Including these foods in your diet can improve your endometriosis symptoms.

March is endometriosis awareness month. Endometriosis affects about 10% of women of reproductive age, yet on average it takes 7-8 years to get a diagnosis after symptom onset. Partly because symptoms can overlap with other conditions and partly because historically excruciating period pain has become normalised for women!

I have seen so many people reduce their symptoms through diet and lifestyle now and am so passionate about spreading this information far and wide! These few examples can really help and here are the reasons why...

1) Cruciferous Vegetables

Are amazing as they contain a natural compound called Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which naturally supports oestrogen detoxification. This is exactly what we want in endometriosis, a condition that can be driven partly by oestrogen dominance.

2) Omega-3 fatty acids

These essential fats are commonly low in endometriosis and cannot be made in the body, they must come from diet or supplementation. They work in the same way as some anti-inflammatory medications to improve endometriosis pain. Fish oil supplemented adolescents with endo were reported to have a 50% drop in pain scores and women with higher circulating levels of omega 3 EPA were found to be less likely to have endometriosis. Omega 3 can influence how inflammation starts in the first place, by having a positive impact on a special immune protein called NF Kappa B.

3) Phytoestrogens

These amazing plant compounds have a structural similarity to our bodies own oestrogen, meaning they can bind to our bodies receptors and have oestrogenic effects depending on what the body needs. Consuming phytoestrogens can be fabulous for endometriosis, as they can reduce the effects of oestrogen.

4) Eat the rainbow!

Colourful fruit and vegetables are full of antioxidants and immune supporting nutrients which are essential to help prevent and reverse tissue damage from inflammation in endometriosis. Research shows a positive relationship between increased vegetable consumption and a significant reduction in endometriosis. One study focussed on carotenoid rich foods (vegetables with orange and yellow colours) and found that they decreased symptoms. By increasing the colours in your diet, you are giving your immune system a boost, and decreasing inflammation.This is just the tip of the iceberg, if you would like some support with your endometriosis, contact me for a no obligation chat.