Endo and adeno diets?

[Andy2019]

Hi all, I’ve recently been diagnosed with adenomyosis and endometriosis. I’ve done some research online and saw some articles about diets by consuming foods that are anti-inflammatory helping reduce pain. I was wondering if anyone here has tried a diet and if it was effective? If so what diet have you tried?

[Koryu]

Heya, I have changed my diet for endo, but I am not on any official endo diet. Many of them bug me for various reasons actually. I sought out a dietician who went through my symptoms with me and initially we did a blood test and then adjusted supplements to help give me a boost. We gradually cut those down as symptoms went and I am now on background support (1/2 dose of multivits etc) only. Endo can hamper nutrient absorption as it turns out, who knew?

In terms of diet: I have dropped red meat in particular and white meat and that has made the single biggest difference in my pain levels. I will rarely have something organic, though usually only some chicken.

With the dietician I dropped dairy first and tested to see if pain would change. Sadly it didn't, but I felt I had so much more energy so stayed off it...turned out after my lap that I had a cow's milk protein intolerance. That was not a fun surgery recovery. XD So dropping it did probably help, but my endo was too severe at the time.

I also dropped gluten for 60 days. No difference in pain for me and when I had some after (a restaurant messed up badly) I was also ok. I just try to cut it down to once a day as all things in moderation is wise.

Lots of veg, some fruit. There are various bits of yes vs no e.g. grapefruit are bad! Wait, only for some people etc.

So, every person is different. Some people see amazing results on the gluten free, some on dairy etc. I have also cut down on sugar and I eat a handful of berries with my porridge (frozen berries cooked with it atm). I usually also have herbal tea, but currently taking a break as re-assessing.

I recommend seeing a dietician if you want to make big changes and see if you have intolerances. They can test your blood and see if you are low on iron or Vit D (I apparently am not great at absorbing VitD) and then go from there.

I still have soy, I just don't eat tons at once and there is now a suggestion that overall that is fine, just don't eat lots and lots of concentrated soy protein.

Depending on your symptoms you might also look at particular things such increasing fermented foods in the diet etc., but depends on your goals.

Start slow, get to know your body. Don't rush. Your body needs time to adjust too. Hope this terribly long rant helps.

[Andy2019 in reply to Koryu]

Thank you for your reply! It’s just atm I’m on so many painkillers I’m trying to resort to something more natural like diet etc. I will most definitely find a dietician and give the elimination process a go - anything that’ll help! Thank you for your advice, really appreciate it.

[Koryu in reply to Andy2019]

I really get that. For my pain I also took a herbal tincture to help bring down inflammation and with some herbal painkillers in there and for lighter cramps a tea with cramp bark can help etc. I did that until I started IVF earlier this year as my herbalist and I didn't want to take chances on the herbs in the tincture.

Acupuncture has also made the world of difference, who knew? oO It was my first experience, but it really has made the worst of it soooo much better.

Some friends swear by gentle yoga/exercise too.

I hope you find what works for you. Painkillers are rubbish and don't I know it. *sigh* Feel better soon.

[Andy2019]

Thankyou again for your information, I really appreciate it

I’ve actually also recently been told to go see a naturopath- cause I too suffer with bowel issues (Constant switching from diahorrea and constipation). Obviously that then takes its toll too - so now you’ve also recommended it, I’m definitely gonna take a look into this too. I also don’t think I’d be able to stick to an unrealistic diet but if I’m at least consuming foods with higher anti-inflammatory properties maybe that helps? Have you seen improvement in symptoms from the dieticians diet?

I’m just trying to find a healthier alternative than just turning to pain meds as I’ve also had to suffer with gastritis, gallstones and inflamed pancreas (all from I believe pain meds). So you can only imagine how eager I am to try a natural path! Xx