Women can encounter a lot of health problems with regards to their reproductive system. One of these problems is known as endometriosis. Endometriosis is beginning to become a very common health condition experienced by many women. However, there are only a few people who are truly aware of what endometriosis is and what are the awful effects in can cause to the body. So in order to spread the knowledge about this condition, let us define what endometriosis is and identify some of the endometriosis natural remedies.
Understanding Endometriosis
What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is defined as a chronic and painful condition that affects the tissue that lines or covers the uterus called as the endometrium. This causes the tissue to start growing outside the said organ or the uterus. Most commonly the growth of the endometrium affects the nearby structures of the internal reproductive system of women such as the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, and as well as the pelvic lining. Other severe cases can cause the lining to even go outside the pelvic area.
Nowadays, there are already more than 5 million women in the United States and Canada alone who are suffering from endometriosis. Basing on this statistic, we can say than millions more women suffer worldwide. One way in order to treat endometriosis is by learning the different signs and symptoms it entails. This way, it can help women know as early as possible whether or not they are suffering from the mentioned condition and can also help in providing immediate treatment to the condition.
Identifying Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of endometriosis are the experience of painful sensations around the pelvic area and as well as cramping during menstruation. This can begin before and continue for several days after the start of the monthly period. The pain can also be felt in the lower portion of the abdomen or at the lower back. Sciatica or the shooting nerve pain experienced in the lower legs can also be exhibited by endometriosis. Other symptoms for this condition includes heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods, fatigue, infertility cased by the trapping of the egg due to adhesion, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea and as well as nausea.
Discovering the Natural Treatments for Endometriosis
Once the symptoms mentioned earlier are already experienced, it is important to seek the advice or the impression of a physician. Endometriosis can be treated with many effective drugs and procedures; however, there are also natural ways for us in order to prevent or lessen the symptoms caused by the condition. These natural remedies or treatments include the following:
• Reduction of Chemical Intake – Earlier studies about endometriosis suggest that there is an association with the chronic exposure to the environmental chemicals dioxin and other polychlorinated biphenyls to the development and increase in severity of the said reproductive condition. This is the reason why reducing the intake of these chemical can be helpful in the prevention of endometriosis. This can be done by reducing the consumption of animal fat that has been exposed or accumulated with dioxin and PCBs. The increase intake of red meat and ham is also considered as a risk factor in causing the development of endometriosis.
• Increase Intake of Fruits and Vegetables – Fruits and vegetables are said to contain plant chemicals known as flavones. These flavones are capable of inhibiting the aromatase, which is the enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens. Some of the good dietary sources of flavones are the celery and the parsley. Other vegetables that are known to be effective in reducing the risk of endometriosis are the cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy and the Brussels sprouts. These food products contain indoles, which is an effective substance in improving the metabolism of estrogen. Flaxseeds are also high in fiber and lignans which are also effective in health conditions such as endometriosis.
• Adding Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Diet – Omega 3 fatty acids are found in many types of fish such as salmon, sardines, anchovies and mackerel. These acids can also be taken as supplements in the form of capsules. Studies have found out that omega 3 is also effective in fighting endometriosis. Fish oil is said to contain EPA and DHA, which are great in reducing pain by decreasing the inflammatory chemical called the prostaglandin or the E2. Fish oil is also considered to be a good agent in slowing down the progression of endometriosis.
• Reduce Stressful Lifestyle – stress can also trigger the occurrence of endometriosis. Prolonged stress can lead to the increase production of cortisol. Studies have also shown that a lot of women with high cortisol levels are also suffering from advanced endometriosis. Because of this, it is important for us to reduce stress and one of doing this is by taking in vitamins and minerals and doing other stress reduction exercises such as relaxations techniques, medication and diaphragmatic breathing.
• Hydrotherapy – doing contrast sitz bath is also recommended by alternative practitioners for the aid against endometriosis. This involves sitting in a small basin or tub filled with hot water for at least three minutes, which is then followed by sitting in another basin with cool water for at least 1 minute. The cycle can be done for at least three times in a day. This however, should not be done during menstruation.
These are just some of the effective natural remedies in treating endometriosis. It is important for us to take this kind of condition seriously since endometriosis can lead to many complications which can already be very hard to treat.
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