Vegetables
Feast on all the leafy green veggies you can stand because they actually help regulate estrogen levels and lead to good prostaglandin. Prostaglandins are compounds made at sites of tissue damage or infection that are involved in dealing with injury and illness. They control processes such as inflammation, blood flow, the formation of blood clots and the induction of labor. Prostaglandin compounds in the body are made of fats that have hormone-like effects and are known to regulate the female reproductive system. Essentially, they are substantial to the pro-anti/inflammatory responses in the body. Prostaglandins can promote pain reduction, yet they can also cause it. Examples of good leafy greens that promote good prostaglandins are: *Kale *Arugula *Spinach *Swiss Chard *Collard Greens Mustard Greens *Lettuce Colorful vegetables are another source of helping regulate the symptoms of endometriosis that can slow down and block an excess of estrogen in the body. A list of a few colorful vegetables are: *Squash *Bok Choy *Mushrooms *Carrots *Eggplant *Beets *Red Cabbage *Radish
Omega 3
Omega-3 oil found in such things as oily fish, avocados, nuts, seeds and oils are a great source to reducing pain and inflammation. Omega 3 works on prostaglandins which we saw earlier. Omega 3 temporarily blocks the conversion of (PG2) prostaglandins that cause pain and produce good prostaglandins (PG3)which can help sooth the severe menstrual pain and reduce inflammation associated with Endometriosis. Examples of these Omega-3 sources are: *Salmon *Sardines *Herring *Mackerel *Oysters *Cod *Mussels *Tuna * Shrimp *Trout * *Avocados *Coconut *Olives *Seaweed * Algae *Caviar *Walnuts * Almonds *Pecans *Macadamias *Cashews *Pistachios *Hazel Nuts - Seeds - (*Flax *Chia *Safflower *Sunflower *Hemp *Pumpkin *Sesame *Poppy *Grape) - Oils - (*Avocado * Coconut *Olive *Walnut *Canola *Peanut *Sunflower *Sesame *Corn)
Fruits
Fruits such as berries are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories which are a great source to reduce some of the symptoms associated with the pain of endometriosis. In addition there are some fruits that help with anti-bloating that are also associated with endometriosis symptoms. Some fruits that are a great source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents are: *Blueberries *Raspberries *Cranberries *Blackberries *Prunes *Strawberries *Dried fruits. A great source of anti-bloating fruits are: *Bananas *Papaya *Cucumbers *Lemons *Grapefruit *Oranges *Whole melons *Pumpkin *Kiwi *Pineapples *Pomegranate *Tomatoes
Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices are excellent antioxidants and can help with the pain and bloating associated with Endometriosis in addition to the inflammatory swelling and pain symptoms. Some examples are: *Ginger *Turmeric *Peppermint *Cinnamon * Ginger *Garlic *Oregano *Nutmeg *Basil *Thyme *Chamomile *Motherwort *Rosemary *Black Pepper *Chives
Red Meat
Red Meat - which has always been linked to increasing the risk of endometriosis but I must say through my own studies that any meat that is processed puts you at risk with multiple chronic diseases. Red meat has gotten such a bad wrap when in actuality, grass fed animals are healthier to eat over farmed raised fish and meats due to the process it goes through just to be packaged.
Processed Foods
Processed foods - are packed with chemicals, additives and preservatives which increase the inflammatory prostaglandin levels that cause severe cramps. Trans Fats - fried, processed and fast foods are generally loaded with trans fats. How can something that taste so good be so bad? Well for one trans fat or fatty acids are created. It's an industrial process used to add hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make the foods more solid. Trans fat actually has been said to increase the risk of endometriosis.
Caffeine and Alchohol
Caffeine - Caffeine found in coffees, black teas, soft drinks, energy drinks, certain chocolates increase estrogen levels and interferes with detoxification and eliminating estrogen. Alcohol - the liver helps aid the excretion of estrogen levels in addition alcohol damages the liver which prevents the full use of its function.
Dairy
Dairy - has saturated fats which strain the liver and increase estrogen levels causing inflammation resulting into increased pain levels.
Wheat Flour
Wheat Flour - which can be found in the white breads, pastas, pizza, certain cereals, pastries and even certain breaded frozen foods. Elements such as gluten and wheat flour products are inflammatory triggers that increase estrogen levels that lead to bloating, inflammation and severe cramps.
Soy Products
Soy Products - contain phyto-estrogens which mean they actually increase the estrogen levels in the body.