A Functional Nutrition Approach to Endometriosis
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition found in many woman who experience painful periods or infertility.
It is characterized by uterine-like tissue that grows outside of the uterus, which also bleeds during menstruation.
Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose because it requires surgery to confirm the presence of lesions, so many women are not aware that they have it.
What causes endometriosis?
This condition is very symptomatic in some women and asymptomatic in others (and can "flare" when there is high inflammation in the body).
It is not clear what causes endometriosis symptoms, but contributing factors include high levels of estrogen, exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, gut dysbiosis, immune system imbalance, and an inflammatory diet.
It is not unusual for women with endometriosis to also experience gut issues, so optimizing digestion and microbial balance is a way to reduce symptoms.
SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS
*tend to intensify during period
fatigue
painful or heavy menstrual bleeding
pain with urination, bowel movements, and sex
pelvic or abdominal pain
infertility or difficulty conceiving
gastrointestinal bloating, cramping, or irregularities
MANAGING ENDOMETRIOSIS
EAT AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET
crowd out processed foods, sugar, gluten, and inflammatory oils with a variety of vegetables, quality protein, healthy fat, and whole food carbs
BE GENTLE WITH YOUR BODY
ease painful symptoms with rest, gentle movement, prayer/meditation, massage, the use of a heating pad, and epsom salt baths
BALANCE ESTROGEN
reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors (plastics, pesticides in food & water, hormonal birth control, etc) and increase fiber consumption (especially from broccoli, cauliflower, kale, etc)
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRIENTS
vitamin C & E, vitamin D3 & K2, magnesium glycinate, omega-3s, ginger, turmeric
Many women are prescribed birth control to manage undesirable symptoms; but rather than addressing the root issue, these artificial hormones can make imbalance worse long-term.
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