Can a change in diet improve endometriosis? The last study suggests that this is possible

Endometriosis affects about 10% of women reproductive age. This is a chronic inflammation that occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus.

Endometriosis can cause chronic painflatulence, intestinal and bladder dysfunction, pain during sex and infertility. These symptoms can lead to reduced quality of life and challenges related to mental health.

Although endometriosis pain can be treated Drugs or surgeryThese options are not suitable for everyone, and a significant number of women experience recurrent symptoms even after surgery.

Many women with endometriosis are looking Complementary therapies Placid with symptoms that may include diet changes and taking supplements.

AND Last examination He tried to understand the various dietary strategies of women with the employ of endometriosis and their effect on the level of pain. Scientists have found that limiting things such as dairy products, gluten, caffeine and alcohol can improve endometriosis pain.

Let’s take a closer look.

What scientists have done and found

Study conducted by scientists from the University of Edinburgh, Online survey. He asked women with questions of endometriosis about any changes introduced in the diet and all supplements used and whether they consider them useful to manage pain.

In total, 2388 women with a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis completed the examination. About 84% of respondents made at least one change of diet, of which 67% reported these changes improved their pain. Meanwhile, 59% used supplements, of which 43% considered these changes improved their pain.

Here are some of the most popular dietary changes that women tried, and as they thought that the changes affected their pain:

• Drinking less alcohol (improved pain in 53% of women)

• Eating less gluten (45%)

• Consumption less dairy (45%)

• Consumption of less caffeine (43%)

• Eating less processed sugar that can be found in food and drinks, such as lullies, cakes, cookies and non -alcoholic drinks (41%)

• Eating less processed food, including delicatessen meat, piquant snacks such as fries and rolls with sausage and chocolate (38%)

• According to a low FODMAP diet, which includes Avoiding compact -chain carbohydrates (some types of sugars) to reduce gas, flatulence, pain and discomfort (32%)

• adoption Mediterranean dietwhich is a diet prosperous in plant products (including fruit and green leafy vegetables), olive oil from the first pressing, bread, fish, fermented dairy products and cereals and low red meat as well as processed meat and food (29%).

For supplements:

Some restrictions

This study has some weaknesses during the interpretation of the results. First of all, it is an observational examination, which means that we cannot say these changes and dietary supplements cause Reduced pain, only that there is a link.

To be more certain impact of changes or supplements in the diet, we would have to conduct randomized testing with control groups.

In addition, participants reported dietary changes that they introduced in the past and past levels of pain. This is based on memory that can be unreliable.

Having said this, this kind of research provides us with tips on what can work, especially when we combine it with our knowledge about the activities that these foods and supplements have in their body.

So how would they work?

Considering the inflammation in endometriosis, the results of this study are not completely surprising. Many changes and dietary supplements, which were studied in this study, have anti -inflammatory properties.

For example, reduction of alcohol consumptionreduction processed foodadoption Mediterranean diet and using turmeric or curcumin can reduce inflammation.

Some findings of this study seem to be in line with other evidence, while others do not.

For example A Last review It has been shown that the Mediterranean diet can lead to a reduction in pain, but the appropriate tests did not have control groups. The same review showed that a low FODMAP diet reduced pain and better quality of life in people with endometriosis.

Meanwhile 2024 paper It was found that there was a lack of evidence to support a gluten -free diet to the symptoms of endometriosis. The authors argued that avoiding gluten to manage this condition should be discouraged.

Mint mint was reported decrease pain from the period and nausea. But I couldn’t find any specific evidence for endometriosis.

So what should you do?

If you have endometriosis, then the test and existing evidence He suggests that after a Mediterranean diet or a low diet, FODMAP can reduce pain. This current study also indicates a reduction in alcohol, sugar and processed foods can support.

Importantly, these changes do not cause any overall health harm. In fact Australian dietary guidelines Recommend drinking alcohol and consuming processed food In moderation, taking into account the links to a number of chronic diseases. These changes can also bring different benefits.

However, some dietary changes reported in this study may be problematic.

For example, eliminating dairy products will significantly reduce calcium intake, which is essential for Building healthy bones and reduction of the risk of osteoporosis in later life. However, there are other ways to ensure adequate consumption of nutrients found in dairy products.

Caffeine reduction does not lead to any health or nutritional problems, but can affect the quality of life of people who like to drink coffee or tea.

Women with endometriosis can try supplements such as turmeric or curcumin and ginger, but it’s best to try them individually so that you can identify which one works for you.

If you want to change your diet to try to cope with the symptoms of endometriosis, it is best to see a registered or accredited dietitian to make sure you follow a nutritional balanced diet.