Endometriosis can be extremely painful physically and emotionally for women who are suffering from it. Finding ways to cope with the symptoms and pain of endometriosis is an important part of the healing journey that every endo sufferer will find herself on.
Treatment for endometriosis often includes controlling the discomfort through painkillers and hormones. When the pain is so severe and unmanageable, doctors may even advise surgery to remove the outgrowths. These might work, or might not work. This is why it is important to look also at natural options that are available to you.
While there is no recognized cure for endometriosis, a change in diet is a natural, inexpensive, and healthy alternative for women who want to cope with the condition.
Most importantly, it can also help them cope with the pain and emotions that accompany endometriosis’ hormonal changes. Some small changes can make a tremendous difference as to how they feel and will help them cope better with the symptoms of endometriosis.
If you are an endometriosis sufferer, you will have probably heard of the endometriosis diet. It is, in short, an anti-inflammatory diet that is aimed at promoting healing, rebalancing hormones, and controlling the symptoms of endometriosis.
5 Superfoods For Endometriosis
As part of this diet, here are 5 superfoods that have been recommended by both doctors and those who suffer from endometriosis, that you will benefit from adding to your plate:
1. Bell Peppers
Raw bell peppers are incredibly rich in vitamin C. Research shows that women who have a significant amount of vitamin C in their body may force the reduction in the volume and weight of endometrial cysts.1
Though do remember to buy organic as pesticides are endocrine disruptors (that is they are harmful to your hormones).
2. Dark Berries And Red Grapes
Berries come in so many variants, but it is the dark-colored ones like blueberries and dark red grapes that contain the most Resveratrol.
An animal study shows that Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties. The reduction in size and volume of endometrial cysts has been observed with the regular consumption of foods high in Resveratrol.2
3. Wild-Caught Salmon
Salmon contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids or healthier fats as compared to trans fats found in most meat. Prostaglandins are lipid compounds obtained from fatty acids.
There are 3 different kinds of prostaglandins, PGE1, PGE2, and PGE2a. PGE1 helps alleviate menstrual symptoms while PGE2 and PGE2a aggravate them. Omega-3 fatty acids increase the body’s production of PGE1 which relieve you of pain.3
Salmon also contains vitamin D that is helpful in slowing down the growth of endometrial tissue. Choose wild-caught salmon as opposed to farm bred salmon to assure the quality of nutrients and also to avoid toxins commonly found in farmed fish.4
4. Spinach
Leafy green vegetables like spinach are abundant in phytonutrients, iron, and folate. Alpha lipoic acid, a phytonutrient, is also an anti-inflammatory compound that cuts down the size of endometrial implants and reduces inflammation. Iron is essential to produce healthy red blood cells. It’s been studied that folate deficiency may be one of the causes of endometriosis.5
5. Flaxseeds
Flaxseed is not only an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids but also fiber. The hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens in flaxseed help regulate a woman’s estrogen-progesterone levels. Endometriosis feeds on estrogen and lignans help reduce the production of estrogen improving ovarian function.
Additionally, the fiber content of flaxseeds will help you detoxify excess estrogen out of the body.
While the nutritional needs of every woman differ, the foods mentioned here have been considered to provide incredible health benefits for women with endometriosis.
Adding them to your plate will help you be at your healthiest in your body to start healing from endometriosis. Thinking that healing can start in your plate will also give you back some of the control on your health that you might have thought you lost, so try it.
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