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Endometriosis Infertility - Health - Nairaland

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Endometriosis Infertility by Myah001(f): 12:54pm On Apr 10, 2013
Culled from: http://essencehaven..com/2013/04/endometriosis-infertility.html
Thought i should share

Natural Therapies for Endometriosis Infertility

Lifestyle changes are some of the most effective ways to help with endometriosis. These would be changing your diet, clearing out old tissues and congestion, balancing your hormones, and avoiding certain pollutants. The overall goal is to support proper function and health of the endometrium, endocrine and immune systems.

Step 1: Eat a nutrient dense fertility diet
To begin you will want to build a healthy foundation for your fertility by creating a baby-friendly-body. Diet changes specific to endometriosis are important. There are several types of food you may want to avoid because they have been linked to making endometriosis worse. Certain foods may trigger flare-ups, promote inflammation, or are “congesting” to the body, feeding the congestive nature of endometriosis, while other foods may increase hormonal imbalance.

Foods to Limit or Avoid
The following foods have been linked to making endometriosis worse:

Gluten, specifically wheat
Wheat has a direct link to making pain worse in women with endometriosis. Researchers are not sure why, but nutritionist Dian Mills says, “Wheat has been genetically modified…There is also problems with gluten sensitivity, and more people are becoming gluten sensitive and I find that when I’ve taken wheat out of the diet, in 80% of the women with endometriosis, their pain subsides.”
At study performed in 2009 of 120 women with endometriosis tested positive for markers that signal the possibility of celiac disease. Of those 9 women, 4 agreed to intestinal biopsy to confirm celiac disease, all 4 tested positive. Researchers concluded that celiac disease appears to be common in women with endometriosis which may warrant further studies on the topic.

When you have Celiac disease, every time you eat something with gluten in it, your immune system goes into overdrive which results in the production toxins throughout the body. These toxins ultimately damage the villi found in the stomach. This destruction restricts the bodies ability to absorb the right nutrients which can actually starve the body of the vitamins and minerals it needs to work properly, eventually affecting every system in the body – including the reproductive system.

It is suggested to remove gluten or at least wheat from the diet for a minimum of 2 months to see if pain is reduced or eliminated.

Dairy products
Dairy products are “congesting” to the body. Consumption of dairy products should be limited to about 2 times a week at most. Choose organic raw dairy products when possible. Homogenized and pasteurized cow milk is the most congesting and hard to digest of all dairy products. Choose dairy milk alternatives, such as hemp, almond or brown rice milk instead. Organic raw unsweetened yogurt or kefir are the best choices for dairy products. Be sure that all dairy you do consume is organic or says it does not contain any added hormones.

Red meat, especially commercially raised beef
A study performed in 2004 compared 504 women under the age of 65 who had endometriosis to 504 women under the age of 65 who had no known fertility problems. They found that women who ate beef or other red meat seven times a week or more were 100 percent more likely to have endometriosis than women who ate red meat three times a week or less. The study did not mention what the connection between red meat consumption and endometriosis is, but that it does exist. It may very well be that most red meat contains a variety of xenohormones and antibiotics which are known to be toxic the the human body. See Non-organic foods below for more information on how non-organic meats affect fertility.

Pork
The same study from above showed that women who ate ham three or more times per week were 80 percent more likely to have endometriosis than those who ate it less than once a week. Pork is one of the fattiest meats a person could consume, which means pigs store more toxins than other animals.

Soy
Soy foods are highly processed and contain concentrated amounts of isoflavones. The isoflavones are known to be phytoestrogenic. In fact soy contains more concentrations of isoflavones than any other phytoestrogen, which may contribute to estrogen dominance. Most soy is genetically modified and not organic, both of which have been linked to numerous infertility cases.

Non-organic foods
We have learned that exposure and consumption of pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers and GMO foods can create hormonal imbalance through endocrine disruption and suppressed immune function. Conventional fruits and vegetables are regularly sprayed with these chemicals and then not only do we eat them daily, but so do animals that are raised for meat.

If you eat non-organic meats, you are being doubly exposed to these toxins. This is because xenohormones become more concentrated as they move up the food chain. Xenohormones are often stored in the fat cells of animals. The more fatty the meats you are consuming the more xenohormones you are consuming. For example if you are eating 80% lean/20% fat beef, you may be consuming 20% toxins that cow has stored in its fat. What was that non-organic cow eating? Well, conventional beef is raised in feedlots. They are fed corn and soy feed. This is GMO corn and soy, sprayed with pesticides, fertilizers and possibly herbicides. The cows eat this everyday. Then on top of that the animals live in horrible living conditions and are given antibiotics to stave off the spread of disease.

Foods to Focus On

Fresh Vegetables and Fruits
These foods should make up most of your diet. The study from 2004 that linked red meat consumption to endometriosis also Studies showed that women who eat green vegetables 13 times or more per week (roughly twice a day) were 70 percent less likely to have endometriosis than those who green vegetables less than six times per week.

Women who ate fresh fruit 14 times or more per week (at least twice a day) were 40 percent less likely to have endometriosis than those who ate fruit and vegetables less than six times per week.

This study suggests that there may be link between eating a healthy diet, low in red meat and high in fruit and vegetables and a reduced risk of developing endometriosis.

The current advice is to eat at least five 80g portions of fruit and vegetables every day.

The Importance of Fiber
Your main focus and one of the first things you should do right now is eating more fiber. Fiber helps the body to get rid of excess estrogens.

Some good sources of fiber are:

Dark leafy greens
Broccoli
Swiss chard
Quinoa
Chia seeds
Beans

Essential Fatty Acids
In addition make sure to eat a diet high in essential fatty acids. EFA’s, specifically omega 3s, reduce inflammation in the body which will help to lessen the pain that endometriosis can cause. Omegas also support hormonal balance. A diet high in Omega EFA’s and lower in trans fatty acids protects cellular integrity, which protects the cells in the body from oxidative stress.
Re: Endometriosis Infertility by Myah001(f): 12:58pm On Apr 10, 2013
Had to split it into two.

Good sources of omegas are:

Omega 3: Flax seeds (ground or oil), cage free organic eggs, wild Alaskan salmon
Omega 6: Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil
Omega 9: fresh seeds and nuts, avocado and sunflower oil
If you are not getting enough essential fatty acids from the foods you eat, you may want to consider taking a complete omega supplement or at least one high in omega 3.

Step 2: Avoid Exposure to Environmental Toxins
We have learned that exposure to certain environmental toxins may contribute to the development of endometriosis or make it worse. Some toxins are known to be endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors, also known as xenohormones, are human-made chemicals. These chemicals have the ability to interfere with the natural functions and development of our bodies. The main function of the endocrine system is to serve as our body’s message center. Hormones deliver messages, the endocrine system coordinates hormones.

Ways to support healthy endocrine function and avoid xenohormones:

Eat organic foods
Avoid exposure to pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers
Use natural feminine care products
Use organic, natural body care products, including makeup
Avoid food preservatives and dyes
Use low VOC paints
Use recycled unbleached paper products
Use non-chlorinated oxygen based bleach in the laundry
Avoid plastics

Step 3: Prepare your body with a cleanse
Cleansing specifically for fertility is an important first step if you are experiencing endometriosis. Cleansing using specific herbs helps the body to clear out old tissue, increase circulation to the reproductive system, support hormonal balance, reduce inflammation and pain caused from endometriosis. There is a correlation between the body’s inability to remove excess toxins and waste products in women with endometriosis.

A fertility cleanse also aids the liver in removing excess estrogens from your system. Again, supporting proper hormonal balance is vital to reducing the spread of endometriosis. We find doing a Fertility Cleanse 2 times a year is important for supporting a healthy endometrium and hormonal balance.

Step 4: Fertility Enzyme Therapy
Fertility Enzyme Therapy is one of the best and most effective natural therapies for helping the body to deal with endometriosis. Specific systemic enzymes can help support the body to reduce the “stagnation”, scar tissue and breakdown the excess tissues left from endometriosis.

Certain systemic enzymes also have the ability to reducing the inflammation caused from the scar tissue irritating the surrounding organs and may help with the pain that sometimes comes from having endometriosis.

The blood cleansing actions of this therapy help to bring proper circulation to the reproductive system and get the “stagnant blood” cleared out, bringing fresh oxygenated blood to your uterus and ovaries.

It is best to start the Fertility Enzyme Therapy in conjunction with fertility cleansing. For endometriosis you will want to stay on a systemic enzyme for many months so all of the stagnant tissues and scar tissues can be cleared. This should only be done in the months prior to trying to conceive.

Step 5: Supportive Herbs and Supplements for Hormonal Balance and Creating a Healthy Endometrium
Herbs and supplements can be very helpful for women with endometriosis. Many of these natural therapies support the body in eliminating excess hormones, endometrial tissues, inflammation, while promoting the reduction in endometrial growth.

DIM
DIM helps to balance the hormones by breaking down excess estrogen and removing it from the body. Endometriosis is an estrogen dominant condition. Cleansing the body of excess estrogen should help the body to reduce the growth of excess endometrial tissues.

Women’s Best Friend
Women’s Best Friend takes down pain and swelling caused from endometriosis so you start feeling better right away. Women’s Best Friend goes to the source of the problem, helping to reduce excess estrogen that fuels abnormal growths, and stimulating liver activity for improved estrogen metabolism. It works with your body’s natural detoxification processes to clear congested endometrial tissues while reducing symptoms like abnormal bleeding.

Key herbs in Women’s Best Friend that make this product so effective:

Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis canadensis)- This herb is extremely antibiotic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It works to heal any infection in the reproductive system, while also reducing pain and inflammation from foreign tissue growth. Reduction in inflammation may help to prevent scar tissue and adhesion.

Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia erythrina)- This herb is extremely antispasmodic and analgesic. It reduces muscular cramps and spasm. This is an herb that is often relied on by herbalists for women who have unrelenting pain disturbing daily life activities; debilitating pain.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)- Helps to promote normal hormone levels and overall balance within the reproductive system. Wild Yam may also help the uterus to work more efficiently during menses.

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)- [/b]This is one of the most effective herbs for reducing uterine spasm and cramping. Cramp Bark brings relief of pain and muscle spasm for smooth muscle, especially the uterus.

[b]Peony Root (Paeonia officinalis)-
Peony has been found to aid in increasing progesterone levels, lower testosterone and balance estrogen. Overall this herb has excellent hormone balancing support.

Additional Supplements that are helpful for endometriosis…

Whole Food Prenatal Multivitamin
A major part of increasing egg health and preparing the uterine lining is to take a prenatal multivitamin. Making sure your body has all of the nutrients necessary is a lot easier when you are taking a multivitamin. My favorite is the 100% whole food Baby and Me from Mega Food. Synthetic multivitamins don’t have the same effect. If you decide to change your diet to reduce endometriosis, you will need to make sure your body is supported nutritionally as your body adjusts to the diet changes. For women that have gluten or wheat intolerance, the digestive system may be damaged, which make absorption of nutrients from the diet difficult, it is vital you supplement with a multivitamin to ensure make up for lost nutrients in foods.

Pycnogenol:
Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant that comes from the bark of the pine tree Pinus maritima. It has been shown to help women with endometriosis, improve egg health, and increase sperm health. Antioxidants are important in restoring and protecting cellular health and DNA. Pycnogenol is a ther*peutic alternative to Gn-RHa in the treatment of endometriosis.

Bee propolis
Bee Propolis is a resinous mixture of tree sap, tree buds, tree leaves and other botanical sources that the bees make to seal small openings in their hives. A study published in Fertility and Sterility (2003;80:S32) showed that 60% of women with endometriosis related infertility who took 500mg of bee propolis twice a day for 9 months became pregnant as opposed to 20% in the placebo group. Endometriosis pain, scar tissue and adhesion formation is thought to be triggered by inflammation response. Bee propolis has been shown to be extremely anti-inflammatory which may reduce endometriosis. Bee propolis may also contain immunomodulating properties. This may be beneficial for autoimmune related fertility issues. Some doctors theorize that endometriosis may be an autoimmune disorder.

Maca
Maca is an incredible fertility super food. It helps to balance the hormones, but does not contain any hormones itself. Maca is able to do this through nourishing and balancing the endocrine system. This is essential in preparing for women with endometriosis because healthy hormonal balance contributes to healthy fertility.


Endometriosis is a complex fertility issue that has been shown to have multiple causes. Because of this there are a variety of steps that need to be taken to heal and reduce the effects it can have on fertility. The following 5 steps can help you to support a healthy endometrium!

1. Diet is your foundation. There are many foods that contribute to the spread and pain of endometriosis, limit those. Choose foods that support estrogen metabolism and reduce inflammation.

2. Avoid exposure to environmental toxins. Exposure to certain toxins may make endometriosis worse.

3. Fertility Cleansing is vital to supporting hormonal balance and uterine health.

4. Fertility Enzyme Therapy supports both proper inflammatory response and immune function. It also aids in the breakdown of scar tissue and adhesion.

5. Use supportive herbs and supplements for hormonal balance and to create a healthy endometrium.

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