Some Foods Can Give Women Relief From Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects one out of 10 women of childbearing age in the United States, causing such symptoms as intense pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue and infertility.
Every month, the endometrium--the lining of the uterus--thickens with blood in response to rising levels of the hormone estrogen. If conception does not occur, the body sheds this lining during the normal menstrual bleed.
In endometriosis, bits of the endometrium move out of the uterus and embed themselves in the nearby tissues of the ovaries, intestines, bladder, vagina, cervix or bowel. Although no longer in the uterus, these stray cells still respond to higher levels of estrogen by amassing blood. Because this extra blood has nowhere to be released, the cells develop into thickened cysts and adhesions, which cause the symptoms of endometriosis.
A doctor can determine the location, size and extent of the problem and help sufferers decide on a treatment program. The Endometriosis Assn., a nonprofit self-help organization based in Milwaukee, reports that dietary changes also can help many women find considerable relief from their symptoms.
Increasing consumption of soy-based foods is a good place to start. Soybeans, soy milk, soy yogurt and tofu are all rich in plant estrogens; so too are lentils, bean sprouts, whole-wheat cereals and linseeds.
Plant estrogens dampen the effect of human estrogen and, in so doing, may reduce the amount of blood collecting in stray endometrial cells and lessen symptoms.
Sipping ginger tea may help women suffering from nausea, because the volatile oils in ginger can calm queasy stomachs. Chamomile and peppermint tea can also soothe the stomach and reduce intestinal cramping.
It is crucial for women who experience either diarrhea or constipation to drink at least eight cups of water daily. For those with diarrhea, this prevents dehydration, and for those with constipation, it can soften the stools, making them easier to pass. In both instances, eating pro-biotic bacteria such as acidophilus and bifidus (found in yogurt and yogurt drinks) can help restore normal colon activity.
The exhaustion often associated with endometriosis can itself lead to further problems, triggering a weakened immunity, ongoing infections, stress and anxiety. Red meat, dark poultry meat, oily fish like sardines and sesame seeds are good sources of iron, which is needed to fight fatigue, and fruits and vegetables provide immune-boosting vitamin C.
Vitamin C also promotes healing of damaged tissues, while oily fish provide the body with omega-3 oils, which may help reduce and control inflammation around the affected areas.
Certain supplements may prove effective to some women battling endometriosis.
Chaste berry and black cohosh can help correct hormonal imbalances that otherwise intensify the pain of the disorder.
And the minerals calcium and magnesium seem to lower levels of prostaglandins--hormone-like substances that exacerbate menstrual cramps.
Women who want more of these minerals can take, respectively, 500-milligram and 250-milligram supplements throughout the menstrual cycle or consume foods such as nonfat milk, sesame seeds, dark green vegetables, dried figs and tofu, all of which are good dietary sources.
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Amanda Ursell, a dietitian and nutritionist, is a London-based freelance journalist. Her column appears on the first Monday of the month. She can be reached at amanda@ursell.com.
