Pnm-12: Endometriosis and Diet Control

Background: Endometriosis, defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, is one of the common gynecological disorders which affect about 10% of the women in the general population. This benign condition is associated with dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain and infertility but may also be completely asymptomatic in some cases. Endometriosis is the common reason of infertility. Pelvic adhesions due to endometriosis might results to reduced tubal and ovarian mobility and prevention of oocyte retrieval. Diet has a positive effect on most illnesses like endometriosis. Changing the diet in endometriosis might leads to reducing estrogen levels, stabilize hormones, increasing energy and reducing pain. Prostaglandin as one of the most important hormones which naturally secreted by the endometrium leads to stimulate secretion of estrogen and uterine cramps and seem to be related with the onset of endometriosis and pain. Thus, Some foods that cause increasing prostaglandins in diet should be omitted or limited. Foods such as fats (animal oil, oil saturated), salt, sugar, wheat derivatives, (bread, pasta), dairy products and caffeine should be limited, because these foods make problem in liver function. Liver is the main part of body that regulates hormones and vitamins B and helps to reduce estrogen levels. Foods like broccoli that increases the function of liver enzymes, may reduce estrogen. Consumption of Low fat meat products is an effective way to control endometriosis. Since soy bean products are rich in fiber and elements that control estrogen in the body, they can reduce pain. Therefore, red meat can be replaced by soy beans products and high fiber foods .Foods such as carrot, nuts, tea, grains and cereals which improve the immune system, should be used more. Consumption of certain supplements like zinc, selenium, calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins B, C, A and E can also be useful for women with endometriosis. Each of these supplements can be effective by different mechanisms such as effecting on the immune system, reducing estrogen levels or estrogen receptor sensitivity. To sum up, a healthy special diet has beneficial effect on relieving of endometriosis symptoms.