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Diet for Adenomyosis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

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Diet for Adenomyosis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

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When the inner uterine lining (endometrium) grows into the muscular wall (myometrium), it is called adenomyosis. Read below to know the importance of diet in treating this condition.

Written by

Dr. Sowmiya D

Medically reviewed by

Sumiya Sulthana

Published At March 30, 2022
Reviewed AtFebruary 21, 2024

What Is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus called the endometrium grows into the muscular wall called the myometrium. The muscular wall gets thickened when this happens, but the endometrial tissues continue to concentrate and bleed during each menstrual cycle. The severity of the symptoms changes in each of the affected people. They can make menstrual cramps and bleeding more severe than usual. Women also can have problems getting pregnant and sustaining the pregnancy with this condition.

What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Adenomyosis?

The most important suspected cause of adenomyosis is excess estrogen in the body. Extra estrogen leads to the thickening of the uterine walls. It does not happen in a day but over a while. Adenomyosis can cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, severe cramps or chronic pelvic pain, pain in the back and legs, pelvic pressure, abdominal swelling, painful intercourse, and pain while having a bowel movement. A uterine surgery (C-section) might promote the direct invasion of the endometrial cells into the muscular wall of the uterus. Other reasons can be developmental issues or uterine inflammation during childbirth.

How to Diagnose Adenomyosis?

The signs and symptoms are similar to many other uterine conditions making the diagnosis difficult. Diagnosis can be made based on pelvic examination, ultrasound imaging of the uterus, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What Is the Treatment for Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis remains the same without treatment, or it can get worse. If there are no symptoms or manageable symptoms, treatment is not necessary. However, there are many treatment options. It includes anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce menstrual blood flow and help relieve pain and hormonal drugs that might lessen heavy bleeding. If there is severe pain, the doctor might suggest hysterectomy surgery to remove the uterus.

Endometrial Ablation - It is a surgery to destroy the lining of the uterus. This reduces the menstrual flow, and in some women, this can completely stop the menses.

Uterine Artery Embolization - It is a procedure by which the blood supply to the uterus is blocked due to the intake of birth control pills.

Other Treatment Options - An intrauterine device, especially the one that releases the hormone progestin.

Can Adenomyosis Be Cured Naturally?

Turmeric is an excellent option to cure adenomyosis as it is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps to reduce pain and inflammation. Foods rich in calcium and magnesium also helps to ease the symptoms of adenomyosis.

What Is the Special Diet for Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis patients must follow a nutritious diet. Water intake must be adequate. can include vegetable broth, soups, or infused water to increase water intake. People should avoid skipping meals. Fresh foods always contain the highest amount of nutrients. They not only have antioxidant properties but also anti-inflammatory properties. should avoid using canned foods. Physical activity, meditation, and yoga are recommended. Include food with a low glycemic index in the diet. They are broken down at a slower rate and cause a gradual rise in blood sugar levels over time. But it is also not healthy to include only food with a low glycemic index. The diet should be balanced.

The following are some of the recommendations -

  • Cereals - Brown rice, wheat, oats, quinoa, multigrain, puffed rice, rice flakes. They help to lose weight and manage menstrual cramps.

  • Fruits - Apple, papaya, pears, pineapple, coconut, and cantaloupe. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that help reduce uterine inflammation.

  • Vegetables - Fiber-rich green leafy vegetables, cabbage, spinach, cucumber, carrot, celery, asparagus, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, ridge gourd, and bitter gourd. They help to lose weight and maintain estrogen levels.

  • Pulses - Whole pulses, lentils, and legumes. A moderate amount of protein helps to maintain hormonal balance in the body.

  • Dairy Products - The protein in the milk helps to maintain estrogen levels. However, it is advised to consume low-fat milk as high-fat milk can fluctuate the symptoms.

  • Spices - Mint, turmeric, cumin, fennel, coriander, salt (in curbs). They have anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Flesh Foods - Egg white, chicken, and fish.

  • Dry Fruits - Walnuts, almonds (soaked), pumpkin seeds, and hazelnuts.

  • Oil - Olive oil, cow ghee, canola oil, fish oil. Also include omega-3-rich fats to reduce inflammation that might trigger adenomyosis.

  • Drinks - Aloe vera juice, wheatgrass juice, green juice, coconut water, herbal tea, green tea.

  • Other Foods - Homemade vegetable and fruit juices, honey, jaggery, and soybean.

What to Exclude for Adenomyosis?

Junk foods lead to estrogen imbalance. Spicy and fried food will aggravate pelvic congestion and inflammation, leading to dysmenorrhea. Hence trans fats, red meat, and processed food should be avoided. Avoid foods high in salt and sugar and preservatives or sodium salts. Heavy creamy desserts and sweets should also be avoided. Genetically modified foods can affect the hormonal balance and hence should be avoided. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables to remove all the pesticides that lead to hormonal imbalance. The following foods are to be avoided.

  • Cereals - White refined flour, white rice, and refined grains. Avoid refined cereals with refined flour as they can worsen adenomyosis.

  • Fruits - Mango, banana, citrus fruits, watermelon, plums, and carambola.

  • Vegetables- Bitter gourd, cauliflower, onion, garlic.

  • Pulses - Dried and frozen pulses.

  • Dairy Products - Milk and its products, full-fat yogurt, condensed milk, whole milk, and cream.

  • Spices - Hemp pepper and red chillies.

  • Drinks - Tea, coffee, alcohol, canned juices, carbonated drinks. Consuming alcohol, coffee, and cigarettes affects vascular contraction resulting in abnormal menstrual periods.

  • Flesh Foods - Red meat, processed meat, frozen meat.

  • Dry Fruits - Peanuts, cashew nuts, pistachio.

  • Oils - Butter, hydrogenated oil, palm oil.

  • Other foods to Be Avoided - All bakery products, junk food, oily food, vinegar, pickles, margarine cake, chocolate, pastries, cheese, deep-fried food, and frozen food.

Conclusion

Adenomyosis is not entirely curable without surgery. But, the symptoms are reversed after menopause as the estrogen levels naturally decrease. It can also be managed by lifestyle modification, alternative therapies, and a balanced diet. A diet with balanced fiber, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with adequate micronutrients, is the key to a healthy uterus.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Is the Diet Advised for Adenomyosis?

In the case of adenomyosis, one must follow a nutritious diet, including vegetable broth, soups, or infused water. Adequate water intake and fresh foods with high amounts of nutrients.
People with Adenomyosis must avoid skipping meals, canned foods, foods with a low glycemic index, junk foods, spicy and fried foods, red meat, trans-fats, and processed foods are to be avoided. Heavy creamy desserts are also avoided, and foods with high salt and sugars or preservatives should be avoided.

2.

How Can One Slow Down Adenomyosis?

The only way to slow down or stop adenomyosis is a hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus since adenomyosis causes diffuse, finger-like projections of tissue that invade the uterine wall.

3.

How to Treat Adenomyosis?

Treatment includes:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce menstrual blood flow and relieve pain.
- Hormonal therapy for heavy bleeding.
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
- Endometrial ablation (destroys the lining of the uterus and reduces menstrual flow. In some women, it can stop menses completely).
- Uterine artery embolization (a procedure to block the blood supply to the uterus due to the intake of birth control pills).

4.

What Fruits Are Good for Adenomyosis?

Recommended fruits for adenomyosis are apples, papaya, apricots, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, dates, figs, grapes, kiwi, lemon, melon, plums, peaches, pears, pineapple, coconut, and cantaloupe. Fresh fruits and juices are rich in antioxidants and help in inflammation reduction.

5.

Is There a Natural Remedy for Adenomyosis?

There is no natural remedy for adenomyosis. Surgery is the treatment choice, and menopause can help reverse the symptoms as estrogen levels decrease naturally. Adenomyosis can be managed with lifestyle modification and following a nutritious diet.

6.

Is Milk Intake Good for Adenomyosis?

The protein in the milk helps to manage estrogen levels. It is recommended to consume low-fat milk as high-fat milk can alter the symptoms.

7.

What Conditions Worsen Adenomyosis?

- Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.
- Inflammation to the uterus during uterine surgery.
- Injury to the uterus during a C-section.

8.

What Conditions Worsen Adenomyosis?

- Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.
- Inflammation to the uterus during uterine surgery.
- Injury to the uterus during a C-section.

9.

Which Is the Recommended Ayurvedic Treatment for Adenomyosis?

Ayurvedic formulations such as Kanchnara Guggulu, Shigru Guggulu, and Haridra Khand are found to be effective. These detoxifying blends aid in properly functioning lymphatic drainage and digestive systems, preventing Kapha accumulation. They also promote the elimination of inflammatory toxins and help in reducing bleeding. 

10.

Which Exercises Are Suitable for Adenomyosis?

Exercise programs guided by pelvic floor physiotherapist can reduce pelvic pain and includes walking and specific postural strengthening exercises for about six to eighteen weeks. Low to moderate exercise reduces pain by:
- Reducing muscle tension.
- Increasing blood flow to the uterus reduces cramps.
- Exercise-induced endorphins help in lowering excess estrogen.
- Increases the body’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant markers.

11.

What Are the Hormones Involved in Adenomyosis?

The hormones involved in adenomyosis are estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and oxytocin.

12.

Does Yoga Help in Adenomyosis?

Yoga is a practical, time-tested method for improving overall health and managing psychosomatic and chronic degenerative disorders. Practicing yoga improves quality of life and pain reduction in chronic low back pain. Yoga manages pain and helps in improving blood flow.

13.

Will Adenomyosis Disappear by Itself?

Adenomyosis resolves on its own after menopause; surgical intervention depends on the stage of life. Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for pain management.

14.

Can Homeopathy Treat Adenomyosis?

Homeopathy therapy can manage the symptoms. The cure for adenomyosis is hysterectomy- surgical removal of the uterus.

15.

What Are the Causative Factors for Adenomyosis?

The causes of adenomyosis are excessive estrogen in the body that leads to the thickening of the uterine wall. A uterine surgery promotes the invasion of endometrial cells into the muscular wall of the uterus. Developmental disorders or uterine inflammation during childbirth also trigger adenomyosis. 
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Sumiya Sulthana
Sumiya Sulthana

Nutritionist

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