There are certain foods that should be avoided with endometriosis. In fact, many women with endometriosis can naturally improve their condition and symptoms simply by controlling their diet. Knowing what not to eat can make a significant difference in the way an endometriosis sufferer feels.
Creating an endometriosis-friendly diet is all about eliminating foods that increase prostaglandins. Prostaglandins stimulate estrogen, which is the main hormone that wreaks havoc on an endometriosis sufferer. Estrogen is responsible for symptoms including painful menstrual cramps, as well as meorrhagia (heavy periods), diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
However, when you learn what foods to avoid with endometriosis, you’ll discover that not all prostaglandins are bad. For example, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) actually helps alleviate symptoms, while prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) contribute to the aforementioned symptoms.
The following are 10 foods to avoid with endometriosis:
1. Sugar: Sugar, in all its forms (refined, artificial, natural), can produce a more acidic environment that can promote the inflammatory pain of endometriosis. Therefore, it is a good idea to limit the consumption of chocolate, sweeteners, drinks and candies with a high sugar content and honey.
2. Wheat: Wheat contains phytic acid which can aggravate the symptoms of endometriosis. Additionally, wheat contains gluten, and studies have found that many people with endometriosis appear to have sensitivity to gluten, which can cause and increase painful symptoms. Products containing wheat and gluten should be avoided or limited.
3. Soy Products: Like wheat, soybeans contain phytic acid; however, phytic acid levels in soybeans are considerably higher than in wheat. Phytic acid is known to irritate the digestive system and reduce the absorption of minerals, especially calcium. Soy is found in many food products, such as granola, pasta, imitation meat, soy milk, soy-based cheese, etc.
4. Caffeine – Caffeine, especially when consumed in large amounts, has been found to increase estrogen levels, which can trigger bouts of endometriosis and cause the condition to develop. Caffeinated foods to avoid with endometriosis include coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Consuming more than two cups of coffee a day can increase estrogen levels.
5. Alcohol – Alcohol depletes the B vitamins stored in the liver. Liver function plays an essential role in removing excess estrogen which helps control endometriosis. The removal of alcohol from the body puts excessive strain on the liver, preventing it from expelling other elements from the body.
6. Dairy Products: Dairy products stimulate the production of PGE2 and PGF2a, which can worsen symptoms. The primary dairy products that you should avoid with endometriosis include milk and cheeses. To help keep your calcium levels up, you can find other sources of calcium in sesame seeds, almonds, salmon, sardines, seaweed, figs, and calcium-fortified foods (i.e., tofu, orange juice, etc.). Note: Remember to be careful when substituting dairy products. products such as pasteurized milk with soy milk, as soy can also aggravate symptoms.
7. Red meat: meat promotes the production of PGF2a. Additionally, red meat may contain growth hormones including estrogen. If meat is your main source of protein, you can get the protein you need through other protein-rich foods such as beans, tofu, tempeh, walnuts, cashews, chestnuts, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and peanuts.
8. Saturated fats and oils: foods rich in fatty acids stimulate the production of PGE2 and PGF2a. Fatty acids are found in saturated fats, oils (ie coconut oil, palm oil, etc.), butter, margarine, lard, organ meats, and many fried foods.
9. Refined Carbohydrates – Refined carbohydrates (ie white bread, pasta, flour, pastries, cakes, etc.) have had most of their natural nutrients removed. Refined carbohydrates deplete the body’s nutritional stores, as they are necessary for the body to absorb nutrients from refined carbohydrates. This can lead to endometriosis symptoms. Instead of refined carbs, stick to unrefined carbs like whole grain breads, pasta, rice, etc.
10. Additives and Preservatives: Processed, frozen, and pre-packaged foods are foods to avoid with endometriosis, as they are full of additives, chemical preservatives, and many other ingredients that promote poor health and PGE2 and PGF2.