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Endometriosis (also known as ‘endo’) is an estrogen-dependent condition whereby functional endometrial tissue is found on sites outside of the uterus, such as the ovaries, ligaments near the cervix (uterosacral ligaments), pelvis, vagina or intestines (Norris, 2019). As tissue is functional, it can lead to scarring, adhesions and ovarian cysts (endometriomas) (Norris, 2019). These sites are referred to as lesions. Due to the challenges in diagnosing endometriosis, the incidence is likely to be higher than reported. Currently, 3.4% of women of reproductive age in Australia are diagnosed with endometriosis (Reid et al., 2019). While the cause of endometriosis is being debated, it’s likely related to inflammation and immune system dysregulation (Norris, 2019).
Endometriosis can cause chronic pain, subfertility, and lead to a reduced quality of life due to reduced participation in school, work and sporting activities (Australian Institute for Health and Wellbeing, 2019). There is currently no cure for endometriosis so treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation and reducing the number of new leisions.
If you’re currently consuming the traditional Western diet, it is likely you’re consuming inflammatory foods such as alcohol and trans fats which have been shown to have a negative impact on endometriosis (Helbig et al., 2021).
The Mediterranean diet is recommended for the management of endometriosis to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life (Nirgianakis et al., 2022). If you are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, the Mediterranean diet isn’t for you (Nirgianakis et al., 2022).
The Mediterranean diet includes a range of anti-inflammatory foods that are rich in antioxidants, alongside compounds that behave in the body the same as ibuprofen and compounds that relax the uterus, reducing pain associated with endometriosis (Nirgianakis et al., 2022). Importantly, the Mediterranean diet is safe for long term use.
Important nutrients in the Mediterranean diet are omega-3 for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, magnesium for its role in increasing the intracellular calcium levels and relaxation of the uterus and a high level of fibre to support the immune system (Nirgianakis et al., 2022).
Here are some small changes you can make towards the Mediterranean diet:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2019). Endometriosis in Australia.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/endometriosis-prevalence-and-hospitalisations/summary
Helbig, M., Vesper, A.-S., Beyer, I., Fehm, T., Thieme, G., & Kg, V. (2021). Does Nutrition Affect Endometriosis? Hat die Ernährung einen Einfluss auf die Endometriose? Does Nutrition Affect … Geburtsh Frauenheilk, 81, 191–199. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1207-0557
Nirgianakis, K., Egger, K., Kalaitzopoulos, D. R., Lanz, S., Bally, L., & Mueller, M. D. (2022). Effectiveness of Dietary Interventions in the Treatment of Endometriosis: a Systematic Review. Reproductive Sciences, 29, 26–42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-020-00418-w/Published
Norris, T. L. (2019). Porth’s pathophysiology : concepts of altered health states (10th ed.). Philadelphia : Wolters Kluwer, [2019].
Reid, R., Steel, A., Wardle, J., McIntyre, E., Harnett, J., Foley, H., & Adams, J. (2019). The prevalence of self-reported diagnosed endometriosis in the Australian population: Results from a nationally-representative survey. BMC Research Notes, 12(1), 10–15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-019-4114-6