. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also very easy to cook, and can be prepared in many different ways. It can be used in many different dishes, including fishcakes, salads, casseroles, soups, and stews.
- Sardines
Sardines are high in fat and low in protein, which is what makes them a good food to eat with endometriosis. They are small, but have a lot of good nutrients that can benefit a woman with endometriosis.
They are high in protein and very low in saturated fat. They are also an excellent source of vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin B12, selenium and zinc. So, these are the good things about sardines.
- Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the healthiest foods out there, containing a large amount of heart healthy fats, anti-oxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. While they are a great source of nutrition, they also contain a large amount of a chemical known as phytoestrogen.
This chemical can have an effect on your body’s endo, and can cause it to grow faster. To prevent this from happening, you should eat walnuts instead.
- Chia seeds
Dietary supplements that may help relieve symptoms of endometriosis include chia seeds, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and help with symptoms.
The chia seed has been a favorite of culinary enthusiasts for centuries. It is known as “the small protein” and “the little lifesaver” for its ability to provide us with the goodness of fiber, Omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, and protein.
So, everyone, especially those with endometriosis, should put chia seeds to work in their diet. They are an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids that can help combat inflammation in the body, keep us satiated, and promote cardiovascular health.
