Endometriosis and the Immune System
The underlying causes of endometriosis are still being unraveled. Recent research strongly suggests that the pelvic immune system in endo has gone a little bit off track, causing trouble in the reproductive area. This provides an exciting new route for treatment.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the endometrium (lining of the uterus) grows outside of the uterus. This tissue usually proliferates in and around the pelvic region and can attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel and bladder.
Some findings from the literature:
In females with endometriosis the function of immune cells known as macrophages, whose job it is to clean up foreign tissue (such as endometrial cells growing outside of the uterus) is reduced.
In endometriosis there is increased activation of immune cells known as mast cells, which release pain producing chemicals (like histamine) near pelvic nerves.
In general there is hugely increased inflammation (release of prostaglandins from immune cells) which contributes to the growth and survival of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus.
Top tips to help support the immune system in endometriosis
Get that Vitamin D - aim for 10-15 minutes of unfiltered sunlight on bare skin in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon. In winter it is harder to make vitamin D from sunshine exposure, meaning supplementation may be necessary.
Veggies, veggies veggies - You can never have too many vegetables! These contain an array of immune-controlling nutrients.
Make food friends with high antioxidant foods - berries, kiwi-fruit, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, green tea, cacao.
Spice up your life - add turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and garlic to everything!
Limit dairy and gluten containing foods and avoid completely if you have an allergy or intolerance.
Consider herbal and nutritional supplements to kick start your healing, these can be prescribed at appointments.