Sandhya Raghavan
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Written By: Sandhya Raghavan | Updated : January 12, 2017 3:50 PM IST
Period cramps are enough to ruin your best-laid plans , but imagine it crippling you so much that you stay in your bed for four whole days! That s how bad endometriosis can be. Unfortunately, many women suffer from this painful condition which can also reduce fertility. Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrial cells from the lining of the uterus grow outside the uterus causing inflammation. During periods, the endometrium reacts to the hormonal changes causing these cells to break down and start bleeding. But without an orifice to empty into, they accumulate in the area, causing inflammation and scarring. The pain associated with the condition is often unbearable and can significantly impact the productivity of the women suffering from the disease [1]. But through a proper diet, much of the symptoms can be effectively managed. Mumbai-based dietician Geeta Shenoy lists down five most important dietary changes women suffering from endometriosis can follow to manage pain, reduce inflammation and bring down the excess levels of oestrogen in the body.
Eating a balanced diet For any health condition, following a healthy, balanced diet is a given. According to dietician Shenoy, ensuring that one eats a variety of foods which provides enough nutrients is important for anyone suffering from endometriosis. Eat your veggies, fruits, nuts, grains and healthy fats to send your endo packing.
Reduce inflammatory food Endometriosis is basically an inflammatory condition. So avoid any type of food that causes inflammation, says dietician Shenoy. Inflammatory food includes sugar, refined flour, saturated fats and dairy. Cutting them out of your diet will help in reducing inflammation and easing the symptoms of endometriosis. Up your intake of food that reduce inflammation such as turmeric, ginger and green tea.
High-fibre food She recommends a high-fibre diet to the women who suffer from endometriosis. So chomp on those carrots and rustle up a big bowl of salad. Include plenty of fresh fruits and veggies for your daily fibre fix. This will bring your oestrogen levels to a normal range.
Omega three The health benefits of omega three fatty acids are plenty. Eating a diet rich in oily fish or having cod liver capsules can be helpful for managing the symptoms of endometriosis. Vegetarians can get their omega three requirements from rich sources such as flaxseed and walnuts.
Ban soya Eliminate soya and soy products from your diet says the dietitian. Although it is a rich source of protein and fibre for vegetarians, soya can elevate your oestrogen levels which can be bad for someone suffering from endometriosis.
References: 1) Nnoaham, K. E., Hummelshoj, L., Webster, P., d Hooghe, T., de Cicco Nardone, F., de Cicco Nardone, C., ... & Study, W. E. R. F. G. (2011). Impact of endometriosis on quality of life and work productivity: a multicenter study across ten countries. Fertility and sterility, 96(2), 366-373.
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