Endo & Nutrition: How to Fuel Your Body

How many times have you gone to the doctor for painful, debilitating menstrual cycles, only to be told that “they’re normal,” “every person with a period goes through this,” and some form of “you’re just being dramatic?” These dismissive methods are damaging to those seeking treatment and can lead to decades of not knowing how to properly care for oneself. That’s where treatment for Endometriosis comes in. 

What is Endo?

According to Dr. Iris Kerin Orbuch, Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease impacting approximately 200 million women worldwide. It’s a painful condition in which tissue that is similar to uterine lining begins to grow outside of the uterus, often impacting tissues around the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvis and beyond.

This endometrial tissue behaves similarly to the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle, breaking down and bleeding every month. Over time, this tissue begins to scar and produces incredible sensations of pain and discomfort that can be debilitating.

Now that you have a diagnosis, how do you support yourself? Well, one way is through the fuel you put into your body!

What to Eat

Anti-inflammatory diet  

• Leafy greens - spinach, kale, parsely, endive, arugula, bok choy, swiss chard

• Crucifiers - broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower

• Healthy fats (30% of diet) - olive oil, avocado, coconut, soaked nuts and seeds, salmon, tuna, anchovies, herring, eggs (unless you have painful bladder syndrome)

• Easily digestible proteins - free-range eggs, grass-fed beef, certified organic beans

• Whole grains 

• Low-potassium, low acid diet (if patient has urinary symptoms)

• Increased fiber intake (if patient has GI symptoms)

What to Avoid

• Environmental Pollutants 

  • BPA’s

  • PBDE’s

  • Triclosan

  • Triclocarbon

  • Parabens

  • Phthalates 

• The Five Inflamers 

  • Dariy

  • Gluten 

  • Soy

  • Sugar and artificial sweeteners 

  • Processed foods - lunch meats, prepackaged snacks, chips, etc

Final Thoughts

We hope you've enjoyed this information on the process and benefits investing in the foods you eat while learning to live with Endo. We hope you've taken away what caring about the foods you eat can do for you!

With love,

The Wildflowers

Note: You should always check with a licensed medical provider before incorporating anything into your daily routine including foods, medicines, supplements, or herbs. The above is not individualized medical advice and should not be taken as such.