Endometriosis Diet: What To Eat and What to Avoid
As of December 2019, it is estimated that over 16.8 million women in the United States suffer from endometriosis. That’s approximately 1 in 10 U.S. women and nearly 200 million women worldwide – so feel assured that you are not alone. The condition, endometriosis, occurs when tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows on the outside of the uterine walls. The tissue thickens and causes a multitude of problems. Itchiness, painful periods, digestion issues, and possible infertility are some of the potential problems that those with endometriosis experience.
Unfortunately, scientists cannot find the cause of endometriosis, and there is no cure for it. However, a proper diet seems to do wonders in relieving the symptoms. Locating a great doctor, like Dr. Shabnam Dadgar, is also one of the best things you can do to find relief. We field many questions every day at Shady Grove Gyn Care and we are here to address any of your concerns. Below we have provided some tips about what to eat and what to avoid if you have endometriosis.
Endometriosis: What to Eat
Pump Some Iron
Iron-rich foods give a big boost to your body’s natural vitamin stores. Iron is considered a very essential mineral. Your body uses it every day for the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein inside of red blood cells, responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to everywhere else in your body. Not having enough iron in your diet can lead to numerous problems. If there is not enough of it in your body, your blood cells begin to shrink. That means less oxygen going to your body, and you do not want that. The foods below are all good sources of iron:
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Seafood
- Red meat.
- Spinach
- Pumpkin seeds.
- Turkey
- Quinoa
- Baked potatoes.
- Nuts like cashews.
Change Up Your Diet Sooner Rather Than Later
Adding iron alone will not help much unless you start and maintain a healthy eating lifestyle. A proper diet can reduce your endometriosis symptoms dramatically, but it is up to you to stay committed to your health. We all know that everyone could use a hand setting up a diet. That is why contacting a professional that can help guide you through your endometriosis and how to keep it at bay is always a good thing.
Bring On the Fat
If you suffer from endometriosis, make sure to include healthy fatty acids in your diet. We are talking about fatty foods such as anchovies, salmon, or even sardines. These foods contain high amounts of Omega-3 fats. These types of fats are known to help build up pain-relieving formulas within your body when needed. Other Omega-3 fats are found in certain types of nuts such as walnuts and some types of seeds. Hemp, flax and chia seeds are some great examples. Plus, they can be combined with other dishes so you will not get bored eating the same things all the time.
Endometriosis Diet: What Not to Eat
Alcohol
Considered to inflame the lining of the stomach, too much alcohol consumption can easily irritate your endometriosis. Alcohol can also throw your vitamin levels for a loop.
Unfermented Soy Products
These products contain certain types of irritants and toxins, which irritates those who suffer from endometriosis.
- Soy cheese.
- Soy milk.
- Edamame beans.
Other Foods to Stay Away from Include:
- Processed meats.
- Whole dairy products such as full-fat milk.
- Gluten, to include wheat, pasta, rye, cereals, and beer.
- Heavy fried foods like chicken and other deep-fried products.
Who Can Get Endometriosis?
The bottom line is that while most women who are diagnosed with endometriosis seem to be between the ages of 25 – 35 years of age, there is no official age limit. Endometriosis is not something you can just “catch”, like the common cold. Researchers are still trying to find the source of this illness. It has nothing to do with a certain lifestyle. Endometriosis has something to do with hormonal balance, but the actual source still baffles doctors and researchers. The only way to identify if you have it is through exploratory laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure.
Why Shady Grove Gyn Care Can Help
When you have a gynecologist specialist like Dr. Shabnam Dadgar on your side, you will be in the best care possible. Trained in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Minimally Invasive Surgery including Robotic Surgery, you could not be in better hands. Dr. Dadgar and the highly experienced staff at Shady Grove Gyn Care will help you make an informed decision on how to treat your endometriosis.
Along with a customized plan for your treatment, the facility also helps to create a nutritious diet and health map to keep endo symptoms under control. For more questions and information, contact Shady Grove Gyn Care today.