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Diet and Nutrition

Dietary impact on endometriosis

08/31/2009

Question:

Since endometriosis is estrogen dependent, does it follow that dietary efforts to lower estrogen (avoidance of red meat, animal fat, dairy and refined carbs)and reduce total body weight would aid in the reduction of symptoms?

Answer:

Thanks for your question.  There is some research to suggest that limiting phytoestrogens (from plant sources) may impact symptoms of endometriosis.  The link below sites 3 cases of women whose symptoms were improved by eliminating soy (found in soybeans, tofu, soy milk, etc) from their diets.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18396257?ordinalpos=7&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Some experts suggest cutting out dairy due to the development of prostaglandins, which are hormones that impact pain.  If dairy is eliminated from you diet, you should supplement with at least 1000 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily to prevent deficiencies.

Limiting animal fat and refined carbohydrates may or may not affect endometriosis, but is certainly prudent to cut back on given its health affects on other systems (cardiovascular health, obesity, diabetes, etc).

Some experts suggest a "yeast free" diet due to increased risk for vaginal infections in those suffering from endometriosis.  This would eliminate breads made with yeast, beer and foods high in simple sugars, which could aggravate the development of yeast infections.

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Response by:

University of Cincinnati Lisa Cicciarello Andrews, MEd, RD, LD
Adjunct Faculty
University of Cincinnati
Lisa Cicciarello Andrews, MEd, RD, LD