Your diet may play a part in preventing or managing endometriosis, a condition in which cells from the lining of your uterus form tissue outside of the uterus itself. During menstruation, misplaced endometrial tissue growing on pelvic or abdominal structures can swell and bleed in response to your hormonal cycle, like the uterine lining. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits and low in sugar, refined flour, fat and salt may reduce the inflammation and pain of endometriosis. However, clinical studies have not confirmed that diet therapy can prevent this potentially painful condition or control its symptoms.
Significance
In endometriosis, abnormal tissue growth can cause severe pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, interfere with fertilization and lead to the formation of adhesions, or bands of scar tissue, between abdominal or pelvic organs. Emphasizing low-fat foods rich in antioxidants, or compounds that fight cellular damage and disease, may minimize the pain and inflammation of endometriosis. However, clinical research has not verified that changes in your diet can relieve endometriosis symptoms. In an article published in the June 2007 issue of the "European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology," the authors reviewed recent clinical studies on the effects of diet on endometriosis. They reported that, although trials pointed to a link between endometriosis and diet, the minimal evidence did not support clear dietary recommendations.
Diet and Prevention
A study published in the November 2003 issue of "Human Reproduction" suggested a relationship between diet and risk of developing endometriosis. F. Parazzini and co-authors studied the relationship between diet and the risk of pelvic endometriosis by analyzing two case-control studies conducted in Northern Italy. Results suggested that women who follow a diet high in green vegetables and fresh fruit may have the lowest risk of developing endometriosis, while women with a high intake of red meat may have the highest risk of developing this condition. The authors pointed out that a diet high in green vegetables, fruit and fish could be a marker for other lifestyle factors that may boost your body's resistance to disease by supporting overall health.
Diet Therapy
Endometriosis is diagnosed most often among women during their childbearing years and is one of the most common causes of female infertility, UMMC notes. Treatment may include medication therapy to reduce reproductive hormone levels and minimize the inflammation and bleeding that occur during the menstrual cycle. Severe cases of endometriosis may require surgery to remove endometrial tissue and scar tissue adhesions. Taking fish oil as a dietary supplement may reduce the inflammation of endometriosis. In an article published in the December 2007 issue of "Fertility and Sterility," Dr. F. Sesti and colleagues reported that dietary therapy using fish oil and supplemental vitamins and minerals was as helpful as hormonal suppression therapy or a placebo at relieving symptoms in a group of more than 200 women who had undergone surgery for endometriosis. More research is required to confirm the relationship between diet and endometriosis.
Recommendations
Although clinical studies on the relationship between diet and endometriosis have had mixed results, the authors of a study published in the "European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology" in 2007 noted that a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in red meat may prevent the condition or reduce symptoms. Lean poultry, fish, tofu, dried beans and other sources of low-fat protein may minimize the effects of endometriosis. Foods high in fat, sugar, salt or additives like monosodium glutamate, or MSG, may increase the pain and heavy menstrual bleeding associated with this condition. Reducing or eliminating alcohol, tobacco and caffeine may help you avoid the symptoms of endometriosis.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Endometriosis; S.D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; March 9, 2010
- "Human Reproduction"; Selected Food Intake and Risk of Endometriosis; F. Parazzini, et al.; November 2003
- "Fertility and Sterility"; Hormonal Suppression Treatment or Dietary Therapy; F.S. Sesti, et al.; Dec. 2007
- "European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology"; Endometriosis, Dysmenorrhea and Diet; A. Fjerbaek, et al.; June 2007
