Endometriosis: what it is and how to cure it with natural remedies

Between one and two in ten women of childbearing age suffer from endometriosis, but many don’t know it yet. However, over time the disease can cause very bothersome symptoms. Detecting the symptoms of endometriosis is the first step to start treating it naturally and prevent it from progressing.

What does it mean to have endometriosis?

It is an alteration produced because the uterine tissue extends beyond its normal limits.

Endometriosis: symptoms

In some cases, the diagnosis is delayed for years, because the symptoms are mild or are confused with those of other disorders, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, or even irritable bowel syndrome. All these symptoms are the consequence of the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus growing outside this organ.

Fatigue.Diarrhea.Constipation.Bloating or nausea.Pain during menstruation, when having sexual intercourse or when defecating.Excessive bleeding or difficulties getting pregnant.

Causes of endometriosis

The causes of endometriosis are not well known. There are some theories:

Endometrial cells can come out with the blood of menstruation and back through the fallopian tubes. There may also be some immune factor either autoimmune or defense cells do not kill cells growing outside the uterus as they should. continued exposure to chemicals With hormonal effects, found in cosmetics, plastics, and other everyday materials, it can also play a role.

Natural treatment of endometriosis

Apart from the discomfort, which can be intense, and the difficulties in getting pregnant, it is not a serious or malignant disease. Conventional treatment consists of administration of analgesics and hormonal supplements.

Birth control pills are often prescribed or an intrauterine device, such as the Mirena, is placed. In case of infertility, surgery may be indicated which is almost always laparoscopic through a small incision.

Natural medicine offers resources to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation. Food selection is key.

Avoid inflammatory foods

Dr. Michael Murray, author of the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (Tutor publishing house), recommends reduce intake of animal products (especially red meat and dairy products, which may contain estrogens and high amounts of arachidonic acid, a precursor of inflammatory prostaglandins).

It also advises reducing the presence in the diet or avoid saturated and trans fats (partially hydrogenated) and foods rich in refined carbohydrates to prevent the development of insulin resistance and the rise in blood glucose levels.

Some people may also benefit from a gluten-free or low-gluten diet

Omega-3 fatty acids

They can reduce discomfort more safely than pain-relieving drugs. Walnuts and flax and chia seedsThey are the main food sources of alpha-linolenic acid, a precursor of the omega-3 family.

A supplement of 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) may be indicated to promote the formation of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. The dose can be increased up to 4 g daily.

detox vegetables

Cabbages, artichokes, celery, onions and garlicpromote the conversion of estrogens in the liver and the elimination of its metabolites. They also provide fiber that favors the good state of the intestinal microbiota, essential for the balance of the inflammatory and immune response.

The soy and its derivatives They contain isoflavones, phytoestrogens that compete with cellular estrogen receptors. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition have been shown to reduce the symptoms of endometriosis. However, some authors do not recommend soy because of its estrogenic effect.

antioxidant nutrients

They reduce the stress suffered by the tissue of the uterus. The most effective are vitamin C (present in fruits, especially citrus fruits), beta-carotene (in yellow, orange and green fruits and vegetables), vitamin E (in avocado, seeds and nuts) and the selenium (in Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, brown rice, and shiitake mushrooms).

Recommended daily allowances in supplement form are 500 mg of vitamin C, 200 International Units of vitamin E, and 100 µg of selenium.

It is also advisable to include foods with antioxidant phytochemicals, such as green tea, grapes, berries, ginger and turmeric, in menus.

Medicinal plants for endometriosis

The medicinal plants indicated for the natural treatment of endometriosis are the same ones that are commonly used for menstrual cramps.

chasteberry(Vitex agnus castus) has been used traditionally in the treatment of hormonal imbalances in women. Increases the production of progesterone through the increase in luteinizing hormone. With its use, estrogens that stimulate the growth of endometrial tissue are reduced. This plant is also used to treat premenstrual syndrome and the discomfort of perimenopause. The generally recommended dose is 240 mg per day of dry extract. It is not recommended for women who take birth control pills or undergo hormonal treatments.Dandelion(Taraxacum officinale) is one of the most detoxifying plants. Helps the liver deactivate estrogens and eliminate toxins. In addition, the dandelion leaf contains provitamin A and vitamins C and K.motherwort or lion’s tail (Leonorus cardiaca) is antispasmodic and is traditionally indicated for period pain.dong quai (angelica sinensis) is an essential plant of Chinese medicine indicated in cases of endometriosis without heavy bleeding. It is advisable to take 3 to 4 g daily of dry extract.

Yoga and exercise at home

Asanas and breathing exercises manage to reduce the intensity of the symptoms. The postures reduce tension and congestion in the pelvic area, according to Dr. Andrea Vasconcelos, from the University of Campinas (Brazil).

For example, restorative asanas such as the cobra (bhujangasana), the Frog (malasana), the reclining goddess (supta baddha konasana) or the wide angle (prasarita padottanasana), among others.

Yoga asanas can be combined with breathing exercises that induce a state of calm, visualizations to relax the pelvic area and stretching of the hip, buttock and groin muscles.

You can check how these exercises are performed in the article Endometriosis: 6 exercises to relieve pain, on the Cuerpomente website.

If you want to start practicing yoga, you may be interested in the online yoga initiation course from Escuela Cuerpominte.

Acupuncture is effective and safe

Chinese medicine (TCM) understands endometriosis as a blockage in the flow of energy and blood. To treat it, medicinal plants, dietary measures and acupuncture are recommended.

A study from Tongji University (China) found that the combination of acupuncture and moxibustion (application of heat in acupoints) produced symptom relief in 90% of cases, much more than progesterone treatment.

An investigation by doctors Iréne Lund and Thomas Lundeberg, from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm (Sweden), recommended acupuncture as a complementary treatment and with hardly any side effects for the treatment of endometriosis. Auriculopuncture (acupuncture in the ear with small needles) has proven to be especially effective.