Nutrition and Endometriosis
Hey Gorgeous,
It is common for women with Endometriosis to experience bowel related symptoms such as
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Pain opening your bowels
Excessive wind
Lower back pain
Abdominal pain and cramping
Making changes to your diet and lifestyle may help alleviate or eliminate these symptoms which can often be debilitating, embarrassing and disruptive to everyday life. Being aware of what you eat, and the affect foods may have on your body is the first step to identifying dietary triggers of bowel discomfort.
Many women with Endometriosis may be sensitive to the following foods
Caffeine: Coffee, tea and energy drinks can cause gut upset but the amount you can tolerate is different between individuals. Aim for no more than one espresso per day (200mg caffeine)
High fat foods: Think greasy pizza or fish and chips. These foods often upset your gut.
Carbonated beverages: Fizzy, sparkling water and beer or cider
Spicy foods
Alcohol: Not all alcohol can cause gut upset, and it may depend on how much you consume
Artificial sweeteners: Sugar alcohols (sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol for example) are known to act as laxatives in the body and can also cause bloating
Preservatives: Sulphites are the biggest culprits so check labels for E number additives and in particular avoid those in the 220 range
Wheat: While there is limited research regarding wheat and Endometriosis, many women find benefit from removing wheat from their diet
FODMAP containing foods: Fermentable carbohydrates such as wheat, dairy and some fruits and vegetables can also be dietary triggers of bowel issues for women with Endometriosis. If this suspected as an issue for you, you will be provided with resources regarding these foods. It is not recommended that you embark on a low FODMAP diet without help from a Dietitian
As well as the foods we eat, the way in which we eat them can also contribute to bowel symptoms. Try to avoid the following food behaviours
Skipping meals
Eating large portions
Eating quickly
Chewing gum
Make 3 goals to improve my nutrition for the management of Endometriosis symptoms and let me know what they are in the comments below, gorgeous!