2023-09-18 07:43:54
by Anna Fregonara
Foods that have an estrogen-like action, such as those based on soy,
should be limited, while anti-inflammatory ones should be preferred
An anti-inflammatory diet could help women suffering from endometriosis, a very painful disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the endometrium (inside the uterus) grows outside the uterus. one of the innovations that emerged from the symposium organized by the Youth Working Group of the Italian Society of Human Nutrition during the last national congress in Arezzo. Endometriosis is a chronic benign inflammation of the female genital organs and pelvic peritoneum. It affects 2 to 10% of women of childbearing age (15-49 years) worldwide and approximately 30-50% of symptomatic cases explains Cinzia Ferraris, dietician and researcher at the Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine of University of Pavia.
The stimulus to inflammation
Inflammation occurs as the immune system’s response to tissue forming where it shouldn’t. The stimulus for the growth of this tissue is the female hormone estrogen. it is logical to think that foods known to influence the production of estrogen, such as soy-based ones, are not recommended while others with an anti-inflammatory action can have positive effects on symptoms. The general indications push for an anti-inflammatory diet although the evidence is conflicting, continues the expert.
Foods to avoid
There is consensus on the association between consumption of red meat (processed and unprocessed) and increased risk of endometriosis. One explanation could be the possible effect on steroid hormones: for example an increase in concentrations of estradiol, the steroid hormone estrogen. In fact, high levels of estrogen are involved in the induction of inflammation typical of the disease. Furthermore, animal fats in meat, such as palmitic acid, appear to promote the endogenous production of estrogen and therefore increase the risk of endometriosis. A further hypothesis concerns iron, which meat is rich in, associated with an increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory status.
Omega-3 acids
On the other hand, some evidence suggests a decrease in the risk of this pathology with the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, typical for example of flax seeds and oily fish. It is not possible to give certain indications on which foods to consume and which to avoid. However, the European guidelines of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology report that despite the scarcity of evidence in favor, for the future it would be better to direct towards a healthy lifestyle which also includes adequate nutrition, a limitation on alcohol consumption and regular physical activity.
September 18, 2023 (changed September 18, 2023 | 07:43)
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