Can You Cure Chronic Illness (like Endometriosis) With Food?
Nutrition and Endometriosis: what do these two things – food and a chronic illness – have in common?
My answer? Quite a lot.
When nutrition meets one of the most painful conditions in the world, there’s an overwhelming amount of wellness advice – some helpful, some confusing, and some that might leave people feeling more lost than ever.
If you or someone you know are looking to find relief from the pain of endometriosis – or another chronic illness, this lesson will give you some steps to curb that pain.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic illness, a medical condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus.
This misplaced tissue is most commonly found on the reproductive organs and other organs in the abdominal region but has been found in all organs in the body including the brain, lungs, etc. This tissue behaves like normal endometrial tissue where it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle resulting in pain, inflammation, and scarring. However, unlike the uterine lining, this tissue has no way to exit the body, leading to complications such as adhesions, cysts, and even organ dysfunction.
How many people have Endometriosis?
It is estimated that approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age are affected by endometriosis.
This number is likely higher but since endometriosis can only truly be diagnosed via surgery, many people go undiagnosed.
Despite its prevalence, endometriosis is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, with an average diagnostic delay of 7-10 years due to a lack of awareness and symptom overlap with other conditions. Treatment for endometriosis is limited. Options include birth control and/or laparoscopic surgery where the excess tissue is removed but will eventually grow back.
When people experience chronic pain and persistent symptoms,
they’re often willing to try just about anything for relief.
Can you cure Endometriosis?
I get it! Many of my clients ask whether a specific diet or supplement can help – or even cure – chronic illnesses like endometriosis.
This is where things get complicated. The line between science and social media misinformation can get blurry. When doctors dismiss your concerns or treatment options are limited, taking matters into your own hands feels like the only choice.
Factors such as diet, exercise and stress management play an important role in managing a chronic condition.
However, there is currently no evidence base to suggest that a specific diet (e.g. eliminating processed foods, going vegan, etc.), supplements, or exercise can cure endometriosis.
It is a condition with no known cure. That’s why it’s important to maintain realistic expectations when experimenting with tools and strategies to manage any chronic conditions. You can’t cure endometriosis with food, but some food can help you manage the pain and symptoms.
What can help to manage the pain with Endometriosis?
In my experience supporting clients with endometriosis, there are several commonly agreed-upon go-to solutions for relief when pain is making life difficult. You’ll notice that these strategies likely apply to other chronic conditions and illnesses too.
I can’t promise that any of these things will make your symptoms go away, but they should bring you some comfort. And if you have any other ideas that have worked for you, please share them with me. I would love to know what has worked for you.
Here Are 4 Ways To Find Relief During an Endometriosis Flare Up:
- HEAT. A Heating pad – electric, microwaveable, hot water bottle, etc. This is an absolute necessity for high-pain days.
- SLEEP. The fatigue associated with endometriosis can make you feel like trying to run a marathon with a backpack full of bricks. No matter how much rest you get, the weight is always there, slowing you down and making even the smallest tasks feel exhausting.
- EAT FOODS YOU ENJOY. Focus on eating foods that you enjoy and that are going to be gentle on your system can help reduce your symptoms. It’s always best to listen to your body and eat what you think is going to both sound good and feel good for you in the moment.
- DISTRACT YOURSELF. Distractions such as watching tv, reading, coloring for example are some popular go-to’s for getting folks’ minds off of their pain and symptoms with any chronic illness.
At the end of the day, managing endometriosis, like many chronic illnesses, is about finding what works best for you. Whether it’s small comforts, lifestyle adjustments, or simply giving yourself grace on the tough days, try it out to find what works for you.
Remember too – you’re not alone in this journey, and your pain is real, valid, and deserving of care and understanding.
If you do have a chronic illness, whether it is endometriosis or another one, getting help and support from a dietitian can be the best way to discover what will bring you the relief you are seeking.
Please reach out and inquire about how I can help you manage your chronic illness, especially if you are in recovery from eating disorders too. It can all get very complicated and confusing, we are here to help.
Nutrition and support can put you on that path to relief and recovery so you can improve how you live your life. Click here to book a call. I am currently accepting new clients and would love to talk about how I can help you heal.
Anita Dharwadkar
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with Marci RD Nutrition
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