Introduction
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women around the globe but takes an average of 7-10 years for diagnosis. Though more common, this condition usually is not diagnosed, leading to great pain and infertility, besides hormonal imbalance. As March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to shed light on this condition and explore holistic ways to manage it. A meticulous endometriosis and fertility diet can manage the symptoms with anti-inflammatory food for endometriosis like fiber-rich vegetables and omega-3s proving beneficial, while foods to avoid with endometriosis, such as processed foods and caffeine, may worsen discomfort.
In Ayurveda, endometriosis is considered Vataja Yoni Roga, caused primarily by an imbalance of Vata dosha. The therapeutic measures focus on balancing hormones and alleviating inflammation through Panchakarma, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. Ayurveda wisdom and the right diet provide an excellent natural way of dealing with endometriosis. Let us discuss the topic in this blog: Empower women on this special day by offering comprehensive solutions to better health and wellness.
Endometriosis In Ayurveda
Ayurveda describes endometriosis as Vataja Yoni Roga. Benign gynaecological disease is characterised by functioning endometrium getting implanted outside the uterine cavity.
Ayurveda emphasizes the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) governing the female reproductive tract. Disruptions, particularly in Apana Vata, which regulates the menstrual cycle and reproductive functions, can lead to conditions like endometriosis.
The Ayurveda pathogenesis of endometriosis involves Dosha Imbalance, Ama (toxin accumulation), and Srotorodha (blocked channels).
- Imbalanced Vata then results in misaligned movement of the Artava (the menstrual flow) and abnormal location of the uterine tissues.
- Imbalanced Pitta produces inflammation, pain, and irregular bleeding.
- Abnormal growth of tissues ends in cyst development due to Kapha.
- Ama disturbs Agni (fire), leading to a disturbance in the tissue metabolism through the production of the abnormal endometrial tissue.
- Ama accumulates and aggravates Vata, blocking the Artava Vaha Srotas (reproductive fluid channels), resulting in pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility.
The causes include improper dietary habits such as dry, cold, heavy, fried, oily, incompatible foods, excessive junk food, non-vegetarian or dairy products, overeating, sedentary lifestyle, habitual constipation, suppression of natural urges, stress, and environmental factors.
The diagnosis is primarily based on clinical presentations and not histological examination. Treatments focus on balancing Tridoshas and treatment of symptoms through Ampachana (digesting metabolic toxins), correction of Agni, Vatanulomana (normalizing Vata movement), Mridu Virechana (mild purgation), Vasti (Enema), Raktasravarodhaka (stopping bleeding), Granthihara (cyst removal), and Lekhana Chikitsa (scraping therapy). Moreover, lifestyle and diet modifications are paramount.
Endometriosis and Fertility
Endometriosis is known to interfere with one’s fertility. Based on diagnostic laparoscopy or laparotomy, the prevalence of endometriosis in a category of infertile women is pretty high (30-40%). There are many ways that endometriosis impairs conception, as per Ayurveda:
- Imbalance of Apana Vata: Impact ovulation, fertilization, and the processes of implantation.
- Obstruction in Channels: Adhesions and Cysts obstruct movement of Artava and Shukra, hence making conception difficult.
- Weak Digestive Fire: Poor Agni leads to improper nourishment of Dhatus, weakening the reproductive system.
- Inflammation and Ama: Inflammation due to Pitta and Ama hinders the receptivity of the uterine lining, which is required for implantation purposes.
- Manasika Bhavas: Chronic Pain adds to the emotional stress that aggravates Vata, increasing disturbance in fertility.
Endometriosis and Fertility diet – A well-planned diet plays a significant role in managing endometriosis and enhancing fertility. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fish, and whole grains are sources of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods and improve or alleviate symptoms for better reproductive health. Consumption of red meat, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages should be limited as these can cause an increase in the inflammatory response with those related to endometriosis.
Food for Endometriosis
Ayurveda recommends a dietary regimen to balance the doshas and reproductive health. General recommendations:
- Warm light, slightly oily, fresh, home-cooked meals
- Vata pacifying foods
- Include Ojas building foods like ghee (after Panchakarma to increase potency), nuts, dates, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, saffron, honey.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and plant protein bases are good alternatives.
- Some spices like ajwain, cumin, and turmeric are recommended
- Root vegetables, grains, onions, garlic, and chives improve circulation and nourish the blood.
- Urad dhal cooked in turmeric with cumin, coriander, and fennel and bananas cooked with ghee, cinnamon, and cardamom are excellent ways to nourish the reproductive organs.
- Black sesame seeds and jaggery are recommended for consumption.
- An anti-inflammatory diet is beneficial in women with endometriosis, and vegan diets have shown to decrease inflammation.
- Increased fruit fiber consumption has been associated with lowered risk.
Foods to Avoid with Endometriosis
According to Ayurveda, foods that may aggravate the doshas and worsen endometriosis include:
- Dry, cold, spicy, and fermented food
- Alcohol, coffee, sodas, red wine, red meat, red chillies, and refined sugar or flour should be limited.
- Preservatives and chemicals in foods, from artificial sweeteners to flavorings and colorings, are not good for health.
- Tobacco and smoking are harmful.
- Limit soda and refined white carbohydrates like white bread and pasta.
- Avoid fats as much as possible.
- Avoid trans fats that injure the heart and blood vessels.
Nutritional studies further claim that Palmitic acid (from meat and dairy) can increase the risk of endometriosis. Animal fats are of increased relevance due to their correlation with gynecological diseases.
Consumption of both processed and non-processed red meat has shown a significant correlation with an increased risk for endometriosis. This could be due to the pro-inflammatory effects of higher estradiol and estrone sulfate in these.
Estrogens in animal products, particularly dairy and meat, negatively impact the reproductive system when ingested.
Conclusion
Both Ayurveda and modern nutrition accept that diet plays a crucial role in managing endometriosis and fertility. Emphasis should be placed on warm, nourishing, plant-based food containing fiber and antioxidants while minimizing the intake of processed foods, red meat, and unhealthy fats. The principles of Ayurveda strongly advocate for a balance of doshas and making personalized dietary recommendations.
References
- Barnard ND, Holtz DN, Schmidt N, Kolipaka S, Hata E, Sutton M, Znayenko-Miller T, Hazen ND, Cobb C, Kahleova H. Nutrition in the prevention and treatment of endometriosis: A review. Front Nutr. 2023 Feb 17;10:1089891.doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1089891
- Nap A, de Roos N. Endometriosis and the effects of dietary interventions: what are we looking for? Reprod Fertil. 2022 May 30;3(2):C14-C22. doi: 10.1530/RAF-21-0110.
- Szczepanik, J, Dłużewska, M (2024). The Importance of Diet in the Treatment of Endometriosis. Women. https://doi.org/10.3390/women4040034
- Alawa, S et al. (2024). AYURVEDA APPROACH IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal. https://doi.org/10.46607/iamj1712082024
- Marcinkowska, A, Górnicka, M (2023). The Role of Dietary Fats in the Development and Treatment of Endometriosis. Life, 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/life13030654
