Endometriosis occurs when uterine lining tissue grows outside the uterus to cover areas including a woman's ovaries, bowel and even the pelvis. This disorder can lead to fertility problems in women, and cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting and heavy menstrual bleeding. The purpose behind an endometriosis diet is to eliminate foods that encourage estrogen production and/or exacerbate symptoms.
Fiber
Gas and bloating along with constipation can make endometriosis pain feel worse. Adding fiber to the diet will help with digestion and encourage regular bowel movements. In addition, increased fiber intake may reduce estrogen levels and help minimize symptoms according to the UK Women's Health website. Whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables are all excellent sources of dietary fiber.
Vitamins
Vitamin supplements may help with endometriosis pain management. Health Guidance recommends taking 400 to 800 mg of magnesium to help relax muscles and two tablets three times a day of DL-phenylalanine, or DLPA, for pain relief. Women should also take zinc, vitamins B-1, B-6 and B-12 on a daily basis to help reduce inflammation. Consult your physician before adding vitamins and minerals to your treatment plan.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids may help increase the production of the prostaglandin PGE1, a lipid compound that serves as a chemical messenger of sorts and can help to relax muscles and soothe endometriosis pain. In addition to nutritional supplements, dietary sources of omega-3 include flaxseed, oily fish like salmon, tuna and sardines, walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
Dairy
Dairy can work to stimulate the production of prostaglandin types PGE2 and PGE2a, both of which which can exacerbate endometriosis symptoms according to EndoAdvice. Before testing the effect of dairy elimination on your symptoms, be sure to incorporate sufficient calcium via alternative sources like a supplement. Non-dairy dietary sources of calcium include fortified juices, dark green vegetables, tofu, almonds, figs and sesame seeds.
Meats
Meat promotes the stimulation of the PFG2a prostaglandin type, in turn aggravating endometriosis symptoms. To ensure you are getting enough protein while reducing your meat intake, it is important to include other protein-rich foods into your diet like beans, tofu, nuts and seeds.
Food Sensitivities
Many women with sensitivities to foods such as wheat, sugar and gluten find that when they eliminate these ingredients from their diet their pain lessens. Remove these items one at a time for a prolonged period of about a month, to see if you note a difference in your pelvic pain intensity.
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