Having endometriosis is a disorder that for too long people have suffered with in silence. Doctors might not have taken the pain seriously leading to no further investigation, or maybe patched symptoms with the pill.
We know lots of our followers have been diagnosed with endometriosis, or suspect that they have it. We took to Instagram to ask what supplements people recommend to help with the symptoms. Read on, we will share them with you in this blog.
Why bother with supplements for endometriosis?
When you have endometriosis you will very likely have pain, as well as heavy bleeding, gastrointestinal problems and even fertility problems. On the back of this, someone with pain from endometriosis could have issues with sleep, anxiety and depression.
Supplements might help to ease some of the direct and indirect symptoms.
What are the best supplements for endometriosis?
We’ve been chatting to people who suffer from the condition, and they told us the supplements for endo that they swear by.
Omega 3
Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in foods like salmon, sardines and mackerel. But if fish isn’t your dish then supplements might be the answer.
Supplements that contain omega 3’s include fish oils, CBD and hemp oil.
What’s the theory behind omega 3 as a supplement for endometriosis? Well, cramps and pain can be caused by prostaglandins. Too many or too few of these are going to cause pain. The body is thought to cleverly convert omega 3 fatty acids into prostaglandins that help ease pain and inflammation.
Turmeric
A few of our followers gave a shout out to turmeric. Some take it in tea or tablet form, others just add it to meals. Turmeric is thought to help reduce swelling and free radicals. Turmeric tea is surprisingly delicious and a warming drink is always welcome when we’re in pain or feeling down.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea has long been used as a sleep and relaxation aid. It is also a herb/supplement that could be good for endometriosis. If you are having trouble sleeping, or feel particularly tense then a chamomile tea before bed could help with sleep.
Low fat diet
Okay, this one isn’t so much of a supplement for endometriosis. It’s more of a lifestyle change. Eating a low-fat diet has been suggested to help by one of our followers. She said a lower-fat diet helps her with any gastro problems.
CBD oil
CBD oil comes from the cannabis plant. It has long been used as a method to help with chronic pain, sleep, stress, anxiety and more. It could be an all in one supplement for endo! We heard from one lady who had tried different CBD products that tinctures helped the best.
Heat
Again, not a supplement, but something that might help. One follower told us she didn’t like taking painkillers because they made her drowsy and she had concerns over long-term effects. Instead, she found that heat such as hot water bottles, patches and baths helped ease the pain.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that is thought to help reduce inflammation and aid sleep. You can get it from foods such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, cashews, peanuts and more.
There needs to be more scientific research into magnesium for endometriosis, however, small studies do suggest that magnesium could help to reduce pain associated with menstruation.
Vitamin B6
B6 is a vitamin found in foods such as cabbage, peppers, bananas, broccoli, lentils, nuts and seeds. It is known for helping you maintain a strong immune system. When it comes to using this supplement for endometriosis it is thought to help reduce inflammation in the body. We couldn’t find any clinical trials on this, but the theory is a good one.
Eat lots of fruit and veggies – limit red and processed meats
One person we heard from swears by eating more veggies and fruit and cutting back on red and processed meats. She particularly rates antioxidant foods such as beets, oranges, spinach and berries. Antioxidants help to protect tissues from damage and prevent inflammatory responses. This could be why the ‘eat the rainbow’ approach might be one to try.
Supplements for Endometriosis
If you are suffering from endo, or think you might be, have a chat with your doctor. Ask for follow up tests, you are quite within your right to do so!
Endo can cause real disruption to your life. Missing days at work or education, social events, being in pain can have a real impact on your physical and mental health too.
Make sure you are reaching out to get the help you need. You don’t have to suffer in silence!
Looking for support and inspiration? Check out the book: It’s about bloody time. PERIOD. By Emma Barnett.