As this condition causes inflammation, it is important to have a diet that can help decrease inflammation.

30% - 50% of women with endometriosis have difficulty conceiving naturally.

There are two dietary approaches to endometriosis: Decrease inflammation and decrease excess oestrogen.

Limit or remove the following items from your diet if you have endometriosis:

• Trans fats
• Food with a high palmitic acid content
• Alcohol
• Omega 6 dominant oils
• By decreasing saturated by 50%, reduce oestrogen levels by 20%

The following is recommended to help with endometriosis

A diet high in:

• Calcium, omega 3- and vitamin D rich food.
• Fibre (whole grains, fresh fruits per day and vegetables- specifically brassica vegetables), Omega 3 fatty acids and
• Antioxidants are an important component.

Palmitic acid, red meat, sugar, processed meat may worsen symptoms

Common controversial discussions you can have with your Fertility Trained Dietician includes:

• The real science about going dairy-free and gluten-free for endometriosis
• Organic food- is this necessary?

Antioxidants include vegetables and fruits in your diet.

One study found that 43 % of individuals with endometriosis that were supplemented with Vit C and E had less pain compared to 0% without supplementation. Also, three inflammatory markers were significantly lower in the group that used vitamin C and E. A diet high in antioxidants may have a positive effect on endometriosis.

Fibre supports a 'barrier protection' process, which helps reduce excess oestrogen in females with endometriosis. Too much oestrogen increase inflammation, which makes symptoms worse. How? Well, high oestrogen levels increase the production of fatty substances that acts like hormones known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for a surge in inflammatory markers, which worsens the pain in the pelvic area. Oestrogen also increases endometriosis cell growth and numbers. High GI fibres should be avoided. Low GI fibres play an important role in the management of endometriosis.

Fruit and Vegetables, specifically Brassica vegetables, may be helpful in reducing oestrogen levels.

Buying highly sprayed fruit and vegetables organic may be beneficial as pesticides and dioxins are known to be hormone disrupters.