Top immune system support foods to put into your shopping trolley to help in the management of endometriosis

Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)

As endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, inflammation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of the disease which is characterised by an increase in peritoneal macrophages (immune cells) and the inflammatory products that they release such as cytokines. While inflammation is heavily involved in the processes that result in the formation of lesions inside the peritoneum, it also significantly contributes to the pain and infertility that are associated with endometriosis.

Enhancing gut flora, regulating immune responses, removing metabolic wastes, and enhancing liver function should be some of the main goals in relation to diet and endometriosis (the liver is key in the detoxification of toxins and in the metabolism of hormones).

Top foods to help support immune function:

Onions

Carrots

Garlic

Rhubarb

Ginger

Dark leafy greens

Leeks

Mushrooms

Beans, peas and lentils

Green tea

Rooibos tea

Yogurt with live cultures and other fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut

Berries

Seeds (such as flax, chia, and pumpkin)

Interesting reading:

Sourial S, Tempest N, Hapangama DK. Theories on the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Int J Reprod Med. 2014;2014:179515. doi:10.1155/2014/179515