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Traditional Naturopath & Functional Medicine Holistic Doctor San Diego Hi, I’m Dr Gaila and I help patient who suffer with belly pain, bloating and constipation and many other health conditions.Read more
Do you or someone you know suffer from the painful symptoms of endometriosis? In this article, I will provide safe and effective solutions with natural medicine.
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines your uterus (called the endometrium) starts to grow outside your uterus. It can grow on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, the inside lining of your abdominal cavity and the outside surfaces of your uterus or intestine. It can also occur in your liver, legs or lungs.
Implants of endometrial tissue are made of the same uterine tissue that you shed each month during menstruation. These implants also break up every month and cause internal bleeding, inflammation, chronic pelvic pain and scar tissue. The most common symptoms are severe menstrual cramps and pelvic pain.
Endometriosis that develops in other parts of the body may result in bowel related or urinary tract symptoms. In 1992, I worked with a patient who suffered with severe endometriosis related pain in her bowel every month. She followed the program that I am going to share with you and experienced complete relief.
Natural medicine treatment for endometriosis treatment usually requires 6-12 months, depending upon the severity of your symptoms. You will need to make a commitment because dietary and lifestyle changes are essential for successful treatment. Here, are four recommendations that I have found successful for patients who suffer with endometriosis.
1. Balance Hormones with Natural Progesterone
Many practitioners believe that one of the causes of endometriosis is a relative estrogen excess to progesterone ratio. Balancing hormones with natural, plant based progesterone can help to stop the growth of abnormal endometrial tissue.
2. Eliminate Accumulated Chemicals Through Metabolic Detoxification
Research has shown that chronic exposure to chemicals called xenoestrogens (chemicals that mimic estrogen) increases the incidence and severity of endometriosis. Sources or xenoestrogens include digoxins, pesticides, herbicides, PCBs, and growth hormones stored in animal fat.
I recommend following a metabolic detoxification program. This is a scientifically designed program that includes targeted nutrition through a scientifically formulated powdered beverage mix that supports healthy liver function and enhances metabolic detoxification. A higher incidence of endometriosis has been seen in women who have compromised liver function. The liver breaks down and removes estrogen and other hormones and toxins from the blood circulation for excretion or inactivation. This program supplies specific vitamins, minerals, plant nutrients and other amino acids that help to facilitate the removal of toxins.
The food plan consists of an elimination diet of low-allergy foods. Avoiding potentially allergenic or heavily processed foods that may impair the ability of your body to cleanse and detoxify is vital to the success of this program. Eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients is necessary to reduce the allergen and toxic load and enhance the ability of your body to detoxify. Studies have shown that women with endometriosis have an increased risk for symptoms if they consume red meats, dairy products and processed foods and have a decreased risk if they eat unprocessed foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and fish.
3. Increase Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Studies have demonstrated that taking omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to women who suffer with endometriosis. One study found that the EPA/DHA in fish oil can relieve pain by decreasing levels of an inflammatory chemical called prostaglandin E2. Researchers also found that taking fish oil could slow the growth of endometrial tissue. Red meats, dairy, fried foods and junk foods increase production of prostaglandin E2. These foods must be avoided.
Women who suffer from endometriosis have been found to have low levels of the anti inflammatory chemical called prostaglandin E1.Foods that produce anti inflammatory prostaglandins and decrease inflammation include healthy fats found in nuts, seeds, fish and olive oil.
4. Chaste Tree Berry
Chaste tree has traditionally been used to treat hormone imbalances in women, such as in menstrual cramping, breast pain, fibroids, menopausal complaints and uterine bleeding. Taking chaste tree enhances the body’s natural production of progesterone. With greater levels of progesterone compared to estrogen, the uterine tissue receives less estrogen stimulation, which helps relieve endometriosis symptoms. Chaste tree berry may be prepared as an infusion or dry liquid extract, or it may be taken as a capsule.
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