Our Naturopath, Genya Fleischer, continues her endometriosis blog with Naturopathic management.
NATUROPATHIC TREATMENT:
Naturopathic treatment for endometriosis may aim at stimulation of the immune system enhancing the inflammatory response, balancing hormones, and detoxing the liver so it can break down environmental toxins and excess estrogens.
Naturopathic treatments can include nutrition and dietary changes, botanical medicine supplementation , acupuncture , massage and counselling.
DIETARY SUGGESTIONS:
Eliminate potential food allergens, including dairy, wheat (gluten), corn, soy, preservatives, and food additives.
Eat antioxidant-rich foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as kale, spinach, and bell pepper).
Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy), or beans for protein.
Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially-baked goods, such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, and limit foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat. Avoid foods with additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Drink 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
FOODS TO LIGHTEN THE BLOOD FLOW and REDUCE PAIN:
Foods high in fruit and vegetables, rich in dietary fiber are associated with a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut flora, where they play a significant role in breaking down estrogens and also reducing inflammation. Studies show that the inclusion of soy with its isoflavones can reduce the proliferation of endometrial cells.
Turmeric contains an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound known as curcumin that has been shown to slow endometrial cell proliferation in test tube studies. It appears to do so by inhibiting the production of estradiol, the strongest of the three types of human estrogen.
Green tea has similar properties to progesterone in that it is a potent inhibitor of aromatase. It an anti-angiogenic and suppresses the development of tiny blood vessels that feed endometrial overgrowth and promote inflammation.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny needles in the skin, mainly to treat pain . Acupuncture may help reduce pain and balance hormone levels. Preliminary studies show that acupuncture is effective in reducing pain related to endometriosis. More studies are needed.
MASSAGE and EXERCISE
Therapeutic massage may help resolve pelvic congestion. Regular exercise can help you feel better. It doesn’t have to be extreme. Walking, stretching, and doing breathing exercises can all help ease your endometriosis pain. Pelvic floor exercises can strengthen the muscles and help you feel better.
FOOD CORNER, Vegetarian PHO
Ingredients
For serving:
Instructions
In a medium pot over low heat, combine the star anise, cinnamon stick and cloves and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the water, onion, garlic, ginger, and the stems of the shiitake mushrooms. Simmer for 20 minutes, then strain and return the liquid back to the pot.
Slice the shiitake mushroom caps and add them to the pot along with the tamari, rice vinegar, and spring onion. Simmer 15 minutes.
Add the bok choy and edamame and cook until tender, 5-8 minutes. Taste and season with more tamari for depth of flavor, and more rice vinegar for tang, as desired. Ladle the soup into 2 bowls over the cooked rice noodles. Serve with the lime slices, sprouts, herbs, chili peppers, and more tamari on the side.
Enjoy