Written by IALH Editor
Image via Pinterest
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years. Lots of women feel the most intense pain on or around the days of their period, others have constant pain that comes and goes sporadically through the month. There’s no cure but it can be managed and there are some lifestyle tips and changes you can take if you suffer from endometriosis pain. One of these is diet changes, food plays such a big role in balancing estrogen and many women find taking the time to find the sweet spot in their diet really helps to alleviate pain. Though further research still needs to be done into the impact of certain foods on symptoms, there are some quick ways I’ve found to relieve the impending monthly pain…
1) Cut down on red meat
I didn’t figure this out for years, but red meat was triggering a lot of my symptoms and definitely adding bloating and wind to the list of other endometriosis issues. Red meat is harder to digest and when you’re not feeling 100% already, this food type is going to add to your problems. Replace with fish and eggs to keep your protein intake up!
2) Eat food rich in vitamins and minerals
Fibrous foods:
– Fruits
– Vegetables
– Grains
Food containing lots of iron:
– Kale
– Broccoli
– Nuts
– Seeds
These foods also help to replenish the iron you lose while you’re on your period.
Good fats:
– Avocados
– Sardines
– Salmon
3) Swap out dairy
Dairy foods like milk and cheese can cause inflammation through your hormones. Not to mention just make you feel a little heavy and gassy! Some people find going completely dairy-free is best for them, I’ve just significantly reduced my intake while still allowing myself the odd treat, and it’s definitely helping. You could test it out by going completely cold turkey for a few weeks and them slowly reintroducing it and seeing of your symptoms come back.
If you find endometriosis pain too intense to manage please consult with your doctor or gynaecologist.
