5 Foods to Ease Endometriosis Symptoms
If you suffer from endometriosis, you know how miserable it can be and how helpless it can feel trying to manage it without any end in sight. On my journey with endometriosis, I’ve tried countless types of birth control, had endless doctors visits, and ultimately had laparoscopic surgery to try and find relief. It can be so hard to find a doctor who believes the intensity of the pain and never-ending symptoms. While surgery was necessary for me, finding the right foods and nutrition has been my saving grace. After surgery my doctor told me I would have “maybe a year” without pain and my other symptoms returning. It’s been 4 years since my initial surgery, and all of my symptoms are well managed, most notably the pain.
For those of you who aren’t aware of what endometriosis is, it’s when the endometrial-like cells (the cells within the uterus) grow outside of the uterus, bladder, intestines, and everywhere they aren’t supposed to be. This creates intense period cramps and bleeding, pain and bleeding during intercourse, while going to the bathroom and just everything in between.
Now to the point! Endometriosis is exacerbated by inflammation, like many other chronic illnesses, which often-times comes from the foods we eat. Eating anti-inflammatory foods and foods that help regulate your hormones (most notably estrogen which feeds endometriosis) can help ease the symptoms such as pain, bleeding, and acne.
1: Kombucha! Kombucha is a fermented tea with living probiotics that can help cleanse the impurities from your gut and is anti-inflammatory. It can be an acquired taste for some, but it comes in a multitude of different flavors and I’m sure you could find some that you enjoy! Look for ingredients such as ginger and turmeric, both of which are anti-inflammatory for double the benefit. Extra points for drinking Kombucha during your follicular & ovulatory phases, where fermented foods aid your body’s ability to metabolize excess estrogen!
2: Salmon! Fatty fish is high in omega-3s and vitamins D and B. Omega-3s have a reputation for being good for your heart, and they definitely are, but they’re also great for reducing inflammation and pain in the pelvic region. Vitamin D is also anti-inflammatory, while vitamin B-complex helps regulate estrogen production.
3: Brussels Sprouts! Brussels Sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable (broccoli, kale, cauliflower), all of which help reduce the symptoms of endometriosis. When cooked properly, they can even be very tasty as well! I like to roast them in a medley of spices and garlic. Brussels reduce symptoms by eliminating excess estrogen in the body through omega 3s as well as vitamin C which can help prevent endometrial cells from growing and spreading. If you can’t stand cruciferous vegetables because they give you gas, or you just can’t bring yourself to eat them, consider supplementing with Sulforaphane, one of the active ingredients in cruciferous vegetables that may help control excess bleeding.
4: Avocados! Avocados are a delicious superfood, we all know that by now. They are high in healthy fats of course, and folic acid. Folic acid helps promote healthy mood and brain function so it can help ward off the depression that often accompanies endometriosis. Avocados also have a high-fiber content that aids digestion, which is something many women with endometriosis have issues with. I’m sure you’re no stranger to avocados, with them being so readily available and a popular item these days. But you can check out our avocado banana smoothie recipe here!
5: Olive Oil! Extra Virgin Olive Oil has numerous health benefits and adds flavor to almost anything you cook so this is great news! Again, this is because olive oil (extra virgin olive oil is the best for this) is high in omega-3s, which as we learned before are anti-inflammatory. A study published in Scholars Research Library also presented evidence that EVOO’s chemical makeup mimicked ibuprofen, which helps reduce pain by reducing inflammation. Because of this, EVOO is great to use in dressings, cooking & in lieu of butter on a regular basis so it can help to decrease menstrual pain overall in the long term!
We hope this article is helpful for anyone suffering with endo currently!
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