Endometriosis: Foods To Eat & Foods To Avoid

Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting around one in nine women in Australia. It’s characterised by body tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, growing in other parts of the body. This misplaced tissue can cause severe pain, especially on your period! And it often times leads to fertility issues.

The exact cause for endometriosis is still unknown, and there’s no cure, but like a lot of serious medical conditions, there’s a diet that could help relieve symptoms. Here are foods to eat and foods to avoid if you suffer with endometriosis.

Leafy green vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals and have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect. They also contain fibre which plays a role in hormone regulation.

Add these leafy greens to your meals:

• Spinach: High in vitamins A, C, K, folate, iron and calcium.

• Kale: Rich in vitamins A, C, K, B6, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

• Bok Choy: High in vitamins A, C, K, calcium and iron.

We all love a little bit of fried and processed foods here and there, but a diet rich in trans fats can worsen inflammation, in turn worsening pain associated with endometriosis.

Limit these foods from your diet:

• Fried Foods: Hot chips, fried chicken and doughnuts.

• Baked Goods: Cakes, pies, cookies and pastries.

• Snack Foods: Potato chips and crackers.

Foods with fatty acids are an essential component of our diet and have been shown to reduce inflammation which could help ease painful symptoms.

Eat more of these foods:

• Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout.

• Nuts & Seeds: Flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts and almonds.

Eggs and avocados are also a great source of fatty acids. 

Women with endometriosis might find it a little tricker to stomach since alcohol can change the way their body metabolises estrogen – leading to higher levels! Alcohol can also increase inflammation, which is a key factor of endometriosis, so it’s a good idea to limit your alcohol intake.

The Lady Shake incorporates a lot of anti-inflammatory ingredients! It's rich in fibre including chia seeds and flaxseed, and it contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals to optimise your health.

Anti-inflammatory foods are your best bet to relieve endometriosis pain and they can even help with bloating and relieving back pain! Eat plenty of leafy greens and foods with fatty acids and do your best to limit alcohol and trans fats to ensure your symptoms don’t get worse.