Vegan diet helpful for endometriosis?

How many people with endometriosis use Vegan diet to relieve their symptoms?

37,75% of people with endometriosis have already tried Vegan diet to relieve endometriosis in our survey.

26,44% of them find that Vegan diet very helpful.
The following table shows the endometriosis remedy Vegan diet among people with endometriosis. The scale ranges from 1 (not helpful at all) to 5 (very helpful).

Does Vegan diet help with endometriosis?

Vegan diet
(n = 658)
26,44%
20,52%
24,77%
11,70%
16,57%

Tabular summary for Vegan diet

Rating Percent Count
not helpful at all 16,57% 109
hardly helpful 11,70% 77
slightly helpful 24,77% 163
helpful 20,52% 135
very helpful 26,44% 174

Vegan diet bei Endometriose

It is well-known that nutrition is closely linked to our mood and overall well-being. However, what ends up on your plate can even influence your endometriosis. A topic that is hotly debated in the scientific community is vegan nutrition. This diet consists solely of plant-based foods. Unlike a vegetarian diet, which excludes only meat and fish, veganism means that no eggs, milk, or other animal products are consumed. Even honey or processed products that require animals directly or indirectly for production are not considered vegan.

The relationship between endometriosis and a vegan diet is still somewhat complex. Studies have shown that meat, in particular, can have a significantly negative effect on your symptoms. The hormones it contains (e.g., estradiol, prostaglandins, histamine) promote pain, inflammation, and even the growth and blood supply of the uterine lining. However, the impact of dairy products depends on the specific type. Generally, dairy products are beneficial, primarily due to the calcium and magnesium they contain, which have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. Nonetheless, you should avoid hard and mold cheeses as they contain histamine, and opt for low-fat dairy products, as animal fats promote inflammation.

With a strict vegan diet, you must keep certain nutrients in mind. Otherwise, the positive effects on your endometriosis could be reversed. Among others, these three are particularly important. For instance, you should ensure you consume enough protein, which is found mainly in legumes, whole grains, and nuts. Vitamin B12 is also extremely important and is only found in animal products. A deficiency in B12 can lead to irreversible damage and must therefore be supplemented in a vegan diet. The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which are only found in fish, can slow the growth of endometriosis. However, they can be easily replaced by red algae extracts. Whether you have endometriosis or not, one thing always holds true: a varied diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for both body and soul.

Most vegans have gradually transitioned to this diet, initially adopting a vegetarian lifestyle. Very few have made a radical change all at once. So don't be discouraged and try experimenting here and there. Many recipes can be easily adapted and are just as good as the "original." Additionally, there are more and more vegan products available in supermarkets waiting to be tested by you.

Further Reading:

Did you know that you can also have a big influence on endometriosis symptoms yourself? In the Endo App you learn self-management techniques for endometriosis and find many interactive exercises to relieve symptoms.