There are certain foods to avoid with endometriosis. In fact, many women with endometriosis can improve their condition and symptoms naturally simply by controlling their diet. Knowing what not to eat can make a significant difference in the way a person with endometriosis feels.
Creating an endometriosis-friendly diet involves eliminating foods that increase prostaglandins. Prostaglandins stimulate estrogen, which is the main hormone that wreaks havoc in people with endometriosis. Estrogen is responsible for symptoms that include painful menstrual cramps, as well as meorrhagia (heavy menstruation), diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
However, when you know which foods to avoid with endometriosis, you will discover that not all prostaglandins are bad. For example, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) actually helps relieve symptoms, while prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) contribute to the symptoms mentioned above.
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 stimulate the inflammatory pain of endometriosis. Therefore, it is a good idea to limit the consumption of chocolate, sweeteners, drinks and sweets with high levels of sugar 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 gluten sensitivity, which can cause and increase painful symptoms. Products containing wheat and gluten should be avoided or limited.
3. Soy products: like wheat, soy contains phytic acid; however, the levels of phytic acid 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 soda. Drinking more than two cups of coffee a day can lead to increased estrogen levels.
5. Alcohol: alcohol consumes vitamin B stored in the liver. Liver function plays an essential role in removing excess estrogen that helps control endometriosis. The elimination of alcohol from the body puts undue stress 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 make symptoms worse. The main dairy products to avoid with endometriosis include milk and cheeses. To help keep calcium levels high, 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.). Products like pasteurized milk with soy milk, such as soy can also aggravate symptoms.
7. Red meat: meat promotes the production of PGF2a. Additionally, red meat can contain growth hormones including estrogen. If meat is your main source of protein, you can get the protein you need from other protein-rich foods such as beans, tofu, tempeh, walnuts, cashews, chestnuts, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, sesame seeds, and peanuts.
8. Saturated fats and oils: Foods high in fatty acids stimulate the production of PGE2 and PGF2a. Fatty acids are found in saturated fats, oils (i.e. coconut oil, palm oil, etc.), butter, margarine, lard, organ meats, and many fried foods.
9. Refined carbohydrates: Refined carbohydrates (ie white bread, pasta, flour, cakes, pastries, etc.) have most of their natural nutrients removed. Refined carbohydrates deplete the body’s nutritional stores, as they are necessary for the body to absorb the nutrients from refined carbohydrates. This can lead to symptoms of endometriosis. Instead of refined carbohydrates, limit yourself to unrefined carbohydrates like whole grain breads, pasta, rice, etc.
10. Additives and Preservatives: Processed, frozen, and prepackaged 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.