So many women struggle for many years with period pain, back pain, pain during bowel motions and fatigue. It is so common, that it’s estimated that 175 million women suffer worldwide. Doctors today can often dismiss this pain and just assume it’s normal. Well, it’s not normal and there are natural remedies that can improve this condition and reduce the pain!
Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the uterus starts to grow outside of the uterus. It commonly spreads to the ovaries, bowel or the tissue lining of the pelvis. It can even spread to your intestines and lungs, although not as common.
It is still unknown why some women get this and others do not. Some factors include: genetics, hormonal imbalances or even a disorder of the tissue within the uterus that starts from birth.
Some of the top foods to help treat endometriosis pain are:
Organic foods – the pesticides and other sprays that cover most produce can affect important hormones such as estrogen. High estrogen can lead to increased pain.
Wild fish (salmon is choice) – The EPA and DHA help reduce inflammation which in turn helps reduce pain. You can also supplement with a good quality fish oil, (remember you get what you pay for). I recommend Nordic Naturals or Ethical Nutrients.
Seeds such as chia and flax – these help with hormonal balancing, so consuming a small handful daily is ideal.
Cruciferous Vegetables – These include: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts which are all high in sulphur and help support liver function. Other liver foods include: garlic, leafy greens, beetroot, turmeric, lemon, lime and of course water.
Essential Fats – These include: avocado, salmon, nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil and avocado oil all of which have fiber, potassium and magnesium which support hormone balance and reduce inflammation.
Some foods you want to avoid or limit include:
Dairy products – The whey, casein and lactose can be difficult to break down which leads to sensitivities and inflammation.
Processed meats – These contain preservatives and other additives that are not natural and increase inflammation.
Alcohol – Alcohol is the number one liver loader, and if the liver is too burdened it will recycle hormones which leads to an oestrogen dominant picture and makes endometriosis worse. Alcohol is also very inflammatory.
Refined sugar – Sugar is very inflammatory in the body, as well as burdens the liver and can lead to fat storage and hormonal imbalances.
Caffeine – Caffeine can interfere with hormonal balancing, gut health and if already stressed is like a natural cup of stress hormone which is the last thing you want when your hurled over in pain.
There are many treatment options out there, including medications and supplements. Often times women will need to undergo laproscopic surgery to have it removed and the results are quite dramatic with pain ceasing. Other women respond to medications and supplements well. I suppose knowing your body and experimenting with different options is best. If you don’t find complete relief with diet changes, or continue to struggle with fertility issues, (yes, endometriosis is a huge cause for infertility) then you may want to look into surgery. Surgery can sound scary, but techniques now are advanced and recovery time can be as little as one week! Either way, please know you are not alone and there is help out there. You don’t have to continue to suffer silently in pain.
