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If you suffer from excruciating pain during periods or have been diagnosed with endometrioses — a medical condition where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it, typically on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the lining of the pelvic cavity — then you should consider including certain food items to your diet. Endometriosis, which can start at a woman’s first period and last until menopause, can cause inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissues.
Sharing that endometriosis is estimated to affect 10%–15% of females of reproductive age worldwide, nutritionist Lovneet Batra informed that consuming certain food items can make a lot of difference. “Endometriosis is also linked to estrogen levels. Higher levels of estrogen can lead to more tissue growth and inflammation, which in turn makes the condition increasingly painful,” she wrote on Instagram.
According to Batra, the following food items can help:
Ashwagandha. Those with endometriosis have been shown to have significantly higher cortisol levels, a hormone that elevates stress levels. Ashwagandha helps reduce stress.
Turmeric. Curcumin, the primary active ingredient in turmeric, is known to help with endometriosis by reducing estradiol production. Also, curcumin suppresses tissue migration of the lining of the uterus.
Wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is one of the most alkaline green leafy vegetables. Rich in chlorophyll, it helps to stimulate the production of estrogen, reduce inflammation, and inhibit the activity of pro-inflammatory compounds.
Moringa oleifera. Moringa oleifera of leaf extract could decrease the expression of IGF-1 (a hormone that helps manage the effects of growth hormone (GH) in your body) and expression of androgen receptors so that it could also decrease the thickness of endometrium, wrote Batra.
Moringa oleifera, a plant that is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, has been shown to have pain-relieving properties and may be helpful for managing endometriosis symptoms. Adding moringa powder to smoothies or other foods may be beneficial, said Dr Smita Satpathy, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology, CARE Hospitals, Bhubaneswar .
Shatavari. Shatavari increases phagocytic activity of macrophages that help in reducing the endometriosis adhesions.
“Shatavari is an herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for women’s health. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce pain associated with endometriosis. Taking shatavari supplements or drinking shatavari tea may be helpful,” Dr Satpathy told indianexpress.com.
Dr Satpathy highlighted that “while there is no one specific diet that has been proven to cure or treat endometriosis, there are some foods that may help manage symptoms”.
Here are some dietary tips that may be helpful for managing endometriosis, as shared by Satpathy:
1. Eat a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods: This includes foods like leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
2. Avoid inflammatory foods: This includes processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.
3. Incorporate more fiber into your diet: This can help with bowel regularity and reducing inflammation. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
4. Consider a plant-based diet: Some studies have shown that a plant-based diet may help improve symptoms of endometriosis.
Dr Satpathy concluded, “It is important to note that while some foods and supplements may help manage symptoms of endometriosis, they should not be considered a substitute for medical treatment. If you suspect you have endometriosis, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment”.
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