Endometriosis Diet

Diet that you consume largely affects your body and directly or indirectly causes changes in the level of inflammation in diseases like endometriosis.

If you are suffering from endometriosis and stumbled across this article, you should start the diet only in conjuction with an endometriosis specialist gynaecologist and a nutritionist.

DISCLAIMER: NOT A CURE

This or any diet will not cure your endometriosis. Also, the diet is not a replacement for any form of medical or surgical treatment that your doctor has suggested.

GUT - PELVIC AXIS

Many patients with endometriosis also suffer from digestive issues.

This is because of something called the gut-pelvic axis. It’s the connection between your digestive tract and your pelvic organs, and when inflammation is high, this communication gets disrupted.

That’s why certified nutritionists often focus on an approach that involves anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich, and low-FODMAP foods.

WHAT IS FODMAP FOODS?

Keeping it simple,FODMAPs are a group of foods that are poorly absorbed by the gut and tend to cause bloating and gas.

FODMAP stands for

• F- Fermentable foods 

• O- Oligosaacharides

• D- Disaccharides 

• M- Monosaccharides 

• And

• P- Polyols

FOOD TO AVOID

Common dietary triggers, most certified nutritionists will recommend avoiding these foods or items made from these food products for the next approximately 6 to 10 weeks :

• Wheat (roti, bread, maida)

• Apples and mangoes

• Lentils and legumes (chana, rajma, etc.)

• Onion and garlic (common in Indian cooking)

• Milk and milk-based products

• Artificial sweeteners

• Caffeine (tea, coffee)

ENDOMETRIOSIS DIET

Give it at least 4 to 6 weeks before judging whether it’s helping or not.

This is not a quick fix.

It takes time for your body to respond to anti-inflammatory changes.

And yes, your certified nutritionist will tailor your plan based on your symptoms, lab results, and clinical findings.

Here are some of the products that your nutritionist will ask you to include in your diet. 

1. Chia seeds.

2. Carrots.

3. Spinach.

4. Broccoli.

5. Oats and quinoa.

6. Berries like strawberries and bananas.

Basically, this is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant food along with cruciferous vegetable extracts.

Your certified nutritionist is going to be the best person to decide how to make sure that this diet matches up to your calorie requirements based on your work activity as well as on your profession as well and your nutritional status.

Please remember that if you were to continue this diet for approximately 3 months you may experience approximately 50 to 70% benefit in the following symptoms:

1. Abdominal bloating.

2. Constipation.

3. Gaseous distension.

4. Vague abdominal pain.

5. Irritability.

Also it is crucial to remain well hydrated while following the diet plan.

DR. AMRITA KESARI

Always consult a endometriosis specialist and a nutritionist before you follow a diet. Every treatment plan is tailored to your symptoms and disease extent. So, please don’t follow random diets from the internet. Instead, speak to an endometrisis specialist, Dr. Amrita Kesari; ask for a referral to a certified nutritionist; and take a balanced, evidence-based approach.