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Are You Feeding Your Endometriosis?

By on December 2, 2015

Written by Sonia Williams

The old age saying ‘you are what you eat’, rings true for endometriosis suffers world wide. Endometriosis, a gynecological disorder and occurs when the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, is found growing outside the uterus, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, abdomen, deep inside the uterine muscle, bowel, bladder, peritoneum and or other parts of the body. It can grow between organs and cause them to stick together through adhesions.

Endometriosis mimics the lining of the uterus even though implants are outside the uterus they respond as if they were menstruating consequently endometriosis can be extremely painful. Some suffers of endometriosis may experience infertility, as the disease can cause an hormonal imbalance, or scarring that permanently disfigures reproductive organs. Statistics show that approximately 10 to 15 percent of women in their reproductive years from age 25 to 45 are affected. About 30 percent of affected women are infertile.  Endometriosis affects quality of life and causes physical, emotional and psychological stress. It is estimated 176 million women worldwide suffering this debilitating condition.

Unbeknown to many sufferers it may very well be their diet that is exacerbating their symptoms. Scientific evidence is mounting that links hormone disruption, as a key factor in the persistent growth of the condition. But what many sufferers do not realize, their diet could be the source of the continued and ongoing disruption, as some foods mimic estrogen causing further inflammation while other foods can help heal, by blocking estrogen receptors, encouraging favorable prostaglandins PGE1 and PGE3 bringing about hormonal equilibrium.

One particular study found women who had undergone conservative pelvic surgery for symptomatic moderate / severe endometriosis confirmed the influence of diet in managing endometriosis further  . Managing endometriosis through diet is about supporting the immune system to reduce inflammation and bring the disrupted hormone balance back into equilibrium. It is well established endometriosis occurs when women have higher levels of estrogen with reduced amounts of progesterone in their bloodstream, it is an estrogen dominant condition.

Sadly for suffers of endometriosis there is no known cause and no known cure for endometriosis. Management of this incurable condition is difficult. Pain medication and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be helpful, but its worth remembering these are chemical toxins and will place additional pressure on an over loaded immune system to cleanse from the body. Surgical management is another option, however this also carries considerable risk, especially if you are yet to conceive. Surgery can result in infertility as well in some cases cauterization of the arteries supplying the uterus can cause recurrence through adhesions.

With limited options, it’s worth considering the benefits a change of diet can bring in the management of endometriosis. There is a great deal of credible scientific studies, validating the merits of an anti-inflammatory diet.

Better still, the benefits gained from changing diets will be felt relatively quickly. The body is quick to respond to dietary changes through chemical reactions, bringing hormones into equilibrium, so it’s worth giving it a go.

  • Increase consumption of cruciferous vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, cauliflower, kale, radicchio and turnips contain plant phyto chemicals and indoles that help the liver flush out artificial estrogens. Cruciferous vegetables contain substances called ‘phyto-estrogens’ that can protect against estrogen related diseases like endometriosis. Photo-estrogens do this by binding to excess estrogen in the gut and thereby encouraging its elimination.
  • Increasing your fibre intake particularly the soluble kind, is one of the most important nutritional changes you could make to fight endometriosis outbreaks.  Fibre acts like a sponge, it will soak up and expel excess estrogen via the bowel. Consuming more fibre in the form of whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes and beans can reduce harmful circulating estrogen levels. Since excess estrogen leaves the body by way of the bowel, if stools remain in the colon the estrogen will be reabsorbed into the body.
  •  Limit dairy intake to yoghurts that contain the beneficial bacteria ‘Lactobacillus acidophilus’, this bacteria reduces the production of an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. This enzyme remakes estrogen in the gut from hormone debris and encourages it to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Cow’s milk can cause bloating if you’re lactose intolerant and endometrial tissue is attached to your bowel, bloating can heighten your pain and discomfort.
  • Decrease your sugar intake, especially refined sugars. Sugar increases fat, which in turn increases estrogen production. Eating foods with refined sugar causes the pancreas to produce insulin and can encourage an increase in fat cells. Fat cells produce the aromatase enzyme and small amounts of estrogen. Consequently the more fat cells the more estrogen is produced.  Too much glucose in the bloodstream also encourages the production of prostaglandin 2(PGE2), the chemical released by the immune system and can cause further inflammation in areas where inflammation already exists.
  • Decrease saturated fats and increase consumption of omega 3 fatty acids. In the study, A prospective study of dietary fat consumption and endometriosis risk (2010), it was found, that specific types of dietary fat are associated with the incidence of laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis. Essential fatty acids have a profound effect on the reproductive system and are crucial for healthy hormone functioning. The equilibrium of the hormone system is reliant on a regular supply of omega 3 fatty acids. These essential fats are found in nuts, seeds and fish such as salmon. When omega 3 fatty acids are correctly metabolized in the body, they convert to the beneficial prostaglandins PGE1 and PGE3, which can help fight endometriosis. Both PGE1 and PGE3 are anti-inflammatory agents they protect against blood related diseases, by keeping blood platelets slippery and flowing, thus preventing blood clotting. Where as PGE2 is an inflammatory prostaglandin and increases platelet stickiness, swelling, pain and blood clotting. If you feel your diet is lacking in omega 3 fatty acids, speak with a qualified dietician, the wrong combination of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids can cause further inflammation.  Western diets are typically high in omega 6 fatty acids and this can counter act any benefits from increasing omega 3 fatty acids.
  • It is important to balance your consumption of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids as well as limit consumption of saturated and trans fats.  Saturated fats are found in fried and fast foods, they increase circulating levels of several inflammatory markers. Dairy produce and red meat are rich sources of saturated fat and contain a substance called arachadonic acid. Excess arachadonic acid triggers the production of PGE2, the inflammatory prostaglandin that causes endometrial cramps and the spread of endometriosis.
  • Trans fats are unsaturated fats that act like saturated fats, they are found in processed foods due to manufacturing processes or from superheating oils and fats during food production, including:  Deep fried foods, commercial cakes and biscuits and pies and pastries. The chemical structure of trans fats can interrupt the function of cells, lowering defenses and encouraging the implants of endometrial patches.

Putting aside any prejudices you might have about dieting and food elimination, the science speaks for itself and the facts are very encouraging if you are like me a long term sufferer of endometriosis looking for an alternative and natural means to manage your endometriosis.

 

S WilliamsSonia Williams, is the developer of The Endometriosis Diet App, available on ITunes.

You can find out more at www.endometriosisdiet.com.au. A mother of two, Sonia is determined to raise the awareness of Endometriosis and hopefully earlier diagnosis.  Focusing on nutrition, Sonia seeks to empower endometriosis sufferers with the tools to take a holistic approach to the management of their endometriosis.

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