Table of contents:
- Overview of endometriosis
- The best dietary recommendations for endometriosis are…
- 1. Fiber
- 2. Iron
- 2. Omega-3 fatty acids
- 3. Antioxidants
- Foods for endometriosis to avoid
Endometriosis is a condition commonly experienced by women aged 30-40 years, although it can actually be experienced by women at any age. One way that can be done to prevent and treat the symptoms of endometriosis is to pay attention to the intake of food consumed daily. So, what are the food intakes for endometriosis that are good for consumption or that should be avoided? Find out the answer in this article.
Overview of endometriosis
Endometriosis is an abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Normally, the uterine lining tissue will only thicken near the time of ovulation to prepare itself so that the prospective fetus can attach to the uterus - if fertilization occurs. However, if there is no fertilization, the thickened endometrium will shed into blood. That's when your period starts.
In cases of endometriosis, this persistent thickening will irritate the surrounding tissue causing inflammation, cysts, scarring, and eventually causing symptoms. Usually, endometriosis causes excruciating pain during menstruation. In addition, some women also complain of pain when defecating, urinating, or during sexual intercourse. In serious cases, endometriosis can also inhibit pregnancy and even infertility.
The best dietary recommendations for endometriosis are…
In addition to medical therapy, it is important for you to pay attention to food intake that will be consumed daily. The reason is that proper food intake can help overcome inflammation and pain caused by endometriosis. Here are some foods that are highly recommended for endometriosis, namely:
1. Fiber
Fiber-rich foods help smooth the digestive system. Foods high in fiber also help relieve menstrual bloating. Foods high in fiber that must be in your diet include apples, bananas, berries, avocado, broccoli, carrots, spinach, oats (whole grains), kidney beans, and other types of nuts.
2. Iron
Endometriosis causes you to bleed profusely, making you lose a lot of iron. Now, to replace the iron lost due to bleeding, you have to eat foods that are rich in iron. Foods high in iron that are good for endometriosis are lean meat, fish, skinless chicken, green vegetables, apricots, eggs, milk and their derivatives, wheat, kidney beans, almonds, and cashews.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids
The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids can help relieve aches and pains caused by endometriosis. Foods rich in omega fatty acids include salmon, tuna, sardines, cod, shellfish, chia seed oil, flaxseed oil, almond oil, and so on.
3. Antioxidants
Researchers have found that women with endometriosis are less likely to get their intake of antioxidants from the foods they consume on a daily basis. Well, the best way to increase the antioxidants in your diet is to eat more healthy vegetables and fruits. Foods high in antioxidants, especially vitamins A, C, and E include sweet potatoes, beef liver, spinach, carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, citrus fruits (such as oranges and lemons), and so on.
To ensure the right intake, it is recommended that you first consult a doctor or nutritionist to help plan a dietary intake that is suitable for your condition.
Foods for endometriosis to avoid
The following are various foods for endometriosis that need to be avoided, namely:
- Contains high trans fat. Research has shown that women who eat more trans fats are at higher risk of developing endometriosis. Many trans fats are found in fried foods, processed foods, and fast food.
- Eat fatty red meat. Various studies suggest that women who eat too much red meat are more prone to endometriosis later in life.
- Gluten. A study involving as many as 207 women with endometriosis showed that as many as 75 percent of participants admitted to experiencing reduced pain after undergoing a gluten-free diet.
- Alcohol. Women who drink alcohol are at a higher risk of developing endometriosis. In fact, among women who are infertile (infertile), the risk of endometriosis is actually 50 percent higher among women who drink alcohol than those who don't.
- Caffeine. According to research conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, women who consume two or more cups of coffee per day, or four cups of caffeinated soft drinks per day, are twice as likely to develop endometriosis.
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