5 Dietary Tips to Help Prevent Or Alleviate Endometriosis - By: Jay Benjamin

What is Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition suffered by many pre-menopausal women. It occurs when the tissue lining the womb (the endometrium) grows in areas outside the uterus itself, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes. These extra growths of tissue are referred to as 'implants'. The cause of endometriosis is currently unknown. The symptoms can vary widely between women, and in fact the majority of sufferers are entirely asymptomatic. Those who do experience symptoms, generally complain of pain in the back, abdomen or pelvis, particularly during menstruation. This of course depends on the extent and location of the endometrial implants. It's important to bear in mind that this is a benign condition; the implants are not cancerous.

How your diet can make a difference

We all know that eating a balanced diet is beneficial to our health, this is especially true if you want to give your body the best possible chance of fighting a condition such as endometriosis. Whilst it's unlikely that you can cure endometriosis by diet alone, you can certainly help boost your immune system, and alleviate the symptoms of the condition, if you ensure you eat properly.

Here are five suggestions which studies suggest will help:

1. Cut down on sugar

It has been shown that reducing your intake of refined sugars helps reduce the symptoms. This is because sugar is associated with a rise in certain types of prostaglandins -- substances which are responsible for, amongst other things, the uterine contractions which occur during menstruation.

2. Increase fruit and vegetable intake

Eating plenty of green vegetables and fresh fruit may cut down on your chances of developing the condition.

3. Cut down on meat

Animal fats also stimulate the production of prostaglandins. Try to make up your protein intake by eating more nuts, pulses and seeds.

4. Eat more fiber

As with fruit and vegetables, everyone is aware that a high-fiber diet is beneficial to our health. This can be particularly true in the case of endometriosis, as it may reduce estrogen levels. High estrogen levels are associated with the condition. Eating more whole grains can help boost your fiber intake.

5. Avoid caffeine and alcohol

The caffeine consumed in tea and coffee stimulates uterine contractions, thus worsening the symptoms. It also depletes the body's vitamin B levels and interferes with proper liver function; which can cause a rise in estrogen levels. Alcohol is associated with an increase in your chances of developing the condition.

Endometriosis can be a complicated condition which may require medical intervention. You can however reduce your chances of developing it, or alleviate your symptoms, by maintaining a good diet.

About the Author

The author writes articles on health and other topics. Take a look at her latest site about finding cheap Makita cordless drills or a good Panasonic cordless drill.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Jay-Benjamin/62567

Additional Articles From - Home | Health & fitness | Womens issues