Alternative medicine for endometriosis: Diet and nutrition

Clinical studies demonstrate that the latest medical and surgical treatments focus more on the symptoms of the endometriosis rather than the disease itself and unfortunately have many side effects. Eat food as medicine or else medicine as food is an age old saying which holds true today since lifestyle-generated diseases have reached their pinnacle. The increase in endometriosis cases every year, especially in young women, is proof of the same. This chapter assesses the role of the right nutrition as a preventer as well as a healer. It highlights the role of important nutrients in endometriosis. Adding functional foods and special nutrients in the daily diet as a preventive and a curative measure for endometriosis; avoiding triggers such as xenoestrogens and xenobiotics, processed foods, artificial sweeteners, trans-fatty acids, excess sugar, alcohol, and caffeine; treating food allergies and sensitivities—all this awareness and right knowledge—can contribute greatly in preventing or healing endometriosis and its symptoms. Special therapeutic diets such as low FODMAP (fermentable oligo, di- and monosaccharides and polyols) or gluten free have proved to enhance success of medical therapy for endometriosis. To conclude, scientific nutrition therapy will help to build up immunity and reduce inflammation by detoxifying the body from food allergies and environmental toxins, as well as provide all micro- and macronutrients that help to balance hormones as well; therefore, the root cause of endometriosis can be managed to a great extent.