The medical community would argue that the only option for endometriosis is surgery, more specifically a hysterectomy. This is not true. There are some natural alternatives worth trying before surgery is considered.
1. Watch what you eat
Some women suffering from endometriosis may also have an overabundance of estrogen. In addition, an unhealthy diet only makes the problem worse.
However, with proper nutrition and lifestyle change the pain and other symptoms associated with the disease should lessen.
Avoid eating meat from animals treated with growth hormones and antibiotics.
Steer clear of dairy because, similar to the first example, dairy cows are treated with growth hormones, which mimic the body’s natural estrogen.
Instead, buy meat from animals that have been grass fed and milk from dairy farms that do not inject cows with growth hormones.
Eat plenty of fiber
Fiber is especially important to help flush away toxins and excess estrogen. There’re many foods that are great sources of fiber, but the following should give you a good idea of what to buy the next time you visit the grocery store.
- Dried beans
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Chestnuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Flaxseeds are great for helping to manage hormones.
- Sesame seeds
- Almonds
Consume as many vegetables as possible, especially broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and kale. These four are especially important because they contain sulforaphane and indole-3 carbinol, substances that help metabolize the body’s supply of excess estrogen.
Other amazing hormone normalizing vegetables include spinach and onions. Always buy organic vegetables whenever possible to reduce your exposure to pesticides.
Also, nix the refined carbohydrates and try to avoid gluten as much as possible. Gluten is one of many proteins contained in wheat and barley and is responsible for increasing inflammation in the body.
In a study spanning a period of one year, 75 percent of participants following a gluten-free diet experienced improvement in their endometriosis pain.
Today, following a gluten-free diet is much easier than in the past. There are a wide array of products and cookbooks that will make living gluten-free more convenient than ever before.
2. De-stress and relax
Exercise is an important aspect of endometriosis management due to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. In addition, too much body fat is a contributory factor to excess estrogen, which in turn makes endometriosis symptoms worse.
Living with endometriosis can be extremely challenging and not to mention, taxing. Like uterine fibroids, endometriosis can be linked to your emotions. The more stressed you are, the more cortisol (stress hormone) is released into your system.
Try de-stressing with deep breathing and muscle relaxation.
- Turn on some soothing music.
- Sit in a comfortable chair or lie down.
- Close your eyes.
- Inhale deeply while tensing the muscles in your face.
- Hold this position for about 10 seconds.
- Exhale and relax your facial muscles.
- Continue with the muscles in your shoulders, arms, and thighs while working your way down to your feet.
- The breathing and conscious tension and relaxing of your muscles will help to calm the nervous system. Do this exercise three times per day or whenever you need to relax.
Here are some endometriosis management tips to help with cramps:
- Take 300mg of magnesium twice daily. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer As a side note: Take no more than 1,000mg of magnesium a day as taking too much can lead to loose stools (not diarrhea) in some women.
- Apply a castor oil pack to your abdominal area for twenty minutes to an hour.
- Blackstrap molasses is great for relieving menstrual pain. Take two tablespoons 2-3times a day. Diabetics may need to adjust the dosage and frequency. Blackstrap molasses is wonderful because it contains minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron.
Look for organic unsulphured blackstrap molasses in your local health food store or the natural/organic section of your supermarket. They generally cost about $5-$10 depending on the size of the bottle.
Do not get ordinary molasses because it is just artificially colored processed sugar. The taste of blackstrap molasses may be strong for some people and may take some getting used to, but it can really help— try it and see.
Endometriosis may seem like an insurmountable condition to manage; however, with proper nutrition and natural methods, the body can and will heal itself. It is also most important to give the body time to do its thing.
Resources:
Gluten-free diet: a new strategy for management of painful endometriosis-related symptoms?
Endometriosis and women’s health
blog: https://theonalaynesblog.wordpress.com/
