If you want to lower your risk for endometriosis or manage symptoms it’s recommended to avoid foods which increase estrogen levels in the body. These include red meat and high-fat dairy. Eat foods that fight inflammation and increase your intake of foods that are rich in antioxidants.
Here are some specific ways to do so:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It does two things for your body: 1. It protects your cells from attacks by free radicals which can damage your cells and cause inflammation in your body and 2. Vitamin C also reduces pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E reduces inflammation that accompanies pelvic pain, especially when taken in conjunction with vitamin C. Eat almonds and sunflower seeds which also contain vitamin E.
Green Tea
Green tea has polyphenols which decrease inflammation. It also contains epigallocatechin-3 gallate or EGCG. EGCG helps to cut off the blood supply that feeds the growth of endometriotic lesions.
Omega-3s
Omega-3s are good for your health in general. But, omegas are also helpful to aiding inflammation. Omegas are in salmon, walnuts and chia and flaxseeds. Trans fat, found in fast foods and baked goods, does the opposite and increases the inflammation in your body.
Women who exercise have a tendency to have lighter periods. Regular exercise reduces stimulation of the ovaries and increased production of estrogen, two things which can offset endometriosis. In a study of women who participated in a high-intensity physical activity, those who averaged 2.5 hours of high-intensity activity (i.e., running, cycling or aerobics) had endometriosis 63% less versus those who didn’t exercise.
As more women like Mowry-Hardrict speak out about their personal struggles with endometriosis, may more Black women feel the freedom to no longer suffer in silence.