Endometriosis manifests itself as severe menstrual pain and can be the cause of an unfulfilled desire to have children. Find out what this disease is all about and what role nutrition can play.
Endometriosis usually manifests itself as unusually severe pain during your period, heavy and prolonged bleeding or even pain during bowel movements, urination or sexual intercourse. An unfulfilled desire to have children can also be attributed to endometriosis. Find out here what this disease, which affects an estimated 10 percent of all women, is all about and which nutrition tips can help.
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What is endometriosis?
With regard to the cause and development of endometriosis, much is still unclear. The disease cannot yet be cured, but it can be treated well and often takes a chronic course. The clinical picture is characterized by the appearance of endometrium outside the uterus. So-called endometriosis foci, which are associated with inflammation and cysts, can form on the ovaries, the peritoneum, the intestines or the bladder, among other things. The result is heavier bleeding and severe pain during the period, as well as chronic abdominal pain and infertility. According to the Düsseldorf University Hospital , about half of all women with an unfulfilled desire to have children have endometriosis.
Endometriosis: Rely on these foods
In addition to medication and operations, measures such as pain therapy, physical activity and a change in diet can provide relief for those affected. Although studies have shown that some foods are more beneficial than others, the recommendations for endometriosis largely correspond to the basic recommendations of the German Society for Nutrition (DGE ). Since endometriosis is an inflammatory disease, anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients are highly recommended. These include, among others:
1. Fish
A high proportion of omega-3 fatty acids characterizes the anti-inflammatory diet, which is why high-fat fish such as salmon, mackerel or herring should be part of the endometriosis diet. However, since many wild and farmed fish are now contaminated with pollutants and microplastics, you should use them in moderation and also use the following plant-based omega-3 source.
2. Nuts
Nuts are excellent plant-based nutrient packages that not only provide us with fiber, minerals and protein, but also with unsaturated fatty acids. Walnuts and flaxseeds are particularly rich in omega 3 and can be part of your daily diet.
3. Vegetables
Sure, vegetables should play a big part in any healthy diet. In the case of inflammatory diseases such as endometriosis, it is all the more important because broccoli, kale, cauliflower, fennel, cucumber, carrots, etc. are rich in secondary plant substances that have an anti-inflammatory effect. Vegetables that contain histamine, such as eggplant, tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, or sauerkraut, can make symptoms worse in some sufferers, so avoiding them may be a good idea.
Tip: You should avoid these foods if you have endometriosis >>
