Here’s why women with endometriosis should stock up their fridge with apples and pineapples! Pain is a characteristic symptom of endometriosis, which results from the endometrial tissues depositing on the outside of the uterus. When there is a surge of female hormones around the time of menses, these tissues react and start bleeding like the regular endometrial tissues. But since the blood has no way out, it pools around the outside of the uterus, causing unbearable pain and swelling of the stomach.
Infertility and a risk of cancer aside, pain is perhaps the worst aspect of the condition. Scores of women skip work and socialising, staying put at home when the pain strikes. Unhealthy dependence of painkillers is another pressing problem that endo suffers deal with. Since the cause of endometriosis is poorly understood, there is no way to cure it. But health care experts suggest taking a holistic route will address some of the symptoms of endometriosis like inflammation and pain. And a good diet is the first step. Here are a few diet tips that will ease some of the symptoms of the disease.
A focus on anti-inflammatory foods is key to solving the endo problem. And two chemicals, one a polyphenol and the other an enzyme help in amerliorating the unbearable pain and inflammation women face during menses.
Quercetin: A plant polyphenol, quercetin belongs to the flavonoid group found in certain leaves, fruits and vegetables. It one of the most widely found dietary flavonoid. Apart from being a natural antihistamine, immune modulator , a cholesterol reducer and an anti-inflammatory agent, it can also reduce endometriosis lesions! Being widely abundant, it is easy to ensure you get a good supply of this flavonoid through food. Some of the biggest sources include capers, radish, red onion, red kidney beans, broccoli, tea, sweet potato and apples. In a study conducted in 2009 showed that the polyphenol significantly inhibited the growth of endometriosis lesions in rats. This means that a diet rich in quercetin could possibly abate the intensity of the condition and give relief from pain and inflammation that is characteristic of the disease!1
Bromelain:
Bromelain is an enzyme found abundantly in pineapples. Long before science understood its benefits, bromelain has been used in folk medicines to remove dead tissues resulting from severe skin burns. Studies have proven that the enzyme reduces inflammation in the women suffering from endometriosis and even shrinks the size and number of cysts. It is particularly helpful when used in combination with N-acetylcysteine found in cabbage, kale, turnips, broccoli and cauliflowe and alpha-lipoic acid found in flaxseeds, walnuts and pumpkin seeds.2
References:
1. Zhang, X., Wang, X., Wang, H. J., Yang, Q., & Qie, M. R. (2009). Inhibition effect and mechanisms of quercetin on surgically induced endometriosis. Sichuan da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban= Journal of Sichuan University. Medical science edition, 40(2), 228-31.
2.Agostinis, C., Zorzet, S., De Leo, R., Zauli, G., De Seta, F., & Bulla, R. (2015). The combination of N-acetyl cysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, and bromelain shows high anti-inflammatory properties in novel in vivo and in vitro models of endometriosis. Mediators of inflammation, 2015.
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