Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Endometriosis

Nutrition and Supplementation

Your diet should include at least 50 percent raw fruits and vegetables. Whole grains, nuts, and seeds are recommended as are "green" drinks made from dark green leafy vegetables.

Experts recommend limiting the amount of meat and diary products in the diet because these foods increase arachidonic acid which increases inflammation. It is also important to eliminate caffeine and alcohol, dairy products, fried foods, red meats, sugar, salt, junk food, and fast food. Foods Containing phytoestrogens can be beneficial and include soybean products, such as tofu, miso, and tempeh, and legumes, such as lentils, pinto beans, lima beans, yellow split peas, alfalfa sprouts and peanuts. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, and turnips, are also indicated.

One of the functions of the liver is to remove excess hormones from the system, so keep the liver healthy with liver-cleansing foods, such as beets, carrots, and lemons.

Essential fatty acids help reduce the inflammation associated with the excess buildup of the endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Essential fatty acids suppress prostaglandins that increase the cramping that often accompanies endometriosis. Foods sources include salmon, nuts, seeds, and flaxseed oil; evening primrose oil is another source.

Daily supplements include:

Most Important

vitamin B complex (50 mg)-balances hormones, supplemented with vitamin B6 (50 mg 3 times daily) (Caution: doses over 100 mg are not recommended for long-term use, as side effects may result)

vitamin C (2000 mg 3 times daily) (Caution: high doses may cause diarrhea)-use buffered form

vitamin E (800 to 1200 IU)

evening primrose oil (1500 mg)

vitamin K (200 mcg)-clots blood

iron (as directed by healthcare provider)-a deficiency is common with endometriosis

Also Recommended

vitamin A (5000 IU)

folic acid (400 mcg)

magnesium (1000 mg at bedtime)

calcium (1500 mg)-supplies minerals

selenium (400 mcg)

flaxseed oil (1 tblsp)

potassium (3 to 4 times a day; see package for dosage instructions)

(Consult your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

Aromatherapy

The essential oils of cypress, geranium, and rose can help calm the symptoms of endometriosis.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda considers endometriosis a vata imbalance. As such, treatments are the same as those for premenstrual syndrome. See the "Premenstrual Syndrome" entry.