Diet gun

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which tissue similar to the endometrium (the thin inner lining of the uterus) grows in abnormal areas outside the uterus, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and bowel.

Endometriosis can cause severe abdominal pain, bleeding, pain during intercourse, and infertility.

Its frequency is estimated at 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.

Also, 5 out of 10 women who experience infertility problems have endometriosis.

While pharmacological and surgical treatments are the main and effective care for endometriosis, nutrition has an important complementary role in managing symptoms and can influence the progression of the disease.

Regular physical activity also appears to reduce systemic inflammation, improve hormonal regulation, and support psychological well-being.

Diets rich in anti-inflammatory components, particularly Mediterranean and low-inflammation diets, have been associated with reduced pain and improved gastrointestinal symptoms, while high consumption of red and processed meat may increase the risk of disease.

Vitamins C, E, and D, magnesium, omega-3 fats, N-acetylcysteine ​​(NAC), and curcumin appear to help relieve symptoms.

Avoiding chemicals that cause endocrine disruption, moderating alcohol intake, avoiding high doses of folic acid supplements, ensuring adequate sleep, and managing psychological stress can positively modify the inflammatory and hormonal pathways associated with the disorder.

Mediterranean Diet

The effect of the Mediterranean Diet, which is characterized by high consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, moderate intake of fish and olive oil, is rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols and can reduce levels of pro-inflammatory substances.

Also, red meat and processed carbohydrates, which are substances that can create inflammation, are low in consumption.

The Mediterranean diet has also been shown to help positively in cases of dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia.

Anti-inflammatory diet

The anti-inflammatory diet (DII – Dietary Inflammation Index) is based on a similar principle to the Mediterranean diet. Essentially, the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory foods is calculated.

A diet with a high DII score (high inflammatory diet) significantly increases the risk of endometriosis, while a low DII (anti-inflammatory diet) with fruits and vegetables was associated with a 30-40% lower risk of endometriosis.

FODMAP

The low FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) diet does not directly target the inflammatory processes of endometriosis, but rather the relief of associated gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome-like abdominal discomfort.

A 4-week low-FODMAP diet led to an improvement in symptoms in 72% of women with endometriosis.

Gluten

A gluten-free diet for 12 months resulted in a significant reduction in pain in 75% of study participants.

Nickel

A diet low in nickel helps lower the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can alleviate both gastrointestinal and pelvic pain symptoms.

Foods containing nickel include packaged foods, herring, lobster, asparagus, broccoli, cinnamon, celery, whole grains, cloves, dandelions, yeast, and pepper.

Vitamin C and E

The combination of vitamin C and E has the most reliable positive results for relieving symptoms associated with endometriosis as both vitamins neutralize oxidative stress and moderate the levels of inflammatory mediators in the body, thus contributing to its analgesic effect.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D inhibits the action of the aromatase enzyme in endometriotic lesions, thus reducing local estrogen production, promoting apoptosis of abnormal cells and potentially exerting a beneficial effect on the inflammatory environment of the lesions.

Low levels of vitamin D in the blood serum may be associated with an increased risk of endometriosis.

Magnesium

Magnesium may help with endometriosis by reducing menstrual cramps and inflammation, as it may also relax the muscles of the uterus.

Magnesium is found in the following foods: spinach, cabbage, lettuce, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, beans.

Folic acid

Folic acid (NOT folate) may influence the processes that play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Increased intake of synthetic folic acid in women with endometriosis may be associated with an increased risk of invasive ovarian cancer.

Unmetabolized folic acid may accumulate, promoting oxidative stress and facilitating possible malignant transformation in sensitive tissues.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) have been proposed as a complementary therapy for endometriosis due to their anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic effects as they inhibit the formation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and improve the omega-3/omega-6 ratio, which may reduce pelvic inflammation.

Omega 3 is found in salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, seafood, soybean, walnuts, Brussels sprouts, flaxseed, avocado, flax seeds, chia seeds, algae.

NAC

N-acetylcysteine ​​(NAC) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and has been associated with a reduction in dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain.

NAC is not found naturally in foods, but is derived from cysteine, an amino acid abundant in protein-rich foods such as poultry (chicken, turkey), eggs, cheese, yogurt, legumes, garlic and onions.

Curcumin

Curcumin regulates various inflammatory and hormonal pathways, and reduces pain.

Curcumin is found in turmeric, a spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and its most common form is the powder and can be added to various recipes. It can also be found in the form of fresh root and of course as a supplement in capsules or tablets.

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