1 in 10 women suffer from endometriosis, so it’s an important topic for us to discuss and raise more awareness about. Nutritionist, Hormone & Gut Health Specialist and Parla Expert, Grace Carey-Caton discusses the details of endometriosis and how nutrition can play a huge role in supporting the condition.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition that affects 1 in 10 women. It’s a chronic inflammatory condition that causes cells, similar to the ones found in the uterus lining, to develop outside of the uterus. Typically, this affects areas that surround the womb such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, abdomen or bowel. During the menstrual process, some of these cells which form abnormal tissue growth can be expelled from the body and continue their cycle in these areas. As they can’t leave the body the way they usually would via the uterus, they remain in the body.
What are the key symptoms of endometriosis?
The abnormal growth of cells in these areas without full excretion can produce a host of different symptoms including:
- Dysmenorrhea (extreme period pain)
- Pelvic pain
- Excessive bleeding
- Painful urination
- Painful intercourse
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Loose stools
Studies have also shown that women who suffer from endometriosis have been associated with psychological factors such as anxiety and depression.
There is also is a link between endometriosis and fertility issues. Although it is not fully understood why, it is thought to be associated to potential damage to reproductive areas such as the fallopian tubes or the ovaries. With that being said, not all women with endometriosis have problems with fertility and many are able to get pregnant without medical treatment.
The role of hormones in endometriosis
High oestrogen production is a consistently observed endocrine feature of endometriosis. Oestrogen is a key hormone for the growth and persistence of endometriotic tissue as well as the inflammation and pain associated with it. Oestrogen reaches endometriosis by circulation, but it is mainly produced locally in the endometriotic tissue. This local oestrogen accumulation is considered to play an important role in the development and progress of Endometriotic lesions.
Nutrition for endometriosis
Whilst there is, unfortunately, no cure for endometriosis, Nutrition can have a huge role in supporting the condition and managing it by using an anti-inflammatory & antioxidant-rich diet that focuses on Oestrogen metabolism
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
As endometriosis is an inflammatory condition and women with the condition have been shown to have higher levels of inflammation in their bodies including the pro-inflammatory hormone-like compound known as prostaglandin E2, reducing inflammation in the body can be supported by following an anti-inflammatory diet that encompasses:
- A variety of different coloured fruits and vegetables daily: to maximise phytonutrients
- Essential fats daily: such as oily fish, nuts, avocado and specific oils such as extra virgin olive oil and flaxseed oil
- Herbs & spices: such as turmeric, ginger and cinnamon which are anti-inflammatory herbs.
Dietary Factors to Support Oestrogen Detoxification
As discussed, the hormone oestrogen is a specific driver of endometriosis. There are specific dietary factors that can help in the clearance of oestrogen such as:
- Fibre: the effect of fibre is that it can support the excretion of the hormone load through bowel movements. Include a variety of high fibre foods such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits & vegetables.
- Cruciferous Vegetables: cruciferous vegetables contain a compound called indole-3-carbinol which helps with the breakdown of oestrogen. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, cabbage or kale.
Antioxidants
Endometriosis is also associated with oxidative stress and an abnormal increase in reactive oxidative species (ROS). The fact that oxidative stress is shown to be a contributing factor to the disease process provides rationale for an antioxidant-rich diet to support endometriosis with one particular study showing that women with endometriosis who followed a particularly high antioxidant-rich diet were seen to enhance their antioxidant markets and diminish the oxidative stress markers.
Antioxidants are found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs & spices with some of the highest sources being cloves, garlic, oregano, ginger, turmeric, walnuts, mint & berries. Having a diet abundant in bright colours is the easiest way to get a range of antioxidant-rich foods.
Conclusion
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that is driven by the hormone oestrogen and is associated with oxidative stress. Therefore, eating a diet that is anti-inflammatory, which supports oestrogen detoxification and is high in antioxidants can be a supportive tool. There are also specific nutrients in the form of supplements that can support endometriosis however as every sufferer presents with slightly different symptoms, I would recommend working on this on a personalised basis to develop a bespoke supplement nutrition plan.
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Grace Carey-Caton (mBANT) (rCNHC) is a Nutritionist specialising in both Hormone & Gut Health. She offers bespoke programmes to support you to rebalance your hormones and optimise your gut health and works with many women with endometriosis. Nutrition consultations and programmes can be booked via Parla or directly through Grace’s website.
