This article explains what endometriosis
is and how it can be treated/prevented. It explains that 5-10% of the female
population has been diagnosed with this disease making it very common. It
describes endometriosis as "cells that are wondering in the wrong
direction." In other words, these uterine cells, that should travel down
and out of the body during menstruation, can go into the fallopian tube and end
up in the abdominal cavity. They can then attach themselves to just about
anything, and yet, still swell and bleed just as if they were still in the
uterus. These cells can cause pain and even infertility. Some studies claim
that endometriosis can be prevented with a strong immune system. However, the
only way to diagnose endometriosis is laparoscopically. There is possibly a link
between diets and diagnosis. Certain foods/drinks like red meat, ham, and
alcohol positively correlate with diagnoses. Chemically enhanced and tainted
foods also lead to higher chances of getting endometriosis. Alternatively,
women consuming 14 servings of fruits and vegetables per week significantly
lowered their chances of being diagnosed.
Since endometriosis is common in
women, and both my mother and cousin have been diagnosed and treated for the
disease, I found this article very informing. As mentioned earlier, I am
vegetarian, partly due to my doctor recommending I try to lower my chances of
getting endometriosis through endometriosis. I have never actually done the
research to understand why this might be a form of treatment and prevention. I
have completely cut meat out of my diet and I try to buy the majority of my
produce organic. However, I have lately contemplated adding fish slowly back
into my diet due to the amount of protein and dense vitamins so easily obtained
through the consumption of fish. However, this article has made me weary of
doing so. It explicitly describes fish as a main culprit of containing organochlorines
and PCBs. I wonder, however, if reintroducing organic wild caught fish into my
diet would still increase my chances of getting endometriosis.
Nonetheless, I have seen
very positive effects since becoming a vegetarian, and I hope that it will
protect me from endometriosis in the future.
