Adjusting to An Endo Lifestyle
Adjusting to An Endo Lifestyle Having Endo is not the End ALL
Living life with endometriosis can be challenging if certain precautions are not taken. Preparation and diet are the two most important things that must be monitored to prevent complications. And if you have been recently diagnosed, all the information can be very overwhelming and intimidating. First things first, let me give you a rundown of things to avoid. After speaking with several other women at the Endo Black Conference back in March of this year, it seems coffee, chocolate, processed foods, and alcohol were at the top of the list, and I couldn’t agree more. Another important thing to consider is beauty products, but that’s a whole other topic. My best advice would be less is best. And that is very important when it comes to stress. Stress can trigger flareups and cause other problems to arise and just complicate everything. Less is best when it comes to stress, but hey, that’s for life in general.
Check out my top five items that help me tackle endometriosis symptoms and make life easier.
Hot Ginger Tea
Helps with digestion and inflammation. I must be candid, you will not like this the first time, and peeling and prepping the ginger can be intimidating at first. Thank God for cousins that know what works. My cousin came to finish one summer and made a pot of hot ginger tea for me. I was so inflamed and kept drinking the hot ginger while we were prepping for Kayla’s party. Words cannot explain how the warm ginger helped me that weekend. Think of it as a warm, spicy concoction. Add a little bit of Manuka Honey and wooloah!! Thanks, Prima!!!
Pineapple Ginger Juice
Did you know the benefits of pineapples are endless? This is another one of my faves to beat inflammation and bloat. A little on the pricier side for juice, but this is the only juice I will buy from time to time. I prefer the Lakewood brand best, but here are other alternatives.
Heating Pad
There is nothing better than getting home from work after a long intense day at the office filled with bouts of back pain and nausea than to shower, throw your most comfortable PJs, and curl up on the sofa with a large heating pad.
Semaine Health Daily Vitamins
I had been looking for a good daily vitamin that focuses on women’s health, particularly Endo. The founders of this brand won me over long before I tried their products. We initially met at the Endo Black Conference in Maryland this year. The two sisters work hard to develop products without all access chemicals. And after trying the Daily Vitamin out for a month straight, I was hooked. What a difference!!! All I can say is try it for yourself.
Cantaloupe
The benefits of cantaloupe are endless. My main reason for indulging, particularly in the morning for a light breakfast is to help with inflammation and digestion. This fruit also hydrates, is low in carbs and helps prevent leg cramps. High in beta carotene
Blueberries
Another way to beat inflammation. Plus, they are so easy to add to other foods.
Brazil nuts
Snack on these, but not too many. If you’re anything like me, eating all that fruit can give you the desire for something crunchy. Brazil nuts are good because they are packed with nutritional powerhouses, with healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They're particularly high in selenium, a mineral with potent antioxidant properties. Eating Brazil nuts may reduce inflammation, support brain function, and improve your thyroid function and heart health. They can be hard to find but try your local grocer in the nut section or also places like Whole Foods and Trader Joes.
When I was first diagnosed with endometriosis, I looked at it as having bad cycles. As time went on, each month became more painful. This is not normal and does not let anyone convince you to believe otherwise. Consult with an Endo Specialist and try to find one that you can build with and that understands or at least tries to understand you.
Disclaimer. I am not a medical professional, and these are tips and suggestions I used based on my own personal experience with endometriosis.