Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic disease characterized by endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus, such as in the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, ligaments supporting the uterus, or elsewhere. It can lead to pelvic pain, fatigue, impaired fertility, and digestive symptoms.  Endometriosis is estimated to affect 10 to 15% of women of reproductive age.¹

The causes of endometriosis and how it develops are not completely understood. However, oxidative stress and inflammation are known contributors. Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent condition, as estrogen is a growth-promoting signal for endometrial tissue. Having low levels of progesterone available to oppose the growth-promoting actions of estrogen may also contribute to endometriosis. Genetic factors are also involved.¹ In addition, higher consumption of red meat and saturated fats is associated with a greater risk of endometriosis.²

Over-the-counter pain medication, hormonal treatments, and surgery are the conventional treatments for endometriosis. However, studies suggest that more than half of patients continue to have painful symptoms despite treatment.³ Although very few randomized controlled trials on diet have been conducted in endometriosis, the available evidence suggests dietary strategies to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and estrogen exposure may improve symptoms.^3,4

Despite limited scientific research on the nutritional treatment of endometriosis, I have treated scores of women suffering with this condition with excellent results.  Most sufferers have been able to completely resolve their endometriosis symptoms within one year of initiating this protocol.  

Diet

• The Nutritarian diet is based on foods that are  high in fiber, high in antioxidants, and have anti-inflammatory effects. 
• Estrogen is produced by the ovaries and fat tissue, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals can have estrogen-like effects. Increasing the intake of fiber-rich foods helps reduce circulating estrogens by removing it via the digestive tract.^1-3 Soluble fiber, as found in foods such as beans, chia seeds, and flax seeds, may have additional beneficial effects on estrogen metabolism.^4,5 This protocol uses a tablespoon of these ground seeds twice daily. 
• Excess fat tissue produces estrogen and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Reaching a healthy weight will reduce the contribution of fat tissue to estrogen exposure and reduce inflammation. Achieve one’s ideal weight is necessary for improvement and resolution of symptoms. 
• Cruciferous vegetables, minimally processed soy (yellow soybeans, edamame, tempeh), flax and chia seeds, and mushrooms all contain phytochemicals that oppose estrogen activity.^6-12
• Although it is impossible to avoid all endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment, minimizing animal foods, plastic food packaging, and fragranced personal care products reduces your exposure to these substances.^13-16
• Avoid alcohol. There is evidence that alcohol raises estrogen levels.¹⁷
   

Supplements

• •Omega-3 fatty acids are important for regulating the body’s level of inflammation. A higher intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) is associated with a lower risk of endometriosis.¹⁸  We strive for an omega-3 index between 6 and 8, and utilize a plant-based DHA-EPA that is refrigerated for freshness. 

• Patients with endometriosis often have lower vitamin D levels than control groups, and lower vitamin D levels correlated with greater endometriosis severity.¹⁹ 

• Dr. Fuhrman’s general supplement protocol for adults (see Vitamin Advisor for details) includes:

  • Multivitamin (without beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, copper), such as Women’s Daily Formula +D3, Men’s Daily Formula +D3, or Gentle Care Formula.

  • Omega-3 DHA and EPA, such as DHA+EPA Purity.

  • I also add a mixed mushroom immune supplement, such as Immune Biotect, because of the potential immune system benefits throughout life from assorted mushroom phytochemicals that are not normally consumed in the diet and because using this at the dose of two twice daily aids in the lowering of estrogen necessary for addressing this issue.

  • Additionally helpful is Ultra Cell Biotect (one, twice daily) which contains compounds from green tea and turmeric to reduce endometrial inflammation.