Endometriosis and Gut Health: Understanding the Connection
March is dedicated to raising awareness for Endometriosis, a chronic and painful condition that impacts 1 in 10 women worldwide, with an estimated 176 million cases globally.
Endometriosis is a multifaceted condition that is influenced by factors such as the immune system, hormones, inflammation, genetics, and environmental triggers.
Endometriosis is commonly linked to long-term pelvic discomfort, particularly during menstruation. However, the repercussions of this condition go beyond just period pain and can impact various areas of a woman's well-being, such as mental and emotional health, fertility, financial stability, and the quality of relationships.
As a naturopath, I have seen firsthand the impact that gut health can have on a woman's experience with endometriosis. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a crucial role in regulating our immune system, hormone levels, and overall health. When the balance of bacteria in the gut is disrupted or an increase in intestinal permeability (leaky gut), this can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system through toxins and inflammatory molecules entering the bloodstream, triggering an immune response that can exacerbate symptoms of endometriosis.
Additionally, it is important to note that the gut microbiome can impact oestrogen metabolism and detoxification. When the microbiome is not in balance, it can lead to an increase in free circulating oestrogen. This is problematic for individuals with endometriosis, as the condition is dependent on oestrogen. While oestrogen is not the root cause of endometriosis, higher levels of oestrogen can worsen symptoms and pain. Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme found in the gut that breaks down oestrogen, allowing it to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of beta-glucuronidase are linked to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which can be exacerbated by a diet high in sugar, processed foods, and alcohol, as well as chronic stress and inflammation.
So, what can be done to support gut health and potentially improve symptoms of endometriosis?
Here are a few naturopathic recommendations that you can start to implement straight away:
Eat an organic, whole-food diet
Support digestion: Incorporate foods with natural probiotics like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir, as well as prebiotic foods such as leafy green vegetables to feed beneficial gut bacteria.
Reduce processed foods and sugar
Reduce or avoid coffee and alcohol
Exercise (this increases butyrate, which boosts good gut microbes and reduces inflammation!)
Reduce endocrine disruptors (ie- plastics, parabens, BPA etc)
My Naturopathic approach to my endometriosis client’s work involves focusing on specific considerations to improve symptoms:
Down-regulate inflammation
Improve antioxidant status
Reduce pelvic congestion/improve circulation
Modulate hormones
Support optimal gut microbiota
Reduce pain levels
Modulate the immune system
Support liver function to support hormone/toxin clearance
If you're struggling with endometriosis, focusing on your gut health is one of the first and most important things you can do. If you’re looking for more guidance and direction as to how to reduce the severity of your symptoms and manage the condition book a
free intro consultation with me