The Endometriosis Diet: Nutrition & Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, typically in ages 15-49. Pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue are just the tip of the iceberg for those with endometriosis. Various medications on the market may help women ease their symptoms, but many seek natural alternatives to traditional medication, therapies, and other treatments.

While there is still research being done, it’s been shown in some studies that diet can significantly impact your endometriosis symptoms. Dr. Gary B. Sullivan breaks down all you need to know about endometriosis, your diet, and what changes you can make to improve your quality of life. Keep on reading to learn more about finding relief from endometriosis!

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where similar cells in your uterus, specifically the lining of your endometrium, grow in other parts of your body. Most women with endometriosis have endometrium-like cells in their bladder, fallopian tubes, pelvic peritoneum, and others. 

Each month, these cells attempt to shed, like they would in your uterus, but become trapped because of their irregular placement. The accumulation of blood causes inflammation, pelvic pain, fatigue, vomiting, and other symptoms of endometriosis.  

The Role of Food if You Have Endometriosis

Endometriosis symptoms can worsen with added inflammation and high estrogen levels. Unsurprisingly, your diet can impact both of these. You may find relief if you fuel your body with fiber and anti-inflammatory foods.

Foods to Add to Your Diet

If you have too much estrogen, it can cause painful cramps and bleeding. Luckily, with the help of fiber, your body removes excess estrogen through bowel movements. If you’re not currently having one bowel movement per day, we recommend you aim for 35 grams of fiber in your daily diet. Common foods high in fiber include vegetables, fruits, flaxseed, beans, legumes, and whole grains. If you aren’t eating much fiber, we advise you to add it to your diet gradually, or else you may experience bloating and gas. 

Beyond fiber, you can include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet. These foods are high in Omega-3 fats, proven to reduce inflammation, and prevent heart disease and stroke. Some foods that are high in Omega-3s include:

• Fish

• Nuts and seeds

• Plant oils (flaxseed oil or soybean oil)

• Chia seeds

Incorporating some of these foods into your diet can minimize inflammation, thereby reducing the symptoms that come with it. Please note if you decide to make any significant changes to your diet, speak with your doctor before doing so. 

Foods to Steer Clear of in Your Diet

Even though we’ve said it before, managing your inflammation is crucial for women with endometriosis. Any added swelling can potentially cause a worsening of endometriosis symptoms. While you add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet, you’ll also want to avoid some foods that can contribute to swelling. We recommend you limit some food and beverages, including:

• Alcohol

• Foods high in trans-fat (fried foods, fast foods, highly processed foods)

• Caffeine

• Red meat

As you add and remove foods from your diet, we recommend keeping a food journal. That way, you can see any progress in your symptoms and evaluate what foods help ease those symptoms. Additionally, it may be beneficial to meet with an endometriosis specialist or nutritionist to learn more about the impact your diet can have. 

Discover Nature’s Medicine for Endometriosis

If you have endometriosis, we understand it can be frustrating and disheartening to try one remedy after another. We hope with this information about inflammatory and estrogen-raising foods, you can find the relief you deserve. 

At Dr. Gary B. Sullivan’s practice, we’re dedicated to helping you find relief from your pelvic pain. The members of our experienced staff can help you find solutions to ease your symptoms and support you amidst this challenging condition. If you’re experiencing any endometriosis symptoms, or want to learn more about the importance of diet, don’t hesitate to call us at 912-871-2000 or contact us online.

Your Trusted Endometriosis Expert: Dr. Gary B. Sullivan

Proudly serving Statesboro, GA, and surrounding areas, Dr. Gary B. Sullivan has been helping women find relief from pelvic pain for years. We offer specialized care for those suffering from endometriosis, Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, Vulvodynia, and other conditions. Call us at 912-871-2000 or contact us online to find relief from your pelvic pain!