Impact of lifestyle and diet on endometriosis: a fresh look to a busy corner

Nassir Habib, Giovanni Buzzaccarini, Gabriele Centini, Gaby N. Moawad, Pierre Francois Ceccaldi, Georgios Gitas, Ibrahim Alkatout, Giuseppe Gullo, Sanja Terzic, Zaki Sleiman

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder with a prevalence of six to ten percent in women of childbearing age. As long as the aetiology of endometriosis is not fully understood and the disease has no definitive treatment, an examination of the environmental factors or interventions that could modify or cure endometriosis would greatly benefit women suffering from this chronic condition. This literature review utilized the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE until February 2021. Studies indicate that fish oil may have a positive effect on reducing endometriosis-related pain due to the effects of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins derived from omega-3 fatty acids. The same effect was seen with the introduction of antioxidant vitamins C, D, and E. There is clinical viability of a low fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols diet to successfully reduce the symptoms of patients who suffer from both endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome. Despite the low level of evidence, there are frequent associations between endometriosis and gastrointestinal conditions in addition to the influence of various nutritional factors on the disease. The management of endometriosis requires a holistic approach focused on reducing overall inflammation, increasing detoxification, and attenuating troublesome symptoms. A dietician may provide great benefit in the management of these patients, especially at younger ages and in early stages. High-level evidence and welldesigned randomized studies are lacking when it comes to studying the effect of lifestyle and dietary intake on endometriosis. Inarguably, further research with a more extensive focus is needed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)124-132
Number of pages9
JournalPrzeglad Menopauzalny
Volume21
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • chronic pelvic pain
  • diet
  • endometriosis
  • lifestyle
  • nutrition

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Impact of lifestyle and diet on endometriosis: a fresh look to a busy corner'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this