Endometriosis is rooted in both an autoimmune reaction within the body and a hormonal imbalance of estrogen excess. My protocol for women with endometriosis addresses these core issues by strengthening the immune system and re-balancing hormone levels through boosted liver function. While I always, always have a “food first” mindset when addressing the symptoms of endometriosis, and any reproductive health issue, I have found supplements can supercharge the work of food in the body and speed up the process of symptom management and recovery. In previous blog posts I’ve detailed the right dietary approach to endometriosis, including the foods you should avoid, and the strategies to adopt, as well as diving deep on the emotional root of the problem. Once you have these elements of the protocol underway, it’s time to look at the best supplements to add to your daily routine.
The best supplements for endometriosis
1. Milk thistle - this herb contains the antioxidant
silymarin, repairs the cells in your liver and protects cells from damage (thereby regenerating the strength of the liver to detox the body of excess estrogen), and it is anti-inflammatory. So, this is one powerful herb for endometriosis!
2. Evening primrose oil - an essential fatty acid in Evening Primrose Oil called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is anti-inflammatory and acts to inhibit tumor growth in those with endometriosis. GLA is actually converted into prostaglandins that work
against the pain-causing and tumor stimulating prostaglandins. There are 3 types of prostaglandins – PgE1,2, and 3. PgE2 is the one that causes uterine contractions and pain. Then there are two – PgE1 and PgE3 – that counteract the contractions and are antispasmodic i.e. natural pain killers. The goal is to increase your good prostaglandins to offset the effects of the bad prostaglandins.
3. B6 - an excess of estrogen can be re-balanced with an increase in progesterone and B6 is the best vitamin for boosting progesterone production. B6 supports the development of the corpus luteum, which is where all your progesterone springs from. B6 also specifically works with liver enzymes to remove excess estrogen from the body and boosts the immune system to prevent autoimmune response.
4. Probiotics - a healthy microbiome is essential for management of endometriosis. There’s a community of gut bacteria and specifically bacterial genes, called the estrobolome, that produce an enzyme that supports the metabolization of estrogen. Your gut is an important part of the elimination system that is vital in ushering hormones out of the body.
5. DIM - diindolylmethane supports the body in eliminating excess estrogen. DIM is derived from cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli. It metabolizes estrogen into components easily assimilated and removed by the body, and avoids the development of estrogen dominance.
**NOTE - use EITHER the Milk Thistle OR the DIM, but not both at the same time!Always remember, that once you have the right information about how your body really works, you can start making health choices that finally start to work for you! You can do this – the science of your body is on your side!To your FLO,Alisa
We believe that no woman should suffer simply because she has a period.
And we also know that it’s not always possible to get access to functional and holistic healthcare solutions — sometimes they’re too far away and most of the time they are way too expensive.That’s why we offer phone and Skype consultation sessions with our FLO coaches.All of our expert FLO coaches have been trained by Alisa on top of being certified health coaches and licensed acupuncturists. And they are all qualified to help you find the right next step for you in getting out of hormonal chaos and into your FLO. Work with a FLO Coach and find your customized plan to solve your period symptoms.
