Claire Hosking N.D.
Specialist Naturopath – Holistic Nutritionist – Herbalist
Being diagnosed with Endometriosis last year, this topic is very close to my heart.
While the process for diagnosis is changing, last year I opted to go for laparoscopic surgery for confirmation. From the age of 12 I have suffered, and my pain has been dismissed by the practitioners that I have seen. Ultimately, I was told if I got pregnant that it would be resolved. I even remember waiting to go in for surgery and thinking to myself they’re probably not going to find anything – maybe it has been in my head all this time.
My own personal experience of what Naturopathy can do to support the cycle changes, pain, IBS like symptoms are what drives my passion to support anyone who thinks they may suffer from Endometriosis.
Being that is it Endometriosis awareness month, I wanted to share a few facts with you.
WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometriosis is an oestrogen mediated inflammatory disease. It is characterised by the presence of cells similar to that of the lining of the uterus (called endometrial cells). Unfortunately, these cells can grow in other parts of the body, such as the bowels, ovaries, kidneys and in some cases lesions have been found on the heart.
WHO IS AFFECTED BY ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Data shows that in Australia 1 in 9 females suffer from Endometriosis. The average time before a diagnosis is made is ~7 – 12 years. Endometriosis is thought to cost more than $7.7 billion in healthcare, absenteeism and lost social and economic participation (Endometriosis Australia 2023).
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Common symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, cyclical pain with menstruation or ovulation, pain during sex, heavy periods, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), vaginal thrush, infertility and recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
WHAT ARE SOME DIETARY TIPS TO HELP SUPPORT YOUR ENDOMETRIOSIS?
- INCREASE YOUR FIBRE INTAKE – Making sure we have regular bowel motions can be step one in detoxification. Why is this important? We want to make sure we are removing excess hormones (oestrogen in particular) from the body correctly. The bowels are the final process of detoxification and can be favorably influenced by dietary fibre. Examples of fibre include ground flaxseeds, psyllium and chia seeds. Please check out our REFRESH GIT Detox Program, if you would like to improve your gut health quickly and effectively.
- INCREASE YOUR VEGETABLE INTAKE – Vegetables provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body. In regards to Endometriosis they are able to enhance detoxification of oestrogen and are also anti-inflammatory. Particularly broccoli and brussel sprouts, as studies show that these vegetables help and support detoxification.
- INCREASE YOUR GOOD FATS– It is important to ensure you are getting the right fats to support the anti-inflammatory processes of the body. Examples of good fats include nuts and seeds, avocado, cold pressed oils and deep-sea fish.
- DECREASE IMMUNE AGGRAVATING FOODS – Specific dietary fats have been proven to increase the circulating levels of inflammatory markers (such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6)) which are found in higher levels amongst women with Endometriosis. Saturated fats are predominantly found in animal products (butter, lard, red meat, cheese, and milk) and in some plant fats, (palm oil, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil).
From my own personal experience, I understand that at times Endometriosis can feel overwhelming and challenging to know where to start. It is a condition that I know so many suffer from and I hope some of this information helps you to understand that pain is not a normal part of menstruation or ovulation.
As always, please check in your with health care professional to find what is appropriate for you.
If any of the above resonates with you, I would love to discuss how Naturopathy can support you with Endometriosis.
In health and happiness,
Claire
