Endometriosis is a serious condition. It occurs when tissues similar to the endometrial stroma and glands that line the uterus, show up in other areas of the body, instead of only existing within the uterus.

These “rebel” tissues are known as endometriosis lesions, and are usually found anywhere within the pelvic region (IE. Fallopian tubs, ovaries, pelvic sidewall, etc.). Due to the prime location of the endometriosis lesions, the most common symptom is pelvic pain.

There is no cure for endometriosis; therefore, women with the condition need to seek effective treatment that will help them control the symptoms that plague them, particularly during their menstruation cycle. While many women seek medical therapy, others find that by simply controlling their diet they are successfully living a symptom free life.

How can a diet improve endometriosis symptoms?

An endometriosis diet works to relieve and/or prevent some of the severe symptoms experienced during menstruation such as:

- Backache
- Fatigue
- Severe cramping
- Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)
- Dysmenorrhea (pain or discomfort)
- Dyspareunia (pain in the pelvic or vaginal region during intercourse)

The objective of a controlled diet is to reduce estrogen levels, increase the body’s energy level, relieve painful cramps, normalize hormones and stabilize emotions.

It has become evident that endometriosis is an estrogen-sensitive condition. However, the severe cramping that a woman experiences, is typically a result of prostaglandin synthesis in her body.

Prostaglandins are fatty acids that naturally occur from dietary phospholipids. Prostaglandins can be broken down into three separate groups:

1. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) – This form helps to relieve symptoms of endometriosis
2. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) – This form encourages menorrhagia
3. Prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) – This form can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Essentially, when combined, PGE2 and PGF2a create the severe symptoms women with endometriosis experience during menstruation. However, the right change in diet can actually block the production of PGE2 and PGF2a and increase the production of PGE1 to help overcome or reduce the painful symptoms.

The following is how such a diet can be achieved.

Fatty acids: It is known that fatty acids such as saturated fats, lard, butter and animal and organ meet increase the amount of PGF2a that is produced, while omega-3 fatty acids such as evening primrose oil, flax seeds and oil, pumpkin seeds, sunflower oil and walnut oil increase production of PGE1. Therefore, when a woman decreases the amount of “bad fat” in her diet, she will experience positive results.

Fiber: Aside from decreasing the intake of bad fat, women seeking dietary treatment for their endometriosis should have a diet high in fiber. A high fiber diet (approximately 25 grams per day) can reduce the amount of circulating estrogens. Good sources of fiber are beans, brown rice, fruits and vegetables, oatmeal and whole grains.

Dairy: Just like bad fats can increase symptoms, so can diary products. Unfortunately, dairy (in the correct form) is a fantastic source of calcium. Therefore, if a woman chooses to eliminate diary from her diet, she needs to find other calcium sources by either taking supplements or eating foods that contain the mineral such as almonds, dark green veggies (IE. spinach, kale, broccoli, etc.), Figs, sesame seeds, etc.

Other food that should be avoided during menstruation includes caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, fried foods, salt, sugar and refined carbohydrates (IE bread, cake, pastries, pasta, etc.)

Finally, if foods are eliminated from a diet during menstruation, there may be a need to suplement the diet to maintan adequate nutrition levels. Before taking supplements, women should consult their doctor, a Dietician or a Nutritionalist.

Don’t forget if you haven’t already done so, you can sign up for the free endometriosis newsletter that uncovers effective ways to help women combat endometriosis symptoms. You’ll also find more suggestions for effectively dealing with endometriosis here.