Affecting more than 6 million women and girls in America, Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that lines the uterus grows beyond the uterine cavity.  The lining of the uterus, which is called the Endometrium, grows on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or in the pelvic tissues when a woman has Endometriosis.  While it is uncommon for the Endometrium to grow beyond the pelvic region, it is not impossible for this to happen.  The Endometrium becomes trapped and continues to break down and bleed with each menstrual cycle, but has no way to exit the body.  When it becomes trapped it can cause inflammation, cists, or scar tissue. 

The primary symptom, which is associated with Endometriosis, is pelvic pain.  The pain is commonly associated with the menstrual cycle, and menstrual pain often worsens if one has Endometriosis.  Common symptoms include:

• Pain during Sex
• Fatigue
• Infertility
• Painful Bowel Movements or Urination during Menstrual Cycle
• Overall Pain before or during Periods

The body sheds the lining of the uterus during a regular menstrual cycle, allowing blood to flow through the opening in the cervix and out of the vagina.  During a process called retrograde menstruation, when mentrual blood doesn't exit the body and flows back through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity, Endometriosis can often occur.  When displaced endometrial cells pelvic walls or pelvic organs like ovaries, bladder, or rectum, they can grow, thicken, and bleed with each menstrual cycle.  Other possible causes are listed below.

• Eating Foods that Weaken the Liver (flour, sugar, fried foods, or caffeine)
• Stress
• Environmental Toxicity (exposure to polluted or toxic environments)
• Conventional Drugs or Medications (pain killers being a big culprit)
• Surgical Scar Implantation (such as after a C-section)
• Immune System Disorder
• Damaged Liver

• Helping Endometriosis begins with providing the liver with the proper nutrients it needs to heal.  It's suggested to keep the inflammation low and flush the toxins out of the body.  A great way to do this is by participating in a cleanse, as it can help naturally rid the body of toxins.  The Full-Body Cleanse or 10-Day Liver Cleanse can help flush out those undesired toxins in the body.
• Eliminating fried food, meat, dairy, sugar, salt, alcohol, tobacco, or processed foods from your diet can be beneficial for you.  Organic produce is ideal as it is free of growth hormones.  Consuming fresh fruit, vegetables, or raw nuts and seeds can help provide the body with essential nutrients.  Additionally, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, and bok choy can help support hormonal balance and remove excess estrogen.
• Exercising on a regular basis can help maintain estrogen levels because fat is a secondary production location for estrogen.  If you are overweight, you can have high estrogen levels.
• It's good to minimize your exposure to xenoestrogens in your daily life.  Avoid microwaving food and serve yourself food in ceramic bowls or plates.  Stay away from plastic storage containers and use glass containers as an alternative.
• You may consider receiving acupuncture or pelvic massages if you have Endometriosis.  These treatments can help reduce inflammation in the pelvic region by relaxing the tissue.

• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Kale
• Bok Choy
• Legumes (black beans, lima beans, lentils, garbanzo beans, and kidney beans)
• Bean Sprouts
• Alfalfa
• Blueberries, Blackberries, or Raspberries