Endometriosis affects more than millions of women around the world. This reproductive disorder occurs when the tissue that normally grows in the uterus (the endometrium) spreads to other parts of the abdomen. Swellings, scars, and adhesions form around endometrial tissue out of place, which are also called implants. Weight gain may be related to the prevention and treatment of endometriosis, or it may arise as a mislabeled symptom.
Most common symptoms
Weight gain is not considered a key symptom of endometriosis; however, swelling can be a symptom of the disease. Inflammation can mimic weight gain, as it can make clothes look different, but nothing to do with it. This can occur due to endometrial implants that form on the outer walls of the intestines.
Other intestinal symptoms of endometriosis include pain during bowel movements, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea . These symptoms mirror those of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Although symptoms similar to IBS can occur, the most common symptom of endometriosis is not intestinal problems but pelvic pain .
Pain is most likely during menstruation, sex, or bowel movements, or it can occur constantly. In particular, some women with endometriosis never experience any pain. Also, the severity of the pain is not related to the severity of the disease. Other common symptoms of include abnormal bleeding, infertility, fatigue, and low back pain.
Can it be prevented?
Keeping a low body fat ratio can help lower your risk of getting this disease. In all women, estrogen thickens the lining of the endometrium. Since endometriosis is the result of stray deposits from endometrial tissues, excess estrogen can cause or exacerbate the disease.
Women with excess body fat tend to have higher levels of estrogen than lean women. Therefore, avoiding weight gain can be a key factor in preventing endometriosis or decreasing its symptoms. Exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol, and cutting back on caffeine as other methods of reducing estrogen levels and the risk of endometriosis.
Side effects of treatment
Weight gain can occur as a result of treatment for endometriosis. Doctors often prescribe progestins to treat the disease. These hormones shrink endometrial implants by blocking the growth effects of estrogen. Weight gain is a common side effect of progestin therapy, along with bloating, depression, and nausea.
Unfortunately, hormonal therapies do not cure endometriosis , but instead provide a temporary period of reduction in symptoms. It is very common for endometriosis to gradually return over 12-24 months after stopping medications. The side effects of the drugs, including weight gain, also dissipate once they are stopped.
What foods should you eat to improve endometriosis?
Eating red meat, beef, or ham can make symptoms worse
Regardless of the cause, this disease is fueled by estrogen. Without estrogen, cell production will slow down, clumps will disintegrate and wilt. Therefore, nutrition for endometriosis includes dietary approaches that reduce estrogen. Eating a healthy diet, eliminating problem foods, and getting proper exercise will help lower your estrogen levels and regulate your hormone levels.
In a study published in the July 2004 issue of "Human Reproduction," the relationship between diet and pelvic endometriosis was studied. The results suggest that a higher intake of fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of endometriosis and that the intake of red meat, beef and ham increases this risk.
Eat a high fiber diet
A high-fiber diet supports digestive health by improving intestinal motility, increasing bulk, and promoting regularity. During menstruation, fiber helps relieve gas and bloating , as well as reduce the level of estrogen circulating in your body. Fiber-rich foods include fruits like apples, berries, cantaloupe, pears, and bananas ; vegetables like broccoli, peas, spinach, and artichokes ; legumes, including beans, peas, and lentils ; whole grains such as brown rice, oats, and cereals ; and dried fruits such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts .
According to experts, women who ate 14 or more servings of green vegetables per week had a 70 percent lower risk of endometriosis compared to those who ate fewer than six servings per week.
Get lots of Omega-3 fatty acids
Prostaglandins are lipid compounds derived from fatty acids that send messages between cells. During menstruation, prostaglandins help the body break down endometrial cells for discharge. There are three different types of prostaglandins, PGE1, PGE2, and PGE2a. PGE1 helps calm menstrual symptoms, while PGE2 and PGE2a aggravate symptoms.
Prostaglandin synthesis is affected by the foods you eat. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially important if you suffer from this disease, as they increase the production of PGE1 in your body, which helps control painful symptoms. To increase consumption, choose fish such as mackerel, tuna, herring, and trout; pumpkin seeds, walnuts and almonds; fermented soy products made from soybeans such as tofu and tempeh; and fortified products.
Moderate animal products
Meat and dairy products provide the body with calcium and protein, making them an important part of a healthy diet. These food groups stimulate the production of PGE2 and PGE2a, which aggravate endometrial and menstrual symptoms. Therefore, you can benefit from eating less of this type of food.
Dairy is known to stimulate the production of prostaglandins and cause a worsening of symptoms. Finding alternative sources of nutrients in dairy is important to meet your daily needs. Consider increasing your intake of dark leafy greens, seaweed, figs, tofu, almonds, sesame seeds, and calcium-rich fortified juices. To make sure you get enough protein, eat plenty of tofu, fish, tempeh, nuts, seeds, and beans.
Avoid alcoholic beverages
You should also avoid alcoholic beverages, caffeine, fried foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats , as these foods can aggravate or worsen endometrial symptoms. Women who drink alcohol appear to be at increased risk for endometriosis.
Among women experiencing infertility, the risk of endometriosis was 50 percent higher among women who drink alcohol compared to those who do not. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, women who consumed two or more cups of caffeinated coffee, or four cups of caffeinated soda, per day were twice as likely to develop it.
