9 Diet Tips For Relieving Endometriosis Pain

In search of an alternative solution to help control the pain from endometriosis, I came across a key connection between the pain and inflammation in my body, and the food that I was eating.Throughout the years of bloating, gas, headaches, joint pain and horribly painful periods, I’d never thought that food and endometriosis could be connected! I found that many of the foods that I had been eating consistently were stimulating negative reactions. When I adjusted my diet, I started to feel better. I incorporated nutrient-dense foods full of healing power, as well as foods that help control inflammation and pain. Here I have provided a list of suggested foods that I add into my diet to help me feel better with endometriosis: 1.) Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, which helps balance out inflammatory hormones that cause a lot of the pain with endometriosis. They are found in: oily fish, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dark leafy vegetables, omega-3 fortified and pasture-raised eggs, hemp seeds, avocados, and more. Cold-pressed, unrefined olive and flax oils are another good choice, though they should be kept refrigerated and not used to cook with. Omega-3s are sensitive to heat and oxidize quickly. When this happens, they turn rancid and produce free radicals that roam in your body, causing further inflammation. For cooking, try oils with a higher smoke point such as coconut oil, avocado oil or ghee. 2.) Healthy Fats: Speaking of good-for-you fats, your sex hormones are synthesized from cholesterol in your ovaries and adrenal glands. Your body also uses cholesterol to make bile in your liver, so it’s important to include healthy fat sources such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and if desired, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, grass-fed meat. 3.) Cinnamon: Cinnamon assists with heavy menstrual flow and also assists with circulation. It also contains a natural compound cinnamaldehyde that, studies suggest, may naturally increase the sex hormone progesterone, which most women with endometriosis are lacking in. 4.) Apple cider vinegar (ACV): ACV is a myriad of benefits for healing endometriosis. It is high in acetic acid, which helps your body absorb important minerals from the food that you eat. It also binds to toxins so that they are more efficiently eliminated from your body. ACV can be used in salad dressings, or, if you don’t mind the taste, start your day with a tablespoon of ACV mixed in a glass of water (add a little honey if needed). Both ACV and cinnamon appear to regulate blood sugar, preventing unwanted hormonal swings that could contribute to symptoms. 5.) Fiber: Bad estrogens fuel endometriosis. Fiber helps grab onto and move these out through your digestive tract. The best source of easily to digest fiber is in fruits and vegetables. 6.) Full Color Spectrum of Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are full of such wonderful nutrients and vital antioxidants to heal our bodies. The fresher the better, and organic is best. To ensure you get all the essential nutrients your body needs to heal, try and eat a rainbow everyday. 7.) Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy and Brussels sprouts contain indole-3-carbinol (I3C) that participates in the metabolism of bad estrogens. They are also full of healing minerals such as zinc, and vitamins A, B, C, E & K. Sulforaphane, a compound in crucifers, also helps the body absorb more vitamin D. Note: If you have thyroid issues it’s best to consume these vegetables cooked. When eaten raw, they contain a compound that can slow down thyroid hormone production. 8.) Foods with a lower glycemic load: Foods with a lower glycemic load keep blood sugar levels under control and inflammation at bay. Foods with a glycemic load of 10 or less is good. Most fruits and vegetables have a lower glycemic load. 9.) Water: Dehydration adds to the aches and pains of endometriosis. Water is essential to helping move out toxins and waste from your body. Every body is different, so pay close attention to how your body reacts to these foods. Hopefully you will find the healing success that I have! Note: PLEASE consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or medications. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.