Endometriosis is a painful condition of the abdomen which involves the endometrium cells, which are usually found in the lining of womb, growing in the wrong place. Instead of staying in the womb where they belong, these rogue cells respond to hormones that control the monthly menstruation cycle in the same way as the womb lining does, by shedding blood. However, there is no exit for this blood and hence it can cause abdominal pain, inflammation, and is often linked to infertility.
Shila Mistry is a Nutritional Therapist, having graduated in Naturopathic Nutrition from CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine).
It is the second most common gynaecological condition and an estimated 2 million women in the UK have endometriosis. The exact cause is unknown but the disorder is dependent on the female sex hormone, oestrogen, and how well it is excreted via the digestive system.
Although conventional medicine can support and suppress the disease with the use of drugs and surgery, there is no cure, and research indicates that after treatments stop, recurrence of the condition is high, returning within 2 years for many women.
Research has shown that lifestyle changes, such as eating a diet low in oestrogen has helped other oestrogen related disorders. But before this can be effective it’s paramount that the gut and liver are working well, which ensures foods are broken down properly and good absorption of nutrients occurs. Without this, body cells struggle to function well or to heal, as they may not get adequate nourishment. The gut is also home to microbiota which contains tens of trillions of bacteria – ten times more cells than body cells. This microbiota is responsible for keeping the immune system healthy and strong.
Eating nutrient dense, good quality, organic and non genetically modified foods to help limit toxins, (hence supporting liver detoxification), and to give vitamins and minerals to the body, enables cells to function well. Check out PAN UK for the best and worst food list of pesticide residues.
Increase the intake of liver supporting foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, onions, beets, lemons, and garlic. Good liver function is vital in order for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients to take place. It is responsible for producing digestive and pancreatic enzymes and along with the skin and lungs, is one of the main detoxification organs, responsible for the excretion of oestrogen, too.
Consume an anti-inflammatory diet. Any condition that involves pain means that the body is inflamed. A diet rich in nature’s anti-inflammatory foods will help with lowering pain, and support repair and healing. Eat a handful of raw nuts and seeds, as both contain good fats as well as providing protein and minerals. Good fats are needed for cell membranes, hormones and brain cells.
Include a good amount of fibre in the diet such as fruit, vegetables and lentils. This helps to reduce oestrogen levels as fibre acts like a sponge absorbing and carrying oestrogen out of the body. Also reduce the consumption of animal products such as diary and meat, to lower oestrogen.
Limit your intake of gluten containing foods, such as wheat, rye, cous cous and barley, as gluten can disrupt hormones and cause inflammation. Opt for whole foods, such as nuts, seeds, lentils, quinoa, millet, rice, amaranth and buckwheat.
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