Treating Endometriosis With Diet
July 24, 2009
Nearly seven out of a hundred women suffer from endometriosis. Endometrial cells, which live inside the uterus, grow outside the uterus in this gynecological disorder. In women suffering from endometriosis, the internal lining of the uterus grow outside the uterus.
During the menstruation cycle, the endometrial cells grow inside the uterus, forming the endometrium, the tissue that forms the lining inside the uterus. When a woman conceives, the egg cell fertilizes and grows inside the uterus. If the egg fails to fertilize, the endometrium breaks down and is flashed out of the body through menstrual bleeding.
In the case of endometriosis, the endometrial cells start growing not only inside the uterus but also outside it, on the fallopian tubes, ovary, and outer wall of the uterus and even on the intestines.
These growths, also known as implants, also follow the similar growth cycle as the endometrium lining inside the uterus. They grow, become thick and then shed through bleeding. However, since these growths occur outside the uterus, the blood could not be flashed out of the body. As a result cysts and scar tissues develop.
Endometriosis symptoms
Lower back pain, pain in the vagina, rectum, lower abdomen and pelvis are common symptoms of endometriosis. Pain may occur anytime, but pain increases largely during menstrual cycle, ovulation, sex and bowel movement. Victims of endometriosis also suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, blood in the stool and urine and bleeding after sex. Infertility, constipation and diarrhea might also occur.
Endometriosis diet
According to studies, high estrogen level as well as weak immune system might be responsible for endometriosis. Prostaglandins are a type of hormone derived from certain foods as fatty acids. Prostaglandins affect the function of the estrogen.
Certain prostaglandin foods such as walnut oil, flax seeds and oil and evening primrose can help to reduce symptoms of endometriosis. However, prostaglandin found in saturated fat and animal meats are harmful for endometriosis sufferers.
To stabilize the estrogen level in the body, the liver should be allowed to function properly. For healthy liver function, endometriosis patients should limit consumption of caffeine, sugar, fats, salt and dairy products and increase intake of B vitamins.
Herbs such as rosemary, cohosh and chaste berry can also reduce symptoms of endometriosis.
Comments
Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.