Eating for Endometriosis 

BY ASHLEE WOVEN

What is endometriosis ?

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue parts that are similar to endometrium (uterine lining) grow in places outside of the uterus. Endometriosis is a whole-body inflammatory and immune disease, affected by oestrogen but not directly caused by it.  

Symptoms that arise from endometriosis:

  • Painful sexual intercourse 

  • Painful defecation or constipation

  • Severe pelvic pain (even when not menstruating), with 70% of teenages experiencing pelvic pain go with undiagnosed endometriosis. 

Causes

Endometriosis is not caused by a hormonal imbalance but rather the immune system which plays a major role in endometriosis lesion development. A compromised immune system produces inflammatory cytokines that inflame the endometriosis lesions and promote their growth. Inflammation also stems from an upset digestive system which significantly impacts the immune system. 

So when we talk about dietary implementations for endometriosis, we address the immune dysfunction, inflammation and digestion health.

Consider avoiding gluten

In women with endometriosis, gluten can stimulate the release of inflammatory cytokines, thus stimulating the growth of endometrial tissue. A study found that the removal of gluten from the participants diet  for 12-months had a 75% reduction in endometriosis symptoms (1). 

Avoid cow’s dairy (A1 dairy) 

The problem with dairy arises from the protein component A1 casein in cow’s dairy. A1 casein stimulates the release of histamine, sparking the release of cytokine inflammation. However, the protein found in goat and sheeps products, called A2 casein is less of a problem for endometriosis symptoms. To test whether casein is an issue for you, try removing it for eight weeks and record your symptoms when reintroducing it.

Further nutrients to add into your diet for endometriosis 

Turmeric:

Turmeric downregulates proinflammatory pathways (NF-kappa B), inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels to help suppress the local production of oestrogen in endometrial lesions (2). Add turmeric to your curries, latte, sprinkle on food with added pepper and fat for optimal absorption.

Zinc:

Zinc is a powerful immune modulator and has anti-inflammatory properties, which in turn reduces endometriosis pain (3). Foods high in zinc include, grass fed red meat, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cacao, mushrooms, cashews. 

Further support 

There are many other natural interventions when it comes to supporting endometriosis including lifestyle and nutritional supplementation modifications. Always seek the guidance of a Nutritionist before taking any nutritional supplements.

(1)Marziali M, Venza M, Lazzaro S, Lazzaro A, Micossi C, Stolfi VM. Gluten-free diet: a new strategy for management of painful endometriosis related symptoms? Minerva Chir. 2012 Dec;67(6):499-504. PMID: 23334113.

(2) Jana S, Paul S, Swarnakar S. Curcumin as anti-endometriotic agent: implication of MMP-3 and intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Biochem Pharmacol. 2012 Mar 15;83(6):797-804. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.12.030. Epub 2011 Dec 29. PMID: 22227273.

(3) Messalli EM, Schettino MT, Mainini G, Ercolano S, Fuschillo G, Falcone F, Esposito E, Di Donna MC, De Franciscis P, Torella M. The possible role of zinc in the etiopathogenesis of endometriosis. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2014;41(5):541-6. PMID: 25864256.

Rima Alijew